I swap between a NOS Shibata stylus equipped Audio Technica AT 12sa and a Goldring E3. Both are MM's and the cost of both together is less than $500. I use the AT cartridge for older recordings as it will reveal more detail. The Goldring is used on newer, more balanced recordings as it has a very smooth midrange.I may go for the newer E4 stylus for the Goldring, when this one wears out.
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?
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- 21 posts total
Happily, my 1st pick for a Moving Coil was/is a winner, and your Phono stage has MM and MC options AT33PTG/II MC Microline on Tapered Boron: eBay $460.
I wore it out, bought a new one without hesitation (for 1/2 price from AT's trade-in program). ///////////////////////////////////////////
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one method to get boron, is to buy a Shure V15 body, and a NEW Jico SAS on Boron It comes with the brush you can use up or down like the Shure originals, however, Shure's brushes were/are damped, Jico's is non-damped. And, you can have VAS rebuild you a frankencartridge, I've got an advanced stylus Steve calls 'P', on boron, with Shure's OEM damped brush that I can use in either my 97x body or V15Vx body | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What about the Hana EH or EL? Both MC but EH with high output depending of your phono stage capabilities. Hana makes great products at a very complétive price point. I have owned two Hana SL in a row. The EH is often in the list of annual best buys.Another option is to get a SL at a discount as Hana is replacing it with the Hana SL MKII…while quantities last. Good luck and keep us posted. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- 21 posts total