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Lowest priced MC thats better than a Premium MM?

I’ve only used MM’s with my Technics 1200Gr with Luxman Phono Pre. I’ve used a couple AT "540ML" series, a Ortofon black, KAB Concord with 40 stylus (very close to Ortofon Black in sound) and my current Nagaoka JT80BK (which I love). I tend to change cartriges (and keep them with headshell intact) at a point to where the stylus still has around 40% -50% life. I sometimes I switch out and listen to my older ones for a change of flavor.

I’m now wanting to try a MC however, I want to keep it under $1200 or so. An Ortofon SPU would be fun to try, however, from what I've read, I do not think its a good match for my tonearm. For my 1200GR, can anyone recommend a good MC Cartridge. I’m tempted to try a ZU modified 103r. Thoughts?

aberyclark
br3098
994 posts
 

There are many good  "entry level" MC cartridges that sound great and are compatible with your tonearm. The Benz Ace, Hana SL or SM and the Ortofon Quintet models come to mind. I would also look at the excellent Grado Statement and Reference cartridges that are in your price range. These are MI designs, not MC but they share many qualities of MC cartridges.

lewm
12,974 posts
 

Although you may like the Zu Denon, keep in mind that it is unusual in having low compliance and a spherical stylus. Plus, the cartridge per se is on the heavy side and recommended VTF is on the high side. Spherical stylus has its own limitations and consequences. Finally, I am not sure your tonearm is the best match for all of the above parameters. Audio Technica 9Xa and 9Xi cartridges are excellent but cost is slightly above your upper limit. Just about every question likes yours elicits recommendations for Hana. I’ve never heard one, but "50 million Frenchmen can’t be wrong". (In this case it’s dozens of audiophiles not 50M Frenchmen.)

imintohifi
16 posts
 

lewm is on target here. I enjoyed my Zu Denon as my first MC until I switched to a retipped Phasemation and discovered the limitations of a spherical stylus, and in the process the quality of everything else downstream. I have the Hana in a different system that's not as resolving- I don't think it's broken in yet, but I like what I'm hearing so far . . .

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