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Hello,
Recently, I picked up a Garrard Zero 100 for free. It has a Sony nd 137 g cartridge on it. I can't seem to find much on where that ranks. I've thought about getting a Ortofon Omega, since it seems affordable and acquits itself, unless the Sony is better than I suspect. Perhaps you have another recommendation. Your insights are appreciated. Thanks!
Edits: 05/06/25 05/06/25
From a quick google search, that appears to be the stylus designation. The cartridge is the VL-37. A few one-line reviews on Vinyl Engine are generally favorable. Replacement styli are available from the usual providers (Jico, LP Gear, etc.).
What confuses me is that the VL-37 is a combined cartridge/headshell, so it is intended to fit into the end of a tonearm that uses a standard SME-style bayonet headshell connector. The Zero 100 doesn't use that sort of headshell, so I am wondering if your table has a VL-37 that's been modified to mount in that arm. (And all you see now is the stylus number ND137g.)
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Thanks for the perspectives so far.
My friend did his best to put that cartridge on after the previous one wasn't producing any sound. This one is producing sound. While eyeballing it seems to show that the stylus is in place...it's the yellow shell that is off. I was hoping if that can be remedied and the cart is worth keeping, I wouldn't replace it. (Be kind with the comments...he's doing his best...and we bartered stuff. You could be right, Jon; about a certain headshell being needed.) I plan on having a tech look at the table soon, because there is an issue with a brushing noise once a turn that I think relates to washers/bearings in the spindle. I'm just trying to be as informed as possible going in. Here's the picture.
Yeah, it looks like someone modified the Sony to fit. It's an old cartridge, and it doesn't hold any sentimental value to you, so I'd replace it with something new that fits. There are some good, relatively inexpensive cartridges out there these days. You mentioned getting an Ortofon. I like the Ortofons (even their less expensive OM series sound good).
The Zero 100 has bearings both at the back of the arm and at the headshell itself. Have your tech check both ends to make sure the arm moves freely.
Good luck!
bummer for you, I would never consider my thoughts insightful, but here I go anyway.
My first concern would be the condition of the diamond tip. since it is a consumable part , a replacement tip would be the pivot point of any decision about the cart. if it is some kind of big deal cart, this would be easily discovered when shopping for tip replacement.
Sony makes some good stuff, some product just lives off the name . since the tonearm was never a big sonic star, I would assume it a pedestrian rebranded cart, possibly from an area where there are only two electronic brands in the stores, Sony and JVC, since I never heard of a Sony stand alone cartridge.
all the best, Garrard has a good reputation with turntables. and free is such a strong situation.
I remember a conversation with a sales manager at a car dealership , on the occasion of a customer getting free roses with a new car delivery.
" look at those people . They could buy this whole dealership for cash , but a dozen free flowers has them over the moon" myself, free Tee shirts are my personal favorite.
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