2. analog
  3. 193371-34300

Cartridge - sweet spot on the cost/sound curve?

I think my Sumiko Blue point 2 is going. Right channel is lower sound level than right using my turntable, totally even using digital. Table is Project RPM 5 carbon that I bought as a store demo with the blue point 2 so no telling how many hrs on it.

 

The rest of the system is a PS audio GCPH phono pre, deHaviland Ultraverve 3, McCormack DNA 1, Martin Logan SL3s with new panels. 
 

I loved the warmth and focus of the blue point but am a bit back by how much they cost $500. Don’t laugh I know carts can cost thousands but I got a kid in college!

 

Any recommendations for something at or under that price point that is better? 

1trackmind
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
2,033 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr In the sub $500 new cartridge market I am interested in knowing what options there are for boron or other hybrid cantilevers. For awhile there was carbon fiber but that was more of a cheap as chips option for Audio Technica.

Boron is not common at this price point, even used. Audio Technica makes one that’s (sort of) close - OC9XML, $600 new. There should be various used AT’s with boron out there. You can sometimes find a used Benz Ace or Glider at this price (boron, with either Fritz Gyger or Japanese MicroRidge stylus). A brand new Ace used to cost $550 (circa 2000s) but those days are gone and these models are no longer common.

That said - aluminum cantilevers can sound very, very good. Sometimes even preferable to boron, depending on the cartridge!

billstevenson
449 posts
 

Everyone has their preferences.  As mulveling points out aluminum cantilevers can sound very good.  Personally, I tend to prefer them over other exotics such as boron or beryllium.  This is a personal taste thing, there is no right or wrong, just a matter of taste.  In your price range in addition to Audio Technica, excellent BTW, consider Ortofon, perhaps a 2M Bronze.  This assumes you determine that you do need a new cartridge after following Elliott's suggestions.

inna
7,521 posts
 

I have Goldring 1042 MM for my Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm. Bought it years ago from analogueseduction.net in the UK for $350. Now it is probably more, US prices are $600 or so. I doubt you will find an overall better cartridge in this price range. It does nothing wrong and many things right or I would've replaced it long ago.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,498 posts
 

I would get an Audio Technica VM540 MM cartridge.  It sounds fantastic and comes in around $280.00.  You will not be disappointed and I think sounds better than the Blue Point Soecial.  I owned one mounted on a Rega Planer3 turntable.   I found it thin and bright.  You could look into the Grado cartridges.  They have a moving iron cartridge for around $300.00.  

inna
7,521 posts
 

Grado at this level may give you a foggy unbalanced sound.

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