Phono Cartridges

**Mustang Marvin** · August 9th, 2009, 11:29 AM

I know this is a little off the subject of speakers, but I know I can get some good advice on the Altec Users Board forum. I don't know of anyone who still listens to vinyl anymore. I plan to retrieve my old Tecknics SL 1300 from the mothballs and revisit my youth listening to my old vinyl recordings once again. My old Stanton cartridge is probably toast by now, so a new cartridge is in order. I have done a little research and found the number and price range to be a bit overwhelming. So I thought I would seek the advice of those who listen to vinyl on a regular basis. I am looking for something that tracks at around 1 gram and is reasonably priced. I know I can count on experience rather than hype from the manufacturers.

Since refurbishing my 846B's from GPA I have decided to up grade my whole system. As I ponder all the new tube amps I thought I would examine the rest of my equipment as well. My turntable is next.

I appreciate your advice and comments.
Thanks,
Marvin

**mah** · August 10th, 2009, 01:27 AM

Hi, Marvin,

I recently raised a similar enquiry under Phono Cartridge Choice. Try the search function to find the thread.

Regards, Marshall.

**KBergsson** · August 10th, 2009, 05:12 AM

Hi Marvin, I have been quite happy with the relatively inexpensive OM 20 and 30 moving magnets from Ortofon. They are not perfect but do many things right in my view. When I put my current OM30 on my M?rch UP4 arm (special OM lightweight arm-tube), it usually stays there for several months.
I don't know how they fare in the heavier arms, as I have only used them in the mentioned M?rch, on my old Linn, and the SME series III arm and Thorens standard arm on a Thorens 150 and a Thorens 160 in both cases with special light armtubes for the OM series.
Regards
Kjartan

**armandhoff** · August 10th, 2009, 07:30 AM

what ever you try get a fresh needle
the damping material hardens with age and the sound turns to crap

here is a source I have used

STEREO NEEDLES PHONO NEEDLES CARTRIDGES NEEDLE CARTRIDGE? ELECTRONICS RECORD ACCESSORIES

for that original sound how about one of those GE glass cutters?

**Mustang Marvin** · August 10th, 2009, 09:50 AM

Thanks for the info guys. It always helps to hear from experienced users.
MM

**chrismercurio** · August 10th, 2009, 01:33 PM

It is important to tell us what you will be connecting the cartridge to and your budget for a proper recommendation. (I use a humble Technics 1200mk2 myself and the sound is quite good)

In MM I thoroughly enjoy the Clearaudio Maestro Wood though the cheaper Clearaudio's are also nice. In MC (and ascending $), Denon 103, 103R, Shelter 501, Koetsu Black, 47 Labs Miyabi, and Air Tight PC-1.

**Mustang Marvin** · August 10th, 2009, 04:23 PM

Yikes! I'm a bit on the more modest side. My Tecknics is the less costlier SL 1300. The Clear Audio is WAY out of my price range. I was leaning more toward the Grado Gold 1.

I am still looking for that tube amp that can make my 846B's sing again, but as with all the phono cartridges, I'm a bit overwhelmed...

But, I'm having a hell of a good time doing the research...

**chrismercurio** · August 10th, 2009, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by Mustang Marvin

Yikes! I'm a bit on the more modest side. My Tecknics is the less costlier SL 1300. The Clear Audio is WAY out of my price range. I was leaning more toward the Grado Gold 1.

I am still looking for that tube amp that can make my 846B's sing again, but as with all the phono cartridges, I'm a bit overwhelmed...

But, I'm having a hell of a good time doing the research...

Any of the cheaper wood bodied Clearaudio's would be great. There is one that is close in price to the Grado that you were looking at. I have heard good things about the Ortofon 2M series but have not heard them. (I'm not a fan of the Grado sound in any of their cartridges that I have played with, but all of these things come down to personal preference.)

**mah** · August 10th, 2009, 09:06 PM

Google 'AUDIOGON' for cartridge reviews. Check out the Ortofon OM-5E review.

Next, read this AK thread; www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=192907.

OM-5e bodies can be found cheap on Ebay. I purchased a used OMP-5E(P-mount) body($5) and a Digitrac cartridge for its stylus for my Technics SL-10 turntable but haven't tried it yet.

Cheers, Marshall.

**BugC** · August 11th, 2009, 10:51 AM

Hi Marvin,

You can try the Shure M97xE mm cart. IIRC bought mine for less than a usd100.00. My friends find this cart great in their Technics 1200's. I bought this cart for my SME3009 s2 improved arm but haven't tried it yet. Still enjoying an old arm with an MC cart that I'm currently using. Hope this helps!

BugC