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Which MM Cartridge for under a grand

Hello. I am a new member to Audiogon and am seeking some adivce. I have a vintage system consisting of a Pioneer SX1980 receiver, Teac X2000 reel to reel, Klipsch Belle's and most recently added a Pioneer Series20 Model PLC-590 turntable. It is set up with the Pioneer PA1000 tonearm, with an aftermarket headshell by Orsonic. Ive installed an Audio Technica 440ML cartridge that I was previously using on my Empire 698. My listening style is varied but mostly classic rock from the 70's. Now I'm looking at new cartridge's and would like to be in the 5 to 7 hundred range. Given that you guys know just about everything with regard to turntable setup and I know just enough to get myself in troublecould someone please make some recommendations. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to becoming part of your community. Rick
35off
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Flieb, serious question.
I'm not a rocker but I did sell a lot of hi-fi in the 70's.
My memory is that saying rock pressings of that area were lousy would be kind.
I agree a 150MLX stylus would be a big jump if you were playing Brahms on a minty Erato or Phillips .
Do you really think it would do anything on vintage rock?
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
hi 35off, welcome on board.
Why not read 11821 post in Raul's "Why we need MM ..." thread ? LOL

You can be an expert in MM cartridges under one grand too, so many information and knowledge already there (posted). Or you want to start all over again ?
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Just because you don't like someones choice in music doesn't mean you should talk down to them in an insulting manner. Why bother posting?
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
with your very cool set up, I would suggest a Shure V15 VxMR. If you can find the body only with no stylus even better. You will want to replace the stylus with a new stylus from JICO of Japan.

This is a great combo, and a great cartridge needle combo. I bought one for a vintage table, and sold the table but kept the Shure and use it all of the time.

It's a great cartridge for rock music. Tons of weight and impact to the music.

Enjoy
fleib
1,124 posts
 
I think it's more like a certain type of music from a particular era, might be better served with something else?

In this case I don't agree, depending on what change 33off is looking for. I bought a lot of rock LP's in the late '60 and '70's. Many of them had good SQ. Seems to me an early pressing of Elton John, James Taylor, Hendrix, and many others were pretty good. The ones that are too bright will also sound better with that stylus, as will most copies with wear.

I have a 440ML OCC. I used to load it at 32K to get a balanced sound. With an ATN150MLX it smooths out like a baby's ass and it's back to 47K. Sure, you get all kinds of detail, harmonics, layering etc that's great for acoustic music, and for rock I'd still rather have it than not.
The 440/MLX will sound more like a 160ML than a 150MLX.

The point is, 33off already has the 440 and seems to like it? It's so much better for $200, why not?
That Pioneer looks like a decent arm w/removable headshell. If 33 wants something more forgiving or mellow or a mono cart, he can always swap.

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