Good sub $100 cartridge for Thorens TD 160

Agree with Raul. You can do even better with a AT120e with an ATN140LC stylus which is a nude shibata for the same amount or less if you get a used at120e.

Dear Rotarius: I assume that you own or heard " face to face " the 95SA against that 120/140LC. This one combination in new condition set you back only 200.00.

Do you think that its quality level could justify its price against the 95SA quality level?. Thank you in advance.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Hi Raul, not direct A/B comparison since I did not own them at the same time. I would say the detail retrieval of 120/140LC is superior. A bit brighter & clearer presentation than AT95SA. As for price, turntableneedles offers the option of upgrading the 120e cart with the 140LC stylus minus the 120e needle for around $150 or one can get an earlier gen 120e on ebay like me for 20 bucks and get the stylus. Heck, I won a new 140lc stylus on ebay for 50 bucks but it got lost in shipping!!

Sumiko Pearl and Technicraft TC2000 are the two best cartridges I have used on my TD145 with TP16 arm (same as TD160). The cartridges sound similar to one another (TC2000 is not bright like other AT cartridges). Both are dynamic and robust and add to the strength of the turntable. Both cartridges have compliance around 15 and so compatible with mass of arm and also unconventional mounting scheme of TP16 headshell. I've tried Shure M97 and Grado 8MZ and they are not as good a match. Shure is too compliant and doesn't sound as dynamic. Grado has hum and too soft sounding for this turntable.

The Audio Technica At95E Is a great budget cartridge, with even tonal balance (though a slight lack of "colour") and smooth treble for it's price range.

The AT120 is also a great contender with great detail and stereo separation, but sound too bright to me.

My choice, though a bit more expensive, would be the AT440mla. Excellent in every way (tracking, smoothness, tonal balance, reduced surface noise). You cannot go wrong with this cartridge, and might stop you craving along the upgrade path, and save you money in the long run.

Rge Spares by SoundsSupreme