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Budget cartridge for SOTA Moonbeam TT.

I have just acquired a SOTA Moonbeam TT which I intend to give to my daughter as hopefully an upgrade to her Teac TT.

My question is this.

What budget cartridge can you recommend?
My first thoughts are Ortofon 2m Red but sure there are other worthy contenders.

It has an old Grado of dubious vintage on it right now and as its history is completely unknown that has to go.

Budget would like to stay below $125 or so and prefer new so no vintage carts this time around please.
128x128uberwaltz
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
The puller does not come with the stylus, but maybe depends on the model of the stylus. The puller comes with the cartridge. 

Actually if the stylus sits so tightly it is a benefit for the sound quality 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,658 posts
 
I have bought many different replacements and not one came with the puller. I asked John Grado for a new one and his reply was to use pliers. He would not send me the removal tool!
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
No surprise Grado were uncooperative, I have not had good luck at all with their customer service.

Pliers?
Sounds barbaric and prone to slipping and possibly terminal damage.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,658 posts
 
You can remove it with your fingers. No tool or pliers needed! Watch this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rXKc8ejPN4
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
The Grado is in my cart drawer pile now.
I picked up a brand new Nagoaka MP150 for approx 60% of mrsp.
What a revelation this cart is on this table.
Great detail and slightly forward presentation without being shrill or shouty. Perfect for majority of my rock records imho. Bass is solid without being overblown, does not seem false.
Very happy.

Thinking of hanging onto this combo for now, my daughter can wait ... Lol.
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