Audio-Technica VM750SH or Goldring 1042

The 1042 is in VM760SLC price territory so I’d compare there. The 750 is decent. My memory of the Goldring is from the 80s so not too reliable! It seemed a good all-rounder but was in a much cheaper field then. I’d be tempted to go for the Nakaoka MP500. What tonearm are you using?

A couple of things to consider

• Goldring 1042 - Contact Line stylus
  • this would require a very detailed setup to achieve the best performance
  • it would produce very detailed playback
  • some might consider this stylus type as too analytical
• Audio-Technica VM750SH - Shibata stylus
  • not quite so demanding WRT setup
  • some might prefer this stylus type citing a more musical presentation.

It also depends on your phono stage, tonearm and cables as to the final result.

I have a Denon D103 with a Soundsmith optimized contour contact line stylus on a ruby cantilever (cost around $600) and like it very much, but I needed a much younger pair of eyes to achieve the very best setup.

My next cartridge will have the Shibata profile, just because of the less rigorous  setup required.

But my choice of these two carts would be he Audio-Technica VM750SH because of the cost difference and the stellar reputation AT has and my pevious encounter with a Goldring cartridge left me underwhelmed

Good luck with your choice - Steve

Arm is AudioQuest PT-7. I think that is a PT-5 with better cable. Preamp is Audible Illusions Modulus 3 with MM section.

A Jelco SA250ST if I recall correctly. Medium to high mass so suit medium to low compliance cartridges.