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Phono Cartridge recommendation

Looking for recommendations for a medium to high output (2.0 mv or higher) phono cartridge under $350 list. I have an Oracle Mk. I w/upgraded springs, power supply & mat with a Fidelity Research FR-64fx tonearm, feeding into a Sonic Frontiers Pre-1 w/NOS tubes. Any comments on using a Dynavector 10x4, Benz Micro MC Silver, Grado Platinum Reference (would hum be a problem here?), Grado Gold Prestige, Audio Technica 440ML, or Sumiko Blue Point Special?
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ivanj
35 posts
 
I've recommended the Dynavector to several folks and they've all enjoyed it. If you have a cartridge to trade, the high output dynavector 20 is a meaningful step up around $420 list w/trade. Hang onto the FR tonearm, it's a classic.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Dynavector 10X4 is the ideal cartridge in your case. it has 2.5mV output and more musical than Sumiko BPS.
You can also consider deals on Sumiko BPS. I've used it but found it someway too agressive and edgy(maybe I didn't break it in and sold it after 30hrs of use).
lazarus28
339 posts
 
dynavector 10x4
yeast's avatar
yeast
10 posts
 
Don't overlook the Goldring cartridges. In the right tonearm, the G1042 at a street price of about $180-$200 is a stellar performer, and I have have had all the cartidges mentioned above.
rsachek
7 posts
 
I have listened to several of your choices within the last year and the dynavector 10x4 is clearly the most musical. Very forgiving of surface noise as well.

FYI, I had an AT 440 ML for the longest time and recommend it as well. Not in the same class at the 10x4, but it's less than 1/3 of the price... Fantastic starter cartridge.
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