Consider the Soundsmith Otello.
It's $100 over your budget but what you're getting is a cart that performs above it's price point, and rebuild cost is $200.
I use one as a backup. Excellent performer. |
People recommended SoundSmith cartridges made by Peter Ledermann (aka retipper on this forum). I asked Peter (SoundSmith) about vintage cartridges in this thread (quote below). You will see Grace in his list. Me:
I’m curious, what is a well designed MM/MI or MC from the past (not new) in your opinion ?
Peter Ledermann:
Obviously Strain Gauge designs, although none have survived well, which is why I don’t work on them. Early Fairchild Stereo units. Some still are fantastic. Stax, for its cleverness, Dynavector 23 and similar, due to low mass (but terribly fragile), some Ortofon MI designs, Grace, and of course the B&O, upon which my line has evolved from. I have to say that as a person, VDH has befriended me from the beginning, and upon meeting and seeing my work, asked me "Are we competitors, or colleagues?"
I said it would be an honor to be considered a colleague; so he said "GOOT!" and shook my hand heartily and said - "What ever you need - always call me!" I have never taken him up on that, but I am always warmly welcomed by him whenever we happen to meet. The generous invitation was more than I needed or deserved. Indeed a gentleman and innovator, at a minimum. There is much to the man.
Peter Ledermann
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Update on this: Did some final tweaks on VTA and VTF and am very satisfied with the results. Substantially better sound quality and tracking ability than the Pioneer PL-15 II I had been using as a second table. The ATC 440 does indeed perform well, especially now that the VTA is more correct (the arm had been set ~2 mm or so too high).
Longer term, I may either replace the stylus with the current 540 version or install an Ortofon OM with a new OM30 stylus I found scrounging through my stuff. The ATC has one serious design drawback for me: It is very hard to see the stylus during alignment. I recently developed a permanent visual impairment that makes cartridge alignment a special torture. The ATC design is one I could never align for myself now while Ortofon, vintage Grace and Grado remain feasible. Fortunately that's a decision I don't need to make anytime soon.
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congrats - bet it sounds great ! enjoy. sorry to hear of the vision struggles. Rock on !
jim |
Have a look at the Garrott bros line of Phono cartridges. You will find one in your budget and won't be disappointed. Also with the current exchange rate, you will save 0.25$ on the dollar! |
