Hello,
It sounds like your trying to decide what you want to buy. I would ask:
1. What is your budget?
2. What is the turntable and system?
3. What kind of music do you listen to?
I know some would say it doesn’t matter what music you listen to and on what equipment, but it does.
In some eras of recording the recording and process could be less quality than you expect. Like someone said above that MM carts can smooth out the playback which is what you might need for some 70s and 80s recordings. If your into Jazz or classical or want to pay $35-$125 for a great recorded album then I would go MC. MI can be awesome but sometimes you do need the correct phono stage/ preamp to hear it correctly. Sound Smith make some of the most innovative carts in the world. One of the cantilevers are made with a cactus needle. Just awesome! You can call them and let them explain their lineup.
good inexpensive MM
Sumiko Pearl-$110
Nagoka MP110- $140
Goldring E3 $160
Ortofon 2Mblue-$250
Good inexpensive MC:
Dynavektor 10X5 mk2 $800 - Shibata stylus
the cool thing about the 10X5 mk 2 is it comes in high output or MM setting on the phono stage but is still a MC. Also, a low output version that needs the MC setting on your phono stage. Yes, I have listened to all of these
Ortofon Quintet Blue- $600
Hana SL- $800- one of the best value for money carts
Ortifon Quintet Black- $1100- has a Shibata stylus-
AT- Art9/x- $1100-
I will tell you that I would go with the Dynavecktor 10x5 Mk2 in high or low output
It is the best value for money like the less expensive MM above. I have this cart on my Linn Axis. I have the Ortofon Black Quintet on my Mark Levinson 5105. Just remember you will be going down the rabbit whole sometime in the future so these options are a great start
beyond these I would really do your homework because the world is your oyster and the prices really clime from here on. Also, some of these new turntables come with nice carts like the Fluance RT85 for $500 it comes with the Ortofon 2m blue or the MP110. I know this was a lot of information but I am trying to guide you in the right direction so you can save your money for the vinyl.
