Cartridge for background music/LOW budget TT

amulford
amulford Posts: 5,020
edited December 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
I have a couple of TT's that I want to put new cartridges on. They are not for critical listening, but I'd like to get decent performance out of them.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the new carts under $200. I know this is limiting, but keep in mind the TT's are 1) a Technics 1200 DD and 2) an old Marantz. Not stellar audiophile grade by any stretch.

Just personal preferences, maybe some specs, characteristics, etc.

Edit: The Technics is a 1300, not a 1200...
Post edited by amulford on
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Comments

  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited December 2006
    I like the Ortofon Super OM series of cartridges (10, 20, 30). Very Listenable.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited December 2006
    This guy is in your neck of the woods (and a Technics fan). I've purchased from him twice with good results:

    http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/index.htm

    I ran a Shure M78 series on a Technics DD table for decades and always thought it sounded decent.
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,769
    edited December 2006
    Can't beat the Shure M97xE for $67 from Amazon w/Free Shipping!

    Link to Amazon page

    That cartridge will do very well on either of your turntables and give you just what you are looking for, maybe more than you even expect.

    It was my main cartridge up until recently. It worked with my Yamaha YP-D8 and my Oracle Alexandria. I changed it out mainly to experiment and will probably go back to it before long. The M97 is known for a very flat frequency response and a very fluid midrange.

    In my opinion, neither of those turntables is good enough to warrant spending anywhere near $200 for a cartridge. Save your money, the Shure will be more than enough for you.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • Toka78
    Toka78 Posts: 192
    edited December 2006
    KAB is one of the best retailers in the biz, so give them a look for sure.


    Also, don't be so quick to poo-poo what you have...I'll take a modded '1200 over anything that costs 4x as much. I'd also suggest:

    Audio-Technica AT440MLa - has a line-contact stylus, which is unheard of in the price (under $100). Stellar tracking, will make worn records sound like new.

    Shure - M97XE - only $67 at Amazon, other world-class performer (don't let the price fool you). A bit more 'flat' than the AT, but tracks equally as well.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,338
    edited December 2006
    I second the recommendation for an Audio Technica 440 ML. Very good sound for very little money!
    Carl

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  • Fireman32
    Fireman32 Posts: 4,845
    edited December 2006
    BlueMDPicker wrote:
    This guy is in your neck of the woods (and a Technics fan). I've purchased from him twice with good results:

    http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/index.htm

    I ran a Shure M78 series on a Technics DD table for decades and always thought it sounded decent.


    Anthony,

    This guy is about 20 min from me if you want somthing picked up let me know. Would love to check out the store anyway since i just got into the world of vinyl.
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