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Entry Rega,NAD,Project,MusicHall Catridge question

Thanks to all that have responded to my posts...especially TWL..and since I am somewhat of a turntable newbie...here are a couple more...in regards to factory installed cartridges...which i assume most replace...what are some of the better ones...the MMF 2.1 comes with a Goldring Elan,the Project with a SUmiko Oyster,the NAD 533 with a Goldring Elektra...of these...regardless of table preference...is the best...I plan on upgrading...but to at least get off the ground...would like something decent...also...do all these include VTA adjustment?...what exactly is this...and how important is it at the entry level...thanks again...I have learned more at this site than at any hi-end store!
128x128phasecorrect
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect OP
2,013 posts
 
Twl..what would be the next level of cartridges above the ones mentioned that would be a significant upgrade...would $100 be enough? Also, at this price point...what are the advantages/disadvantages of MC vs MM...thanks...
twl
3,251 posts
 
Well, the best cartridge at a very low price is the Ortofon X5-MC which is being sold on Audiogon classified as a regular thing for about $115 new. Believe it or not, this is a very good MC cartridge that is competitive with some $600 cartridges, and sounds real good. If your phono section can take a 2mv cartridge output, with about 45db gain, you are in like Flynn.

For a MM cart, the Goldring is good, but the lowest serious cartridge by them is the 1012 at around $100.

You really need to spend at least $100 to get into the ball game. These 2 that I mentioned are 2 of the best bets, with the Ortofon being the real "sleeper". You'll have to order from Hong Kong to get that low price. I think 2Juki is handling them for $115.

The MM vs MC thing is really not an issue until you get into the $500 and up category.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect OP
2,013 posts
 
I will be adding a phono preamp...havent decided yet...but if I go with the ortofon...is there a affordable option that would mate well(dont laugh..but a few posters have pushed the radio shack "little rack"...is this thing garbage or what...and will this cartridge fit on older tables as well...thanks....
david99
1,467 posts
 
I had a mmf-2 at one time and the arm does have a VTA adjustment.
The Elan cartridge is good enough for the table and I doubt the cheap arm would do service to much anything better.I replaced my Elan with a Grado Platinum and though it sounded a bit better I never really got to hear what the Grado could do until I moved up to a Rega P-25/RB-600.
If I had do it over again I would skip the Music Hall and save for a while longer and get something quite a bit better.I wasted money upgrading and I'd hate to see anyone make the same mistakes I made.

twl
3,251 posts
 
I agree with David, saving for a better TT is well advised.

The Radio Shack "Little Rat" is a low cost, battery powered phono stage that has got some good user reviews considering its low cost. Don't confuse it with a "high-end" unit. It is okay for what it is, and it may be fine for your initial purposes, but I wouldn't consider it a permanent addition. That is, if you plan to get into serious analog playing.

Actually, if you want to "get serious" for a reasonable cost, you might look at David99's system. He has a very nice TT that is easy to operate and sounds real good. It is not cheap, but it is affordable for someone who is serious about their sound quality.
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