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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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zd542
5,339 posts
 
I have a regular Scout with a DV 20X2 low output version. I'm very happy with it and would definitely buy it again. If you look around, you may be able to get a better price than full list. There's a lot of DV dealers, and some of them will compete to make a sale.
chayro
2,940 posts
 
You need to check that it's compatible with the VPI arm, but I think the Goldring Eroica is very nice for the money. Comes in lo and hi output versions. On another note, I think your system merits a little better cartridge if you can swing it. Maybe a Lyra Dorian. You will hear the difference.
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,610 posts
 
Ortofon Quintet Black would be my recommendation at this price level

Good Listening

Peter
needfreestuff's avatar
needfreestuff
572 posts
 
Denon 103 very hard to beat at that price range. Check the many reviews. Best of Luck
bpoletti
1,539 posts
 
Though some feel it's system dependent, a lot of people think the AT OC9/II or OC9/III are good matches for JMW arms. But if your system leans toward the bright side, you may find the cartridge a bit aggressive.

I like it on my JMW-12 arm, but YMMV.
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