$300-$500 Cartridge for Thorens TD-1601 Turntable


Hello.  I am considering the purchase a Thorens TD-1601 TT.  My dream table, so please don't try to talk me out of it.  Trying to decide a good cartridge to go with it.  I am a higher-end, Mid-Fi kind of guy, pretty darn good is good enough.  I value ease and reliability over esoteric.  The TT will be a splurge.   Relevant Info:

  • Budget $300-$500
  • Moving Magnet (simplicity, more connectivity options)
  • Natural/organic sound.  No fatigue or harshness!
  • Robust and durable. No breaky.
  • Connect either to Parasound Z-Phone Pre and/or Vintage Sansui AU-5900 integrated (newly refurbished)
  • Current speakers: Paradigm SE-1 or Classic Dynaco A-25 (Speakers will be upgraded one day).
  • I play a good bit of used vinyl, though I clean them with a VPI vacuum machine, and discard the scratchy ones.
  • I like the idea of being able to replace/upgrade the stylus over time.
  • Buying the TT now because my old Dual CS-5000 needs service and I'm ready to move on.
  • Small wood-paneled room.  There will be no room treatments.

Looking for a good match, organic sound, durability and ease.  Cartridges under consideration are, inno preference order are (sample prices for reference):

  • Nagaoka:  MP-150 ($300), MP-200 ($425)
  • Grado: Opus 3 ($275), Platinum 3 ($400)
  • AT: VM95SH ($200 low cost Shibata), VM750SH ($450)
  • Ortofon: 2M Bronze ($500), 2M Black ($545 from Germany)
  • Sumiko: Wellfleet ($450), Amethyst ($600)

Thanks in advance for your input.  

 

gemoody

thanks @yogiboy. Look like you use a Grado in your rig.  If you have time, wondering which characteristics you think match my request? TIA

You said you are looking for organic sound and that would be the Grado. The Grado would be a good match with the Thorens arm. My friend has the Opus 3 and he claims it is on par with his thousand dollar Dynavector mc!

Here is a review!

Grado Timbre Series Opus3 Phono Cartridge - Positive Feedback (positive-feedback.com)

Another review!

Grado Timbre Series, Opus3 - The Absolute Sound

The MP-200 (based upon reviews and your list).

I use Grado Prestige Silver with my vintage Thorens TD125II/SME combo (love it), but the Nagaoka would not involve remounting a cartridge body when replacing the stylus.

I prefer a harmonically rich sound, thus my preference for Grado and the (based upon reviews) MP-200.

You might also consider the current version of the Grado Prestige series.

 

DeKay

It's always subjective, but the better Nags are very musical (organic?) with excellent transparency and a huge stage IME.  The step to the boron cantilever is significant when you get to the MP200.  You could upgrade to the JN-P500 stylus later when the JN-p200 wears out, and take things to another level.