Cartridge suggestions for a medium mass tonearm

Norliss

Active Member
Further to my recent post http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/buying-via-hifi-do-in-japan.769262/ I pulled the trigger on a Kenwood KP-1100 turntable which is (hopefully) arriving this week. It's a Japanese model but from as much as I can ascertain it's the same as the KD-990 that was released in the west.

Anyhow, it comes with a headshell fitted with a new Shure M44G cart. Given the outlay I could probably do without any additional expense right now, however from what I've read the tonearm is pretty nice and probably deserves a higher quality cartridge. Consequently, I'll be looking to upgrade in the coming months.

From what I understand, it appears to be a medium mass tonearm: can any of you guys suggest any suitable MM carts in the Ortofon 2M Bronze price category (or lower)?
 
From what I understand, it appears to be a medium mass tonearm: can any of you guys suggest any suitable MM carts in the Ortofon 2M Bronze price category (or lower)?

Check out some of the following:

Audio Technica AT 440 MLb
http://www.musonic.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_23&products_id=17336

Audio Technica VM 540 ML
http://www.musonic.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_23&products_id=19333

Audio Technica VM 740 ML
http://www.musonic.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_23&products_id=19337

Nagaoka MP-150
http://www.musonic.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_22&products_id=17417

Nagaoka MP-200
http://www.musonic.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_22&products_id=83 :idea:
 
Thanks @Balifly - I've been reading about the Nagaokas, they seem well regarded. Never thought of looking at Audio Technica before...
 
How about replacing the stylus on the M44. As I understand it they have a conical stylus, you could spring for a better stylus then as funds permit get a better cart.
 
I have the AT440MLa, but only use it as a spare. I recently upgraded to a Ortofon MC-3 Turbo moving coil cart. It works great with any MM preamp as it's high output. The AT was what most people complained about - too harsh and eventually put out noise exhaustion. Since I switched to the Ortofon MC-3 Turbo my albums have a new kick to them. A much better balance with great detail. My ears don't get exhausted anymore and I enjoy my albums so much more! It has a Nude Fine Line stylus tip for more detail sound. The MC-3 Turbo runs about $320 at most websites, but I found mine on eBay for $299. I first heard this cart on a YouTube video of a straight unedited recording of Paul McCartney's "Band On The Run" LP and it sold me. I can't recommend this cart enough. I've posted a few recent videos on my channel with some unedited LP cuts in the background if you want to hear a few samples:
 
I have the AT440MLa, but only use it as a spare. I recently upgraded to a Ortofon MC-3 Turbo moving coil cart. It works great with any MM preamp as it's high output. The AT was what most people complained about - too harsh and eventually put out noise exhaustion. Since I switched to the Ortofon MC-3 Turbo my albums have a new kick to them. A much better balance with great detail. My ears don't get exhausted anymore and I enjoy my albums so much more! It has a Nude Fine Line stylus tip for more detail sound. The MC-3 Turbo runs about $320 at most websites, but I found mine on eBay for $299. I first heard this cart on a YouTube video of a straight unedited recording of Paul McCartney's "Band On The Run" LP and it sold me. I can't recommend this cart enough. I've posted a few recent videos on my channel with some unedited LP cuts in the background if you want to hear a few samples:

Hey, thanks for this! Initially this cart was not on my radar but it looks to be a good fit in compliance/output terms and seems to be available for a reasonable price on eBay, presumably as its been discontinued now?

There's precious little information/reviews out there for this, so it's good to hear from a satisfied customer. I think it's probably now between this and the Nagaoka MP 200 IF I can get one of those for a good price (from Japan)....
 
Hey, thanks for this! Initially this cart was not on my radar but it looks to be a good fit in compliance/output terms and seems to be available for a reasonable price on eBay, presumably as its been discontinued now?

There's precious little information/reviews out there for this, so it's good to hear from a satisfied customer. I think it's probably now between this and the Nagaoka MP 200 IF I can get one of those for a good price (from Japan)....

As far as I know it's not a discontinued cart. Ortofon has it on their website: https://www.ortofon.com/mc-3-turbo-p-553-n-1579 If you Google it you can find some reviews/feedback on a few sites that sell it. I see it as a hidden jewel that many are just not aware of. The Nagaoka carts are a good deal also, but they have an elliptical stylus. I realize this may be my preference, but I find Fine Line styluses provide better detail in my experience. Ortofon does have a lesser priced model, MC-1 Turbo, that has a elliptical stylus and works with any moving magnet preamp also: https://www.ortofon.com/mc-1-turbo-p-552-n-1579 Customers who bought it at the Needledoctor http://www.needledoctor.com/Ortofon-MC-3-Turbo-High-Output-MC-Phono-Cartridge (priced too high) and TurntableNeedles https://www.turntableneedles.com/Ortofon-Turbo-MC-3-Moving-Coil-Cartridge_p_4246.html all gave it 5 stars. Good luck on whatever you chose!
 
My picks for value are all vintage. The Supex SD900 Super is inexpensive and even if requiring a retip will be cheaper with a new shibata tip than a Hana EL and sounds significantly better ;)

Ditto the Fidelity Research FR-1 Mk3 (forget the F, it's sought after). My pick for new is the Hana EL. On a medium mass arm the Supex and Hana are the best of those I've mentioned :)
 
MM carts in the Ortofon 2M Bronze price category

Why not go just with the 2M Bronze i was listening to mine last night and it is an awesome MM one of my favorites. i prefer it to my 2M black which is a little too detailed for me and picks up a lot of surface noise. The Bronze is a little more laid back and smoother sounding and i get great sound stage when im using it. williamthakker has them on ebay for $361 with free shipping, good seller ive bought a few carts from him. i have it mounted on a Technics SL 1700 mk2 which is a med mass arm.
 
Why not go just with the 2M Bronze i was listening to mine last night and it is an awesome MM one of my favorites. i prefer it to my 2M black which is a little too detailed for me and picks up a lot of surface noise. The Bronze is a little more laid back and smoother sounding and i get great sound stage when im using it. williamthakker has them on ebay for $361 with free shipping, good seller ive bought a few carts from him. i have it mounted on a Technics SL 1700 mk2 which is a med mass arm.

I'm sure the 2M Bronze is great but it's just too high compliance for my tonearm.
 
I was pretty close to buying an Ortofon MC-3 Turbo as they're a good match for my tonearm and amp in terms of weight/ compliance/ output and are currently available at a decent price on eBay. However, I was able to buy an Audio-Technica AT33PTG/II for a pretty good price so have pulled the trigger on one of those instead.
 
I think you have changed from a high output MC to a low output MC. Make sure that you have the proper preamp or step up to enjoy the very nice cartridge you have purchased.
 
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