Cartridge recommendation for classical listening

I wouldn't mount a $1K cartridge on a P3. It's a nice turntable but I doubt you can wring enough performance out of that deck and tonearm to justify the spend. Others will surely disagree. If it were me I would mount a Nagaoka MP-500 and be done with it.

IMO, the London Decca cartridges and Ortofon SPUs are especially good for classical music. Both cartridge brands have models in their respective families for well under $1,000. But these cartridges will require tonearms that are compatible with their size, weight and resonance limitations.

The P3 has been extensively upgraded with nearly a thousand dollars in modifications.

In fact, I was amazed at what the turntable was capable of with this new cartridge.

I wouldn’t mount a $1K cartridge on a P3. It’s a nice turntable but I doubt you can wring enough performance out of that deck and tonearm to justify the spend. Others will surely disagree. If it were me I would mount a Nagaoka MP-500 and be done with it.

I think an investment in a good cartridge is worth it for any turntable, because that cartridge does not have to stay on one turntable, it’s a separate device. $500 or $1000 - doesn’t matter at all, the price does not indicate the quality directly. Cartridge can cost more than a turntable and it’s fine if the quality of the cartridge is nice.

What must be avoided is an inferior cartridges for more money if the lower price cartridge can beat it easily (only owner can decide for himself).

"I was amazed at what the turntable was capable of with this new cartridge."
rvpiano-

The transition from MM to MC was dramatic to my ears.


The Bird will sing best, playing it thru the most phonostage you can afford.
This is another MAJOR area of audio epihany.


Being a $1K cart, consider something more upscale( $2K+) to REALLY hear it do it's thing.Tubed or SS, will make you realize what the fuss is all about. I'm in the tubed camp. More convincing to my ears.

Getting that cart opens up the "can of worms"

Nicer phonostage for the cart. Upgrading  the table to match everything else..... the madness never ends.