$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:
Looking for a good match, organic sound, durability and ease. Cartridges under consideration are, inno preference order are (sample prices for reference):
Thanks in advance for your input.
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.
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Thanks @yogiboy @dekay @knotscott |
You're likely to find that the synergy is unique to each system, so it's often sort of a shot in the dark to some degree. I had a Grado Signature 8 years ago that was smooth and not overly bright sounding, but also leaned toward the dull and uninvolving side. I find the Nag MP200 body with the JN-500 stylus to be incredibly open, inviting, and easy to listen too...to my ears, it has the right kind of delicate detail without a hint of shrillness. If your system is more on the forward/bright side, the Grado could be a good fit....if it's more neutral, the Nag could sing for you. |
Well, I think the Audio Technica AT540ML is the best starter MM cartridge https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm540ml Advanced Microline Stylus Profile, better for both used and new LPs. Cost more than elliptical, but last longer, thus price difference over time is not much. https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information Imaging will be improved by having it’s wide channel separation, 28db; and it’s tight channel balance, 1.0 db. No to the VM95, it has only 23 db separation, and less tight center balance, 1,5 db Note: for improved imaging: in addition to opinions regarding it's sound check separation and balance specs of any cartridge you consider. If you later upgrade the stylus profile, the body and internal motor will limit it's reduced imaging characteristics. It sounds terrific as well. Replaceable stylus .......................................................... I only wish your TD-1601 came with an arm with a removable headshell like their TS-1500 does. Perhaps the other differences are very slight. Then, get same cartridge pre-mounted on a headshell, https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm540ml-h now you have two cartridges for different groove types, or use one cartridge to reduce wear on the better cartridge when playing ’not too special’ LPs, i.e. great songs, but not special musicianship or great engineering........................................ ...................................... Have or Acquire cartridge mount/align/tools skills? IF changing the supplied cartridge to the one you buy, ... When stylus wears out ....... You know more, want to try MC finally Want an alternate MONO cartridge (definitely better for mono lps than playing mono with stereo cartridge in your preamp’s mono mode IF it has that option! In any case, happy listening |
