Reasonable moving coil cartridge
Why not look for a gently used cartridge you’ll get much more for your money. I’ve had great luck with a few I’ve bought. Absolutely, i never buy NEW, even slightly used sample (for 20hrs for example) of the brand new cartridge will be 30% cheaper on the used market. And all the top models are the best for the money (even slightly used from trustworthy sellers). With MM/MI anyone can find NOS or NEW stylus later if the sound signature of the slightly used cartridge is what we really like. |
Why wouldn’t you buy an MC as long as you have an MC-capable phono stage already available? The Audio-Technica AT-F7 is every bit as competent as any MM in the same price range and better than most. The one advantage a similarly priced MM has is the exchangable stylus, but if that doesn’t particularly matter then for all intents and purposes it’s a matter of six of one, half a dozen of the other. I agree that you have to spend closer to a thousand to get an MC which is unequivocally better than the best MMs, but that’s a totally different subject. |
