Dansette Major Deluxe - too quiet

[Boater Sam]

So what is the output level on the Chinese red and black cartridge? I've used a few and they seem to be usable on a xL84 valve amp without a preamp transistor.

[Edward Huggins]

They give c.150/200mV output.

[John10b]

Thank you Edward and all, I should have remembered that, I thought there may have been a different one recently made, thanks again.
Cheers
John

[Techman]

Originally Posted by Boater Sam

So what is the output level on the Chinese red and black cartridge?

I don't know, other than it's less than the medium output crystal BSR X5M cartridge.

I "get away with" fitting the X5M, as it has enough output to drive a single valve amplifier, certainly for playing 45s and 78s, but LPs need full volume and could be argued as being on the quiet side. If it's a job for someone else, then the situation needs to be explained to them so that they understand the limitations.

[Station X]

Originally Posted by Edward Huggins

Thanks for the Link Graham. The OP should be aware that the one Posted above is for the Medium-Output version. H-TC8 Cartridge is the High-Output, Orange bodied type that will be needed.

Out of stock as far as I can see Edward:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H-TC8-TC8...-/112771172043

As a prolific poster, it would help us all if you included links in your posts, but I don't remember you ever having done so.

[Edward Huggins]

Not surprisingly, there has been a very high level of demand for these. Suggest members check that site regualarly. I do not act for, or have any association with, the supplier.

[John10b]

www.Dansette.com stock these at £35. I bought one recently and all is well.
Regarding the output voltage, I have found this interesting and have had some previous posts on the subject.
I asked how the output on some cartridges on Voice of Music, for example, can be quoted at a higher level than other sites, for the same cartridge.
As I was told there is no universal standard for measuring the output voltages and therefore I have become cautious when looking for a suitable replacement.
Cheers
John

[Edward Huggins]

You will find that US cartridge suppliers usually quote double the mV output from that of the UK. It is quite usual to see cartridges that are rated at 800mV here in the UK, quoted at c.2V in the US. I've needed to import for the last 5 years now and am speaking from experience.

[John10b]

Thank you Edward your comments have been noted.
Cheers
John

[RojDW48]

Time for an update. I bought a nice little Chinese sig gen and hooked it up (the spec referred to a max output of around 1.2V but I could only see 0.5V on my meter) anyway it made enough noise for me to think - 'Yes - cartridge!' However, Les (Leslie555) has very kindly taken a look with a view to repairing the cartridge and reports that it appears to be working well....Aaaargh! Any further ideas?

[John10b]

Can I just recap, when you do a buzz test with your finger do you get a good healthy buzz?
Also you might find the other thread on a Dansette of interest to you.
Cheers
John