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Cartridge Advice Please

Hello.  I have a Marantz TT-15 with a Ortofon Quintet Black MC $1000.  Got that after I broke original needle. 

I broke the Ortofon.  $750 for a new one.

I have Primare T32 Phone Pre.

Trying to talk myself into a lower model <$500.  Too big a sacrifice?

thanks
papostol
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I recommend the Denon DL103R mc cartridge. Conical tip - not fussy about VTA! An updated version of the venerable DL103 (designed in 1962 for Japanese radio broadcast use). I have been using Denon MC's (103, 103R, 103 Gold Anniversary, 301 and 304) for 40 years! They always deliver great musical satisfaction (for quite reasonable cost)!
racedoc
80 posts
 
The tonearm of the Marantz is not that heavy.

So I would recommend the Hana SL as a very good match for
this Clearaudio-OEM turntable.
browndt
97 posts
 
Soundsmith in the USA has an excellent cartridge repair service.
You can repair a cartridge like yours for about $300 and it may be  better than new the they get through. Here is the link 
http://www.sound-smith.com/
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
At the same time SoundSmith aka Peter Ledermann, who serviced many thousands of cartridges, hates conical tips and explains why MI are superiour to the MC in his lecture, just watch it: https://youtu.be/F65mODzn4Gk
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