Pickering and Stanton are still in business, but audiophiles are not their target market anymore, since Walter O. Stanton sold the company in the late 90s. However, best cartridges from the 80’s - early 90s still can be found NOS (I bought many and was lucky). Two models mentioned above are about $350
Anyone here have experience with the Denon DP-35F?
I had one of these way back when they were still being made. My turntable got wrecked in a move, and it wasn't until just a few weeks ago I finally found an exact replacement in good condition. Only issue is that I need a cartridge. I could swear my original came with a DL160 cartridge on it, but those are out of production and not available unless I want a used one or a counterfeit.
What awesome cartridges are out there for $300 or less?
What awesome cartridges are out there for $300 or less?
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It’s the DP80 and the DA401 that are no longer available new from a dealer. If you find a Dp80 in good shape, and I agree it is a worthy pursuit, I advise you to have it serviced by a competent technician. If the DP80 has not been serviced since new, then most likely it will need new electrolytic capacitors. The parts are dirt cheap; you would pay mostly for labor. After that, if the unit is faulty, the next place to look is at the single integrated circuit responsible for speed control. The popular myth is that the chip is no longer available. Not so. Also, some of the discrete transistors, while not necessarily defective, can be replaced by modern equivalents that work better. You could live with the original transistors, but a smart tech will upgrade them. If you are in the NE USA, I recommend Bill Thalmann in Springfield, VA. All of this will cost maybe a few hundred bucks and is well worth it. Beware also of 100V units from Japan that have been run on 120V in the USA. That often damages the single IC in there. In my opinion, the DP80 is the best bang for the buck in vintage DD turntables. I emphasize that’s only my opinion. |
Talon: I bookmarked the Audio-Technica VM540ML to replace my Grado Silver, but ended up finding a spare Grado stylus (tucked away in a drawer) and did not purchase it due to laziness. Higher output MM, but with positive pro/user reviews and a selling price of around $250. Here's lengthy review with response (et cetera) graphs. https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/vinyl/turntable-accessories/audio-technica-vm540ml-phono-cartrid... DeKay |
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