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New Cart? Best all around performer...MM or HO

Thinking about a new cart, while putting the system through some changes. I'm looking for a good all round performer. I listen to a variety of music. Mainly Alt-Co, Rock, Acoustic, and Jazz.

Running an MMF-5 with Slee Era Gold. I would like a good warmth, but with detail (I'd imagine that about any cart would be steps above the 1012gx in there now).

I'm wanting to spend up to about 700 or so. I've seen some CA Maestro's at that range on here before. Also, thinking about some Dyna's, Virtuoso Wood, Beta Aurum S. Or, how is the goldring S stylus...it's a perfect fit, just a stylus replacement, and said to be better.

I've read the beta aurum s is good for rock and jazz. Any other input, I'd appreciate it greatly.
pablo16
bartinmi
30 posts
 
I switched from the stock Goldring on the Music Hall MMF-5 to a Sumiko Blue Point No. 2. I am very happy with the sound. Very balanced with detail and warmth.

For the suggestions of the Sumiko Blackbird or Blue Point Special Evo III, I was advised by Music Direct that these were too heavy to be used on the MMF-5.
Post removed 
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
The better (from AT440MLa on up) Audio Technica cartridges are a bit of a bargain from a stylus standpoint, as the 440MLa, AT150, and OC9 all use a MicroLine stylus which--because of where it sits in the groove--is both quieter and extracts more detail than a typical elliptical, and is evidently quieter on used and worn records than a Fritz-Geiger (according to the test/review in the May/June issue of $ensibleSound.
pablo16 OP
45 posts
 
What are the sound characteristics from the AT's?
pablo16 OP
45 posts
 
A TT, et al. retailer suggested the Dyna 20x. What do y'all think? In a review it mentions the Shure V15 is better for bright systems...seems like a tough comparison though, and I'm just baseing this on price.
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