Anybody with an expensive TT try this????

Dear Atmasphere: +++++" I think that a lot of people think less of cheap cartridges simply because they never hear them with top end arm/table/preamp/etc. " +++++

I can't say and agree more that what you posted.

Normally top end analog rig comes along very high price LOMC cartridges, no one with these kind of systems ever think on a " cheap " cartridge even less if is MM/MI ones.

All we know that $$$$ not tell the whole history on item quality performance, there are many factors that thorugh its complex relationship tell the true history.

I consider fortunate the day ( around three years ago ) that I decide to test/try cheap MM/MI cartridge to see what happen and to my surprise happen unexpected things where I find that many of those cheap cartridges are great performers.

I already try very cheap cartridges but come to my mind a 50.00 one the Andante P-76 that IMHO can compete with cartridges in the 3k-5k price range.

I think that we have to take advantage that our each one audio system is a lot better than " yesterday " and this give a fair opportunity to cheap cartridges.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Thanks for all your responses. I will try a cheap one if my Benz L2 ever fails. Mike

Mike, in order to get away with that, the same rules of compatibility with your arm apply- effective mass, mechanical resonance, that sort of thing. IOW you have to apply the same care in selection for your arm like you do with an expensive cartridge, or the results will not be so good.