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Need some Cart recommendations, $300 - $700 (New/Used) range…warm, full, yet great def.

As always…all thoughts welcomed…but actual experience is preferred.

 

 

Background: I want my records to sound like records (full, organic, etc.) not cds (I say this because I’ve had and heard several hi end turntable/cart combos that sounded sterile and analytical… I hate that). I don’t care if it’s coloration I’m seeking or not. If you have a problem with this notion…that’s ok but please don’t debate it here.

Right now I’m very satisfied with all aspects of my system…just want to have an extra cart to rotate in.

 

 

I have the following

-Turntable is Vintage Kyocera p701 (think old HK, AR suspended design…uses ceramics to dampen) it’s an awesome table worthy of even very high end carts.

-cart is a Hana SL …which I really really like after wasting a lot of time and money on other carts. (And no, not ruling out the ML…but wouldn’t mind a bit of a different sound signature)

-Phono pre- PS Audio Stellar- love this too…landed on after many disappointments and wasted $. My pre should accommodate most suggestions and it’s not going to change.

 

I am open to MM, MI, or MC…but seems like we are moving toward MC?

 

As mentioned/implied above…I like FULL/LUSH sound

 

Carts I’ve liked: Shelter 201 (awesome for the money!), Shure Vintage Carts (M95ED?), Hanna SL

Carts I think I’d like: Nagoka, Grado

Carts I haven’t liked: dynavectors, ortofon red, blue, bronze, and, omg, Rega Exact (yuk!) 😉

 

re. Grado…sounds like these may be my exact cup of tea…but, possibly foolishly, from what I’ve heard, I worry about hum and weight… Definitely would love some input from folks with actual experience here! I am intrigued by Grado.

 

I’ll try to find some specs in mean time.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

ml8764ag
ml8764ag's avatar
ml8764ag OP
513 posts
 

Thanks to everyone….definitely continue to contribute to help others…but I have more than enough to proceed. It may be a few months before I get something…probably in the form of the proverbial “anniversary/birthday” present.

 

I’ll report back this thread…

gonna reread the whole thread and all suggestions carefully….but some takeaways so far.

 

*honestly didn’t understand that having a competent phono pre-amp did NOT preclude an SUT (this, as they say, is bittersweet…love that I learned something and that there are some other avenues to “tune” phono sound… the bitter side: that solution adds extra pieces of equipment, adds extra cost and increases permutations for me to obsess over 🤪

*confirmed that the Grado stuff can definitely be very nice…but may not be a good match for my table/arm

*omg-so interested in experimenting with the “decca” carts..if I had the money/table I’d dive in tomorrow (maybe some day though)

*really like what I’m hearing about the Nagaokas, D103 and the Benz carts …Shelters still in the picture too.

 

 

 

 

 

dickieboy's avatar
dickieboy
72 posts
 
I have the low output version of the Grado Sonata and it sounds like it has just the traits you're looking for and at a good price point.
grossman616
130 posts
 

Get a tube based DAC and stop fooling around with that Thomas Edison gear.

knownothing
1,709 posts
 

Fwiw, I have a similar sound preferences and can speak to many of the carts OP mentioned.  I have an old Thorens TD 150MkII, so similar sprung table with a mid weight arm. I Have owned:

Grado Prestige Black - fun, warm, rubs off a lot of defects in records.

Grado Prestige Blue - more detailed, better bass, but lacks some of the Black’s magic

Grado Platinum (1) - very nice cartridge, good with vocals and good bass.  Problem with resonance on this arm. 

Shelter 201 - nice cartridge for the money. Less resonance, but still there.

AT VM750SH - this is a great cartridge, but maybe not your cup of tea.  Detailed, honest, good bass.  But not warm.

Nagoka MP110 - excellent for the money.  Makes me want to try the 200 or 500.

I had hum problems on the Grados, but good power conditioning erased that.  Current pre is a ProJect Tube Box DS with Gold Lion Tubes and linear power supply.

good luck,

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