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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
karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch
446 posts
 
I would consider the Linn Adikt. All around good performer in the MM zone.
stuartbranson OP
183 posts
 
Dopogue, could you explain what you mean by "high compliance" in regards to matching my tonearm and cartridge?
The Shure sure sounds like a good choice.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I'll second the Shure V15VxMR. Really hard to go wrong with this cartridge and you get the added benefit of being able to remove the stylus without removing the whole cartrige. I found this of great importance when cleaning, moving or modifying anything on the table.

You may also want to consider a Dynavector 10x5. I have not heard one but the 10x5 seems to be preferred by many to the Grado.
c123666
871 posts
 
denon dl160 is a good choice for under 200 and an excellent high output moving coil
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Stuart, the ability to define and describe "high compliance" is beyond my meager technical know-how. I'd suggest a search on Audio Asylum for this and "low mass," another descriptor pertinent to your arm (and the cart best suited to it). Incidentally, I have a Dyna 10X5 and like it a lot (though not as much as the ADC XLM), but I don't think it's well suited to your arm. Others may disagree. Dave
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