Need help with phono cartridge selection

Hi all,

First, thanks for the solid advice and input.  After reading your comments and continuing to read article after article, I have narrowed my list down to (plus added a couple) to the following:

AT VM540ML - $279.00

AT VM740ML - $349.00

AT VM750SH - $449.00

Goldring 1042 -$699.00

I also realized I may have to increase my budget a little.😀

Does anyone see any issues with any of these cartridges being used on the pioneer PL 630?  
Just out of curiosity, have any of u had any combination of these that allowed you to compare them to each other?  Can you share if possible?
Are there any websites that has samples you can listen to besides YouTube?  Any suggestions?  

I really don’t want to spend a larger amount of money if the difference is not that noticeable. 

It really sucks that one can’t go to a store and test drive these….

Thanks for your patience and input.  

What are you using currently? What type of sound do you like? The Goldring is a bit warm while the ATs are more neutral–maybe a little bright–but not harsh. I use a VM750SH as a spare or when not in the mood for my more dynamic and nuanced Deccas. It’s decent and does everything well. It will need 10-20 hours to settle in, being a little bit brittle and thin at first.

noromance

9,415 posts

05-01-2024 at 08:07pm 

What are you using currently? What type of sound do you like? 
 

 Noromance, I bought the player used.  No idea how many hours are on the cartridge.  Listen to mostly 70’s and 80’s rock along with jazz.  

You can't go wrong with the Audio Technica options.

Anyone heard a Garrott Brothers p77i from Australia? They get Chakster's endorsement for the the best New cart value which has me intrigued.