Hi,
Anil, the L70 tonearm is supposedly very good. Joseph Esmilla of JE Labs holds it in high esteem,and Joseph knows.
JE Labs Arkiv: Retro Cool Tonearms and Cartridges
I too have been on the look out for the Shure M3D cartridge.
The Shure M3D uses Alnico magnets like the Denon DL103,Ortofon SPU's and the long body Koetsu cartridges.
You should keep the L70 arm as is,(if you plan to use cartridges like the M3D etc) and use an externally mounted arm on the new plinth you will be making for more modern cartridges. The old Audio Technica(AT12T,1005 etc) arms are very good and at present are reasonably priced on Ebay.
audio technica tonearm| eBay
Regards
Rajiv
Anil, the L70 tonearm is supposedly very good. Joseph Esmilla of JE Labs holds it in high esteem,and Joseph knows.
This is a true transcription quality arm that was sold separately in Europe and was used by the BBC mounted on a Thorens TD124. A handful of Lenco enthusiasts are already aware of its musical potential fitted with lower compliance cartridges sporting conical styli. I have seen vintage pictures of this arm partnered with Thorens TD124 or Garrard 301 in professional European installations.If you decide to fit a modern tonearm on your L70 or B60 series, send it to me I will pay shipping
JE Labs Arkiv: Retro Cool Tonearms and Cartridges
I too have been on the look out for the Shure M3D cartridge.
The Shure M3D uses Alnico magnets like the Denon DL103,Ortofon SPU's and the long body Koetsu cartridges.
The Shure M3D was the first stereo cartridge offered by Shure in the late 50s followed by the cheaper M7D. They were offered either with a low compliance spherical .7 mil stylus assembly [N3D] that will track between 3-6 grams or a medium compliance [N21D] tracking at 2.5 grams MAX! The only difference I hear between the two models is slightly better stereo separation with the M3D. To my ears these classics are the MM equivalent of the SPU. Original and replacement stylus assemblies are still widely available with the original giving wider frequency response, slightly better tracking and more refinement. The M3D/7D lineage survives in the Shure SC35C very popular in DJ applications. It does not posses the midrange warmth of its older brothers but I would highly recommend it to people who want to try out a high mass tonearm since they can be found for about $30 if you shop wisely. The spherical stylus tracks between 3-5 grams.
You should keep the L70 arm as is,(if you plan to use cartridges like the M3D etc) and use an externally mounted arm on the new plinth you will be making for more modern cartridges. The old Audio Technica(AT12T,1005 etc) arms are very good and at present are reasonably priced on Ebay.
audio technica tonearm| eBay
Regards
Rajiv