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Cartridge recommendations

I am interested in upgrading the cartridge in my current basement system:
it includes a Rogue Audio Cronus integrated, Project Tube Box Se-II phono stage, a Project Debut turntable, a Denon 110 cartridge, and Dynaudio Focus 220 speakers. I am looking to upgrade the system primarily by changing the cartridge. I am looking for a bit warmer sound, and would consider a Grado, but I have some concerns about hum with the system. Any recommendations for a cartridge that would be $300 or less?
droz
hifiharv
351 posts
 
Not sure about your Project, but, for what it's worth, I can tell you that I never had a hum or dance issue with a Grado Master (high output) on either the Space deck, original AR, or, Well Tempered Super tables.
droz OP
20 posts
 
I would be very happy with an MM cartridge given all my considerations, and I appreciate the Ortofon 2M and all the other recommendations. I switched to the Project Tube Box when I got the Denon 110 which has an output of 1.6mv. With that cartridge it seemed that the output from the Rogue Cronus phonostage did not work the best, and I have seen an improvement with the Tube Box SE-II.
curio's avatar
curio
305 posts
 
I can tell you that I never had a hum or dance issue with a Grado Master.. (Hifiharv)

Me too!
I don't know what's this supposed Grado hum and dance issue
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Curio, The Grado cartridges are not known for great shielding so if your turn tables motor is not shielded you'll get a hum especially as the cartridge moves closer to the motor. I've had several tables which you simply could not use a Grado on and, conversely several where they were no problem at all. FWIW.
jazzfan67
50 posts
 
Get DL-301MK2,
Very Musical Cart.
I don't think you will have better sound from Grado or
any cart under 1k.
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