2. analog
  3. 151944-132316

Cartridge upgrade for vintage TT - MM or MC?

I have a Technics SL-D202 that currently has a Sumiko Pearl on it, which is OK but I don't totally love it. The midrange is nice but the treble in particular is lacking. Compared to my digital source it sounds dull and lifeless and therefore I hardly use it.

My question is, would it be at all worth it to upgrade the cartridge or should I just wait until I can upgrade the TT totally?  I am considering the Schiit Sol in the future if they ever get it back on the market but my wife really likes the automatic function of our current table so I may be stuck with it or something similar at least for now.

I had considered trying a lower-end MC cartridge and seeing how that sounds but any other recommendations would be appreciated.

I use a Schiit Mani pre which can be adjusted for any cart (or so I'm told).  

The table came stock with a AT-71E and I also tried a Shure MX97e but neither of those really wow'ed me.
elangley01
elangley01 OP
93 posts
 
Those carts you mentioned, are they vintage? I don't really see any available anywhere.

What about something like the AT VM540ML? 

I was also looking at the Grado Silver/Gold or the Otofon 2M blue in the same price range. 

It's difficult to know which one my ears will like better not being able to audition them with my setup. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,095 posts
 
Dear @elangley01 The today AT cartridges are really good and the Ortofon too. Even you can look to the all new options that Sumiko has in its new cartridge designs.

You can't wrong with either inside your budget and with new today cartridge designs you have the warranty of the manufacturer for any problem you can have that I think you will not.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Here's your problem:
The midrange is nice but the treble in particular is lacking. Compared to my digital source it sounds dull and lifeless


Enjoy the midrange. At this extreme budget end of analog you should be happy the midrange is nice. Last thing you want is records that sound like digital. Don't put legs on a snake.

elangley01 OP
93 posts
 
Well i don't necessarily want it to sound digital, but i would like it to have some sparkle to it. 

My other option is to wait a bit and see about upgrading to a new TT like a Pro-Ject DC or some other similar priced "audiophile" TT. 

Or is the vintage table I have now always going to be better? Adjusted for inflation the prices are in the same ballpark, but is vintage direct drive just inherently superior to new belt drive in the same range? 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
It depends on the turntable design, many vintage turntables are crap too, some of them are amazing in comparison to the more expensive turntables made today. I am using only vintage turntables, i hate belt drive turntables (no matter new or old). But i like all my vintage direct drive machines.

You can always buy new Technics SL1200G or GR to save your time, but if you're really into vintage analog gear then nothing wrong with it! 

More to discover