2. analog
  3. 149658-7

Best cheapo Cartridge

In a bind, I have 2 cartridges that have seen better days.   My Ortofon Jubilee has at least 1500 hours on it and I’m starting to hear a drop in performance.  My Transfiguration Proteus only has 450 hours but is on the fritz and they are OOB.

I have too many irons in the fire to spend alot and need one to hold me over for a while.  Thinking about a MM, like Ortofon or Grado.  Would be mating with a Basis Vector 4 tonearm, Basis 2200 sig, and either Allnic H3000 or ARC PH 5.  Speakers are Thiels.  

Analog heads please give me some advice.   I have no experience with MM or MI or than many cartridges in my system  for that matter.  


pops
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
 I have also found the Pickering XSV 3000 to an outstanding cartridge.

this is true, also Stanton 881s or higher models. 
don't have my XSV-3000 cartridge anymore, but still have a NOS (sealed) original Stereohedron stylus for this model . 

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rauliruegas
13,095 posts
 
Dear @vpi  : My first LOMC cartridge was the 103 that I still have. In those old times Denons puts in the market several versions of the 103 like the one you named, some only for the japanese market, that unfortunatelly I never had the opportunity to listen it.

I have not an opinion on that specific model.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
vpi's avatar
vpi
223 posts
 
@rauliruegas,@rauliruegas,  I just sent my 103 M off to Andy Kim at Needle Clinic for an upgrade.  I'll let you know how it sounds when it comes back.  The 103 M is a very low output MC at .12 mv.   That said, running it through a Herron VTPH 2a into my CAT SL-1 gives me more than enough gain.  
Cheers,
H
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rauliruegas
13,095 posts
 
Dear @vpi  : Really low output and similar to its very top brother DL 1000A, I owned this one. My latest model was the DS1.

Good luck with the re-ttiped sample.

R.
vpi's avatar
vpi
223 posts
 
Hello @rauliruegas ,
My Denon DL 103 M arrived back from Needle Clinic with boron cantilever and micro ridge stylus.  Very smooth without being being too sweet.  Nice extension on the top and bottom.  Lots of heft in lower midrange/upper bass.  I'm very pleased with it.  I'd say it competes with MC cartridges in the $2000 + range.  My total investment $650.  Don't know if this qualifies as "cheapo" but in my experience you would have to spend at about three times that to find a MC its equal.
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