Seeburg Cartridge 345-03D vrs Stereo Cartridge
 

Has anyone ever done a sound comparison between the 345-03d and a
Stereo (ss160 type) cartridge with mono adaptor?. They have the same
type head. Just makes me wondering if the internals are actually the
same?
Thanks,Johnny

Seeburg Cartridge 345-03D vrs Stereo Cartridge
 

On Jan 26, 8:08*am, countdown wrote:
*Has anyone ever done a sound comparison between the 345-03d and a
Stereo (ss160 type) cartridge with mono adaptor?. They have the same
type head. Just makes me wondering if the internals are actually the
same?
*Thanks,Johnny

I can't comment on the use of adapters other than to say that I found
them to be flimsy and the specimens that I saw only connected one
channel thus allowing more distortion.

I have several V-VL's in commercial service and have used later
tonearm from SS160-up as a retrofit.

When wired mono the SS160 cart does have a slightly better upper
treble than the retro 03D.

Part of this may be due to the internal impdeance of each cart:

Original SS160 cart is approc 390 ohm/channel

The retro replacement is varies but averages 720-740 ohm which is a
single output.

The higher impedance of the retro cart is due to more coil windings to
produce higher output. This inevitably effects how the cart should
be loaded by the preamp. A lower input impedance of say the typical
47K/ohm will tend to produce a slight hump in upper midrange and may
also slightly attenuate upper treble.

Given the typical quality of jukebox speakers and records, I doubt
that anyone would notice the difference. However, if the machine's
preamp is feeding a higher quality amp and speakers you will hear a
difference that is in favor of the original cart.

Rob/NYC

Seeburg Cartridge 345-03D vrs Stereo Cartridge
 

Rob, My mono adaptor has pins tied together (4 into 2). Is that
different than what your saying about only one channel? What do you
think about a "good" mono red head vrs stereo with adaptor.

Thanksfor your time, Johnny

Seeburg Cartridge 345-03D vrs Stereo Cartridge
 

On Jan 27, 1:43*pm, countdown wrote:
* Rob, My mono adaptor has *pins tied together (4 into 2). Is that
different than what your saying about only one channel? * What do you
think about a "good" mono red head vrs stereo with adaptor.

*Thanksfor your time, *Johnny

Johnny, if your adapter has the cart strapped mono then you should be
good in that regard.

I'm not sure what you mean by a 'good' redhead.

The original red pickup was, at best, mediocre. Aside from using the
bent styli to permit it to play stereo records w/out ruining them
(though still hard on them) there really isn't much you can do to
improve the sound. The later (SS-160-up) pickup is far superior. If
you use this pickup, I'd recommend making sure that the arm is well
balanced and that the tracking force is in the 3-4 gram range.

Output is lower than the original redhead w/mono spike needles so
you'll have little or no AVC action but the sound and wear will be
much better.

Rob/NYC

Seeburg Cartridge 345-03D vrs Stereo Cartridge
 

On Thursday, January 26, 2012 8:08:36 AM UTC-5, countdown wrote:
Has anyone ever done a sound comparison between the 345-03d and a
Stereo (ss160 type) cartridge with mono adaptor?. They have the same
type head. Just makes me wondering if the internals are actually the
same?
Thanks,Johnny

Yes, I have 18 restored grade #1 jukes and all the mono machines have the 345 in them. I also have a restored SS160 so I can compare the sound. As I can recall, about 25 years ago or so Phansteil was approached by a jukebox enthusiast (don't remember who) and asked to re-engineer the original cartridge to play stereo records as hi-fi machines could not since it didn't exist until '58. Although a cartridge had been designed for stereo use initially the 345 was a spectacular entry into the marketplace. It originally cost $60 when introduced. Phansteil only agreed to re-engineer the styles if a certain number were produced or else it would not be economically feasible. Don't remember how man y were made but they are the best... Compared to the SS160 Showcase stylus it is hard to tell the difference with your ears but they both sound great.
I retrofitted a 345 on a Seeburg B many years ago and it improved the sound 100%
It is really a tough call regarding what's best but as always, let your ears be the judge -- that's all that matters anyway. Ed Liss