2. analog
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MC Cartridges Under $1,000

Looking for recommendations for a moving coil cartridge under $1,000 (though in all honesty I'd rather be around $5-600). I have an VPI Scout Jr. turntable with the JMW-9 tonearm into an IFI iPhone Micro phono amp into a Simaudio Moon 600i amp and Kharma Ceramic Reference 3.2 speakers. I listen to pretty much everything except country and speed metal. Thoughts about retipped carts would be appreciated as well: worth it or to be avoided.

Thank you in advance for your input which will help improve my output.
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schubert
7,386 posts
 
Denon 103 is best at where you really want to be price wise esp. the ZU audio mod version.
That said I'm with Pbnaudio on the Ortofon Quintet Black, having had used both, if you go to 1k .
Dyna 20X is a good choice too but IMO a bit rough and ready
for the acoustic music I listen to, but I can see why many love it .
bundy
127 posts
 
Just bought a Clearaudio Concept MC. Right at $850 with trade in. Very happy with it. Had a Benz Ace Low before that got damaged. Liked it to. Nottingham Horizon table.
lharasim
130 posts
 
currently available the Denon 103r.... in many musical ways is a giant killer

Lawrence
Fidelity_Forward
williewonka
3,082 posts
 
Another vote for the 103 :-)

Then I bought a DL 103 modified by Soundsmith
- it's AWESOME!!!
- better image
- more detailed highs
- tighter bass
- nicer control of sibilance

As long as it's compatible with your arm.

But I still keep the old Denon 103 around as a backup.

I might get that re-tipped someday :-)

Regards...
pani
1,219 posts
 
Audio Technica OC9 Mk3. I prefer it to 103 and 103r especially on TTs like VPI which doesnt have a high mass tonearm. OC9 is a lot more refined and transparent than 103
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