Phonoland

Hi Guys, I'm back, just picked up another Rockola 461 (not the best looking model, but was cheap and tatty!!!).

After doing all the usual cleaning and oiling jobs on the old wreck, it works, however, the cartridge has seen better days and the stylus too. You probably already know this, it's a Shure M44 MR cartridge, the stylus number has rubbed off but looking around I'm guessing it's something like an N44C????

I've just been on VictoryGlass web and ordered both Parts and Service manuals (I do love a good read at bedtime!!!), however, while awaiting the arrival, could someone here please tell me the type of cartridge it is (Magnetic or other), and is there any other brand/make that would fit the tone arm, OK I'll come clean... I'm too tight to pay out the high price of the Shure, so wondered if a cheaper alternative exists as I'm not wanting super Hi-Fi quality.

Any suggestions or info about cartridge/stylus much appreciated!!

thanks

Why do you need to replace the cart? The stylus is the only moving-wearing part. Unless one channel is open, or you want much better quality, which will require counter weighting the tone arm, there is nothing to be gained.

Rob/NYC

Actually I don't know if I need a new Cartridge, but as I've not been able to test it because the stylus was missing its point!!! So I don't want to go oout and buy a new stylus, and in all my excitement of hearing my jukebox for the first time... plug the stylus in to my M44MR, only to find its the cartridge thats faulty!!! But sounds like you think I do need just a stylus, I get one tomorrow if I can!
Cool, thanks guys.

By the Way... Is it a Magnetic Cartridge (what's the difference??)

If you just want to test the cart electrically, the measured impedance of a Rowe branded M44 is 645-646 ohm/channel. try measuring at the plug into the amp. that way you'll also check for resistance in the connectors at the cart and any broken wires.

If there is no stylus present it is a good idea to use a magnifier and light to check for any debris in the opening. I just wash-blowdry these along with all other components and never had a problems.

These are magnetic. If you do a search for "ceramic phono cartridge: you'll quickly see how their construction differs from magnetic.

A ceramic has -much- higher output and generally does not require a preamp or equalization. But ceramics are, in general, lower quality and have poorer tracking. The styli were, and still are, cheaper than magnetics and that, along with eliminating a preamp circuit made them popular in some jukebox designs.

There is a technician on a certain jukebox magazine who often describes modifying jukeboxes that have magnetic pickups to instead use ceramic. This is IMO ridiculous.

Rob

For what its worth moving magnet cartridges rarely fail. Im presently running a 70s Shure M44MR in my Rockola 442, sounds great and works well with a decent stylus. Id assume its good and buy a stylus for it. If anything is bad its more likely the tonearm wires

I agree with Rob 100%, Ceramic cartridges are less than ideal. I cant think why anyone would want to put them in place of an MM cart. The only benefit I see is less interference, but I don't think the sacrifice in sound quality justifies it. Ceramic carts also degrade with age, whereas MM ones generally don't, least not in my experience.

I agree here too--never would think to replace a mag. with a ceramic--Have done it the opposite way--Cer. to Mag. ( pre amp needed), with good results ! Ron Rich