Inexpensive MM Cartridge
+1 Grado! This one should fit the bill! https://www.lpgear.com/product/GRADBLK2STD.html Here is a review! https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/grado-labs-prestige-black2-phono-cartridge/ |
yogiboy I think the Peter had this in mind. https://www.lpgear.com/product/GRADGLDSTD.html This cartridge here actually has a better stylus and punches way above it's price point. I use this when playing other peoples records. https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATVM95ML.html. |
Stylus shape is the important criteria for good/better/best groove contact/fidelity, good info here https://sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information Advanced shape: ML Microline; LC Line Contact; Shibata; SAS all in that advanced category. They cost more, but last longer, so calculate the cost per hour for a sense of cost over time. A bit over budget at $329. very good channel separation and channel balance, both help with better imaging, https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm740ml in budget, $249. (same specs, except 740’s innards better?) https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm540ml or: Less costly now, $200.perhaps sell the TT soon, move up, or, this for MM, try Moving Coil sooner Audio-Technica makes this cartridge body, and it offers 6 interchangeable/replaceable/upgradeable stylus, https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/line-series/at-vm95-series It’s Shibata version is only $200. https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-vm95sh However: the 95 line channel separation and channel balance are not great, I bet it sounds great, but the 540 and 740 will definitely produce a tighter center balance, refining locations, and the wider channel separation improves imaging as well .................................... consider signal strength, higher lets you keep your preamp/amp volume controls lower, less power needed, less noisy perhaps, nearly always a good thing. consider tracking force, around 2.0 g my preference, some cartridges can track lower 1.0; 1.25; 1.50 etc, but I wouldn't make that a primary choice, just be aware. |
I don't think you need a $300 cartridge for one of the cheapest old Pioneer belt drive turntable. For $300 you could actually buy a whole new direct drive turntable with better tonearm. If you need just a cartridge for that old Pioneer look for Audio-Technica MM cartridges under $150 |
