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Cartridge recommendation please...

Jettisoned most of my record albums 20 years ago, but am considering a return to vinyl. I've dusted off my old but fully operational TT and would like to mount a new MM cartridge.

Equipment
Technics SL-1300 Direct Drive turntable
The TT would be mated to a Parasound 200 Pre, with a Parasound 2125v2 amp.
Speakers are PSB Silver i's, with an occasional switch to Vandersteen 1's for variety.
No current plan to add a separate phono preamp.

Sound
Jazz, classic soul/r&b, light rock is my preferred type of music.
I'm OK to trade some bass for better vocals and higher end clarity.
As my A'gon name suggests, I do not listen at elevated levels.

Technical/misc.
The SL-1300 currently has an equally old AudioTechnica cartridge (no obvious markings).
I'd like to target a cartridge in the $300 neighborhood.
Will get an additional headshell for whatever cartridge is purchased.
Any cautions for install, or brands to exclude?
If I've done it correctly, here's a link to the TT owners' manual.
https://usermanual.wiki/Document/technicssl1300OwnersManual.3287426015

I can certainly get recommendations from local retailers, though their choices would be for cartridge brands that they carry. My preference is to use the experience of... and hear from... the wider audience reading this post. Thanks much!
60decibels
vette5451's avatar
vette5451
58 posts
 
+ Nagaoka MP110 or MP200

I also have a 2nd setup utilizing a Technics SL1200 M2 w/Nagaoka  MP200. Great match !
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
The Sumiko Moonstone would be another great choice. It has received great reviews from numerous publications. Also the Shure m97xe if you can get your hand on one, as they are selling at 3 times the original price, sometimes brand new on ebay. Lastly, I’ve read good things about the Shelter 201 mm cartridge, but it is not easy to locate unless you buy it from a seller in say the UK for instance. You could go the high output MC route as well. My pics would be the sumiko blue point no 2, or a goldring Eroica H. I have experience with both, and they are great sounding high output MC cartridges.
60decibels OP
6 posts
 
To all: Feedback is much appreciated and plenty to chew on thus far.

re: coachpoconnor question... I had noted a MM cartridge only because of my $300 budget range. Certainly am open to other choices.

Vette5451
rushfan71
You both wrote that you had SL-1200’s... are they still equipped with the original tone arm or did you change?

Thanks to all!
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
60decibels at $300 you best stick with MM or MI cartridges. There is simply much more value in them. High output MC cartridges have very high effective mass due to the large coils they have to use to get the output up. The resonance peak can fall into the upper audio range (very bright) and they do not track as well. MM and MC cartridges fall into different markets the MM buyers being much more frugal thus they are priced lower and you get more for your money. The Nagaoka MP 150 matches your tonearm perfectly and is a great performer. In order to surpass it with a MC cartridge you would have to spend $1000 on the cartridge plus you still need a high gain phono stage or step up transformer.
 A good example of the pricing disparity between MC and MM cartridges is the Clearaudio Charisma a MC cartridge that uses exactly the same stylus and cantilever as the Clearaudio Goldfinger. The Charisma costs $2K the Goldfinger $17K. 
lmnop
58 posts
 

No idea about current pricing but close to your budget; Audio Technica VM740 or Nagaoka MP200

If you decide to stretch your budget; Audio Technica VM760 or MoFi Mastertracker

Have experience with all of them using vintage Kenwood DD TT and newer Technics 1210GR. 


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