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Phono cartridge recommendations

I currently have a two Benz Micro wood M2 MC cartridges and I'm interested in trying out something different for one of my setups, perhaps a low-output MC setup.  My tables are a SOTA sapphire outfitted with an Audiomod 6 arm, and a Thorens TD-124II with an SME 3009 arm.   The new cartridge would likely go on the Thorens.     

I've heard great things about the Hana ML, but I'd love to get some of your opinions if we limit to the $1K-1.5K range.  
jensmunk
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
In your price range you can try to find NOS or MINT condition originals:

Audio-Technica AT-ML170
Pickering XSV/5000
Pickering XLZ/7500 
Grace LEVEL II Ruby 
Victor X1II  

All modern MM and most of the MC simply can't compete with these cartridges. Mid compliance MM are fine for your tonearms, higher compliance can be OK too. 

If you want the best from vintage MM they must be fully original and in mint condition, not a refurbished junk or worn samples. 

For under $1k you can try more amazing MM like:

Pioneer PC-1000 mkII
Stanton SC-100 WOS
Pickering XSV/4000
Sony XL-50


 
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
chakster

are they still making the at ml170?  or are we chasing old stock units at this point?


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
chakster

are they still making the at ml170? or are we chasing old stock units at this point?


@jjss49


No, they don’t make it anymore. As you can read in my old sold listing the cantilever is Boron Pipe (Gold Plated), this type of cantilevers are not available anymore for any cartridge manufacturer :( Before AT switched to Boron their choice was Beryllium, this type of cantilever is also not available for any cartridge manufacturers today.

I am talking about NOS units or used in mint condition (if you're lucky to find one). 
Ask in direct if you need help with some rare NOS cartridges, I have some in my collection.


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