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Warmish, good tracker & low noise for used vinyl?

Hello folks - Of the carts listed, can anyone say from experience which would be warmest with good tracking and low surface noise playing used vinyl? On the radar: Denon DL-103, DL-110, Ortofon S30, Nagaoka M-150. Like what i've read about Grado but put off by reports of hum and that it's not a great tracker. Not too interested in highly detailed or anything with potential for being "bright" so avoiding the AT150MLX. Would like to keep cost below $400. System listed but it's for a KAB SL1210M5G (w/fluid damper) + Heed Quasar phono-pre (can do LOMC). Running a Stanton cart w/Pickering elliptical. Like the warmth quite a bit but could do with a bit wider and deeper stage. So looking for a replacement option given no more of the Pickering styli left. Listen to EVERYTHING (...well, almost...don't play rap or death metal). Thanks for your input.
ghosthouse
theo's avatar
theo
2,718 posts
 
Although I haven't owned one, I have friends that have the Dl03 and love it and been very happy. I have owned a Grado Statement Series (long time ago)and always felt it maintained a veil over the music and wasn't revealing enough for my taste's. I traded it for a Benz which was more money but it showed me how much I was missing.
Probably not much help for you, but I would lean towards the Denon over the Grado, I can't speak to the others on your list.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,321 posts
 
Thanks for the comments on Denon vs Grado, Theo. It's always about hitting the right balance between "musicality" and detail...not that the two have to be mutually exclusive. Appreciate your time.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,826 posts
 
I have enjoyed Grado for years. Where did you get the info that they are not great trackers? In a medium mass arm ( SME 309)they have passed every test with my tracking test records. And as far as hum I never had that problem. If you like a warm cartridge then Grado is the way to go.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse OP
4,321 posts
 
Yogi - I've been doing a lot of reading at quite a number of sites so would have to search some to find exactly what I came across. Here's one example I just found in attempting to reply to you (not something I'd read previously; it does seem a bit more extreme, possibly).

http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=18990

I wasn't trying to offend Grado owners. Glad you are enjoying yours. I tend to play older, used vinyl and not too many mint, "audiophile" 180g etc. releases. Need something that can sail through slight warping while minimizing surface noise and IGD.

schubert
7,386 posts
 
I have used EVERY one of these carts and the Nag MP-150 is the best and not by a little bit.
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