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MM cart. Recommendation

I have an Oracle Alexandria with Sonus Formula IV tone arm and a Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE. I am presently using a Sumiko Pearl Cartridge and am looking to improve. Nothing lacking but I figure there must be better. The 44db of gain in the Graham Slee keeps me in the MM or HO MC camps.
Grado cartridges seem to be my best choice from looking through the archivves but am open to suggestions.
Budget could extend to the $300.

Thanks
stuartbranson
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
I'd suggest a Shure V15VxMR, a Stanton 881S or, if you can find one on Ebay or elsewhere, one of the ADC XLM family. With that arm, you'd need a high compliance cartridge and these all fit the bill. I'm currently using an ADC XLM Mk. II ($48 on Ebay!) and like it best of all, but carts are very much in YMMV territory. Good luck, Dave
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
I just replaced my Grado Gold with a Shure V15VxMR. The difference was startling, especially in terms of detail without sibilance, tracking and depth of soundstage. I took the advice of another Audiogoner and contacted Jack's Music Factory. I had a brand new cart at my door shipped for $199.00. It's a terrific cart for about $300.00, but for around 2 bills, it's a steal. It's on an LP12.
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch
446 posts
 
I would consider the Linn Adikt. All around good performer in the MM zone.
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