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Cartridge forgiving of "non-audiophile" recordings and pressings

I’m a record collector first, and I have stacks of vinyl of many genres that would never qualify as audiophile quality, either in terms of recording, pressing, or both. Note that this isn’t a problem of vinyl condition. We’re talking VG+ at worst.

I find that the various fine line styli are too fussy and revealing with these records. Nude elliptical have proven to be a better match here, a good compromise.

Anyway, I’m looking to explore some new carts in a second system and wanted some recommendations. I know it all comes down to subjective listening, but I like to hear about what others have experienced as a guide to exploring.

I want a forgiving cartridge but with good dynamics and a fast transient response. Quick, full, tuneful bass and rich mids are the priority over treble extension and detail.

For now, ignore tonearm effective mass, turntable, etc. Budget up to $1,000. MM or MC.

Thanks all.

funthings
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,012 posts
 
I think that it is probably a good idea to dumb down the system when listening to most of the LP's that you are talking about. Not sure if this is a worthy cause, but it seems to be a requirement with these recordings, IME.
I would consider a MM of some kind, probably one from AT or similar. These can be had for not too much money, and better still have user replaceable styli should something go wrong.
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,057 posts
 
My poor-record-condition AudioTechnica VM750SH at $400 is great with poor recordings, and it's not rolled off either.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
I've yet to find the rig that made great records sound better that didn't also make crap records sound better. No idea what you're listening to or for that's giving you problems, just letting you know if that's your goal there's a better way than dumbing down, rolling off, or messing with stylus shapes. Could not for the life of me tell you the profile of a single one I've owned. That's how much importance I attach to that one. Yet all my records sound better as my system has gotten better. All. Every. Single. One.
big_greg
6,711 posts
 
A Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood is in your budget and IMO has the attributes you're seeking. I put mine on my Technics SL-1200 Mark 2 often to listen to my less-than-perfect records.
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,057 posts
 
Have to agree with millercarbon. The better your rig, the better poor records sound. I use the cheaper cartridge now and again because my Decca SuperGold/Paratrace/Decapod doesn't really like damaged disks.
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