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low tracking force cartridge recommendations?

hey, i'm new here (and also relatively new to the audiophile analog world), so i could really use some advice on my "new" turntable, which will very likely end up being a Dual 1019. from all of my research and speaking with people, it would seem to me that Dual recommended using cartridges that have a low tracking force. my understanding of that is limited, but i do have some idea of what that means.

being my first turntable in many many years, i am not looking to spend a fortune on cartridges - i figured i could spend $100 to $200 at most, and have found many that fall into that price range. some have recommended an Ortofon Super OM 30 to me, others pointing towards a Shure M97 XE. the repair shop that is looking over the turntable was saying a decent Audio-Technica might just be the best route... there are so many choices that my head is spinning.

one thing i did learn is that i apparently should be using a Moving Magnet cartridge since I will be using this table through a Bellari VP129 pre-amp, which I also just purchased.

i will primarily be listening to jazz and old rock records on this unit on a not-particularly hi-fi setup, though having the tube preamp was important to me since i'd love to hear stuff through my Grado SR 125's.

so, knowing all of that, what sort of cartridges would you recommend? i'd be thrilled to find something for $50 that sounds good and won't harm my records, but as i said, would be willing to spend a bit more if that will get me something significantly better.

thank you!
tethead
beragamo
37 posts
 
Hi,put a new denon in it.Or a $150-200 audio technia you should be all set.They is nothing wrong with these brands in the 150-200 range.Just don't buy the denon 103 you will need a step up transformer.GREAT cartridge though!!KP
tethead OP
10 posts
 
@ Beragamo: thanks for the advice. which specific models would you recommend? i suppose i am looking for something with a recommended tracking force of 0.5-1.5g, 2g max.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
I wouldn't waste time searching out discontinued Shure cartridges and aftermarket parts. For less money and a ready, supported, current supply, I'd go for the Audio Technica AT150MLX, which has a near-identical stylus as the last Shure VM series, and can be had new w/warranty from LP Gear for about $260. From everything I've read, the AT150MLx beats the Shure for dynamics, speed, tracking, linearity, and overall sound quality.
tethead OP
10 posts
 
since i had a Shure M95ED cartridge that was in good shape other than the needle, i decided to (re-)start my analog life with an original Shure NE95ED stylus replacement (the elliptical version). it was a pretty inexpensive solution at $50, and one that i think will be a good basis to really get the feel for the sound of this Dual.

thanks everyone for your suggestions and expertise!!
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
I had a Shure M95ED back in the '70s. You know what beat it all to hell? A Grado Z1+. I don't mean it edged it out; I mean it was Ghengis Khan overruning a tiny village. For a functional equivalent today, try something from the Grado Prestige series--a Red, Blue, Silver, or Gold.

I've had 4 Shure cartridges from a 1972 M93ED to a 2007 M97xE and they're all "safe," but dull as dishwater. If you want some pizzazz in your musical life in the $100-200 range, try the Grado or a Denon DL-110 or 160, an Audio Technica AT95 or AT440MLa, a Goldring Electra, Sumiko Pearl, Ortofon OM10/20/30, or Ortofon 2M Red or Blue.

Shure cartridges were so ubiquitous in the '70s and '80s, I can't help thinking that they contributed to the demise of the LP in favor of the CD. Their dull presentation no doubt propagated the myth that LPs were noisy and lacked dynamic range.
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