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  3. 128115-2019

Cartridge for Technics SL-1200GAE

Just purchased a GAE and looking for cartridge recommendations that are a good match for the tonearm and have a musical character. I’m not a detail freak but tone and pace, rhythm, and timing are important (I don’t want pleasant sounding but doesn’t hold your attention). I’m looking under $1000 and can be MM or MC. Hoping to get responses from users with experience. Was thinking Hana EL based on reviews but would appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!
schw06
shadow8911
9 posts
 
Thanks Yogi!

One question: When using that table do you include the weight of the headshell in the total mass? 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,698 posts
 
The mass of the tonearm should include the headshell. If the Technics arm is 12 grams that would be with the headshell!
tablejockey
3,914 posts
 
I am not an owner of this nice table, but have heard one with an already mentioned cart.

Audio Technica ART9. Very believable presentation. I have one on my table-VPI Classic. 

https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9.html

If you have the gain for a lower output, ART7 via Ebay seller for a few bucks less. It may be an option for added refinement over the ART9?

vegasears
1,173 posts
 
I have a Technics SL-1210MKII and I used a AT-150MLX which is out of production but still available on the web.  The 150 was a great match with my older stock arm.  I changed out the arm to a Jelco SA750 a few years ago and it has remains my go to cartridge.  Search the forums there are tons of positive comments.

Note.  I have used a Denon DL-103 with the stock arm of the 1210 but used a 11 gram head shell not the 7 gram technics one.  It was not the best match but worked ok.  After changing the arm to the Jelco it came to life.  It will work on the stock arm but not to it's full potential. 


johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
vegasears:
AT-150MLX which is out of production but still available on the web.
Specifically, you can get it from LpGear as an authorized dealer here.

However, when my MicroLine stylus got bent, I decided to try out AT's Shibata stylus for that cartridge. LpGear has that one too, and I like the AT150 with Shibata even better than with the MicroLine--smoother top end, no glare, yet involving detail, great timbres and tonal balance.

You can also pick up a complete AT150Sa from LpGear for a $271.98 incl. shipping. That's a *really great price* for all that that cartridge can do. 
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