Dynatron GR8 cartidge help

[John_BS]

I'm not sure this is the original cartridge, but it is mono. Can anyone advise:-

a) the make

b) if it's possible to obtain the stylus

c) if it turns out to be duff, what's the recommended replacement?

NB the deck is an Autoslim

John

[Edward Huggins]

Well, for a Dynatron GR8 it's the wrong cartridge anyway so I don't know who fitted this? It's a high-output type and is mismatch for the amplifier. However, if it works and you're happy with the kind of overdriven sound it makes, then a BSR ST8 is a direct replacement, but I would recommend you fit a BSR ST12. If it's not working then go for a BSR X5M if you can still source one. If not, there are a number of very cheap Chinese made options which come with or without a standard 1/2" mount and either with one or dual styli. BUT these will be Stereo cartridges and the LH and RH channels on these must be bridged so as to allow you to hear all of the content on the record.

[RojDW48]

Hello John - I am fairly sure the originally fitted cart would have been an Acos. I am scratching my head over that one - I am sure I have had one pass through but I can't put a name to it.....someone will. Now that spring is here (!) I must do something about picking up the old Radford amp!!

[ms660]

BSR X3H ?

Lawrence.

[RojDW48]

Originally Posted by ms660

BSR X3H ?

Lawrence.

That's the one !!

[RojDW48]

Musonic have an LP/LP flip under - but it's always a risk with an old xtal cart, isn't it?

https://www.musonic.co.uk/index.php?...ducts_id=32336

[John_BS]

Thanks for the feedback. I've never used ceramic or crystal cartridges, having been raised on Shure V15's & similar.

The Dynatron belongs to my neighbour: in fact her deceased father, and it's been in the loft for N years. I've sorted out the amplifier (ECL86's show very little use) but noticed the "overdriven" sound mentioned by Edward. But now the volume has dropped /distortion increased and I suspect the cartridge is dying. Looking on the pinned thread it seems the orginal ACOS (67-1 or 73-1) were c. 200mV output types, so I'd like to source something reasonable to match that approximately. I'm not familiar with the codes on the stylii either: this one has "(dot) LPS" one side, and "LPS (dot) ST10" on the other. Under a microscope it looks like the LPS side has lost it's tip!

John

[Edward Huggins]

The BSR and Chinese cartridges I've suggested already will match your amplifier just fine. The BSR wil give slightly more output and it will not need any bridging as its a Stereo-Compatible Mono type. The BSR ST8, 9 and 10 are all low-compliance styli used with high-output cartridges and are not ideal for the Dynatron really. The one you have appears to be a double LPS type.

[ben]

You may well be able to fit a Chinese Chuo Denshi type into the existing white bracket with a little cutting or just superglue.

[Edward Huggins]

Yes, you can and very easily done too. In fact only one end of the standard 1/2" mount will need easing for these Chuo Denshis. The other fits as is! Double check the vertical and side (-15 degree) tracking angles before the glue sets.

[John_BS]

I've pulled the cartridge out and it is a BSR X3H.

I can source a NOS BSR SC7M2 with ST17 Stylus: assuming I can sort out some mechanics, that might be OK (output & compliance wise)? The BSR X5M's are a bit hard to find.

John

[ben]

That's no good, as it is a combination headshell/cartridge as used in the mini changers.

I'd go for the chinese Lp/78 flip under cartridge found on ebay.

[John_BS]

OK, as advised I've now bought a Chinese flip-over.
Dim question:
1. I'd always assumed that you read the stylus in use from the top (i.e. tab stuck out beyond body): is this correct?
2. On this stylus, the ruby-coloured stone is at the tip-end of the cantilever, and if 1. above is correct, is the LP stylus?
3. The 78 stylus is translucent/colourless and closest to the yoke?
John

Quick photo.

[Edward Huggins]

Yes, you do read the stylus type from the top. Is the "flip" lever not marked?
On the Chinese "Flipunders" I've seen, the Stereo LP/45 stylus flips to the RHS of the pick up head and the 78 to the LHS.
Do note that the flip position and the colours are both CONTRARY to decades old convention!

[John_BS]

Is the "flip" lever not marked?

Yes, and thanks for confirming the top read. The lH/RH flip is also consistent with what you stated.

Now to parallel the channels!

John

[Techman]

Originally Posted by Edward Huggins

Yes, you do read the stylus type from the top. Is the "flip" lever not marked?
On the Chinese "Flipunders" I've seen, the Stereo LP/45 stylus flips to the RHS of the pick up head and the 78 to the LHS.
Do note that the flip position and the colours are both CONTRARY to decades old convention!

There seems to be some doubt over the two stylus types used on these cartridges - see particularly post #3 in the thread linked to below. I actually bought one of these cartridges a while ago to experiment with, but as of yet I haven't got round to doing anything with it other than make the observations mentioned by others when I first received it.
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...65#post1350465

[Edward Huggins]

Originally Posted by John_BS

Yes, and thanks for confirming the top read. The lH/RH flip is also consistent with what you stated.

Now to parallel the channels!

John

No, you don't "parallel" the Channels, you Bridge the Channels.
Join RH+ to LH+ and RH- to LH-.

[wd40addict]

Yes, this cartridge appears to come with two LP stylii of different materials despite the labelling!



The safest solution is to fit a BSR ST17 stylus to it so you get genuine LP/78 tips.

[PaulR]

Has anyone fitted a BSR stylus to one of these Chinese carts? I have just tried fitting an ST12 to mine and, although it looked very similar, the ST12 is more "chunky" and has bent the retaining clip.

Are the ST 17 plastic bits thinner or are some of the Chinese carts different?

[Edward Huggins]

The BSR ST range of styli are not compatible with these.