I had the same TT with the Exact 2. Unless your stylus is worn out, I'm not sure you can gain a big improvement at your budget.
New Cartridge
I have a Rega RP 3 turntable with a Exact cartridge. Thinking of replacing it my budget is $600. What recommendations can you give me. I have the Rega phono preamp and speed control. My pre amp is a Rogue Metis and have a Carver 1.0t MK 2 Opt 2 amp. I have Source Technology 7211 speakers with 2 Source Technology sub’s. I listen to classic Rock and Blues. Thank for any input.
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@ericsch http://www.rega.co.uk/exact.html this cartridge output is too much (6-7mV), the diamond is fine (Vital), but the rest is nothing special, this cartridge can be easily upgraded within $600 for much better cartridge. I want to remind that Rega is not a cartridge manufacturer. Also i can't remember anyone said anything good about this rega cartridge on audiogon, almost any good MM cartridge discussed and compared to each other in MM thread for decades. |
Sumiko moonstone $300, sumiko amethyst $600. Look at Mike Fremers review of the Moonstone on analog planet....great review. A really nice budget mm is the shure m97xe, now discontinued....but it can be had at a price. I own one on an alternate Lenco turntable and it sounds fantastic. Quite honestly, if it were me I’d make the move toward a m/c cartridge...the Hana el ($475) or the audio technica AT F-7 ($289). Another is the Ortofon Quintet Blue ($524). To me they just sound better. I have a brand new sumiko blue point no 2 (high output moving coil) I could sell you. It will work on your mm phono stage with no step up required. |
If you can find a new old stock AudioTechnica AT-12SA cartridge you will be happy, it's a MM with a shibata diamond and can be found for around $200.00 - $250.00 I have been using this cartridge for over 30 years, just replacing the stylus, plus I have 2 brand new cartridges in waiting in case something happens. |
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