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Budget cartridge for SOTA Moonbeam TT.

I have just acquired a SOTA Moonbeam TT which I intend to give to my daughter as hopefully an upgrade to her Teac TT.

My question is this.

What budget cartridge can you recommend?
My first thoughts are Ortofon 2m Red but sure there are other worthy contenders.

It has an old Grado of dubious vintage on it right now and as its history is completely unknown that has to go.

Budget would like to stay below $125 or so and prefer new so no vintage carts this time around please.
128x128uberwaltz
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
@chakster .

One reason I have not pulled the stylus off yet, it is not what you term , " user friendly" in that respect.

Do not have one of the pullers but assume a new stylus would come with one.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,658 posts
 
The new stylus does not come with the removal tool. The old stylus is easy to remove without the tool. Long nose pliers will do the trick!
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
The puller does not come with the stylus, but maybe depends on the model of the stylus. The puller comes with the cartridge. 

Actually if the stylus sits so tightly it is a benefit for the sound quality 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,658 posts
 
I have bought many different replacements and not one came with the puller. I asked John Grado for a new one and his reply was to use pliers. He would not send me the removal tool!
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
No surprise Grado were uncooperative, I have not had good luck at all with their customer service.

Pliers?
Sounds barbaric and prone to slipping and possibly terminal damage.
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