• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

A decent cartridge available on amazon?

M

monopole

New Member
hey guys
I have been searching for a decent cartridge that i can buy with my Amazon gift cards.
I was thinking:
Grado Prestige Green
Shure M97xE
Audio Technica ATP-N2

I really want the Ortofon 2M, but amazon does not sell them!
let me know if you see any thing better that what is on my list.
I am trying to keep it under $100
:banana:
Dual 1225 + marantz 2225
 
Register to hide this ad
G'day all, of that list there is only one choice in my opinion, the Shure M97xE.

Set it up carefully and load it optimally (at 47 k) and you'll be happy. Regards, Felix aka catman.
 
monopole said:
love-vinyl
is that the 2225?
i just got one of those recently; i love it!
Click to expand...

It's a 2250. Love it to death. Enjoy your 2225 as it has some great sound!

Sorry for getting off topic but really that little Shure is very hard to beat for the price and has LOTS of stylus upgrades if you so choose. Listen and get comfortable with it, if you do, before you go changing anything. I think you get the idea just how much Felix likes his...:music:
 
What's the rest of your system? I have experienced most of the most popular budget carts and can tell you that it wholly depends on the rest of your system.
 
catman said:
G'day all, of that list there is only one choice in my opinion, the Shure M97xE.

Set it up carefully and load it optimally (at 47 k) and you'll be happy. Regards, Felix aka catman.
Click to expand...

And why is that Lots of people love the AT120e especially if they go to say a 125LC stylus. So I think he has more choices than just one. The Grado Green isn't bad either. I always thought you preferred the Shure at 62K?
Why the change of heart?:scratch2:
 
I'm not crazy about the low-end Grados, they're a bit too muffled IMO and can have problems with tracking.

The Shure has a similarly laid-back sound (fantastic plump bass and full mids, with somewhat suppressed, smooth highs) and tracks extremely well.
 
catman said:
G'day all, of that list there is only one choice in my opinion, the Shure M97xE.

Set it up carefully and load it optimally (at 47 k) and you'll be happy. Regards, Felix aka catman.
Click to expand...

Hello Felix,

I just pulled my M97xE out after a 3 month retirement and I installed it on a Marantz 6300 as a backup deck to substutute into either of my two main systems. I set it aside because I was tired of its sound, especially the high frequencies where it seems to lack presence.

I must have done something right in the alignment because it sounds so much better than ever before. I then set my phono stage to 62K and experimented with the capacitive load and settled on 150pf (I think my phono cables have lots of capacitance too). This loading has an improved the high freq response. To my ears it sounds more forward while still providing that awesome low and mid frequency response. Because of this it has become the full time deck in one of my systems now.

I am surprised at your comment on 47K loading as I have read many posts from you that state 62K to 68K being preferred.

To the OP,

The M97xE is a solid choice. Loaded at 47K it will sound warm and very good overall but not forward in the high end so consider how it would match with your speakers? If your speakers are already bright then it may be a good match.

If you have the ability to load it at 62K it will provide an improved sound. I also like the fact that it has a stabilizer brush which I feel is a very nice feature. One more important item is that the stylus can be replaced at a reasonable price or it can upgraded with a much more expensive Jico SAS which will then take your M97xE to a new and much improved level.

Good luck, Bob
 
thanks for all the tips guys!
Right now i have the marantz 2225, and maybe pre-amp coming (not sure)
i have the dual 1225, but i might switch it out for an old kenwood. as i am having a few issues with it

So let us just say that it is the 2225 and the dual 1225 with newer (2000s) yamaha microcomponent speakers.
I had these Electra Versa 60 speakers, but they cannot keep up with the yamahas
 
G'day all, yes 62 k is preferred but if one is stuck at 47 k then optimised capacitance loading will give very good results.

I don't know why 'surprise' is being expressed in some quarters as I've said this many times before. Just do a search! Regards, Felix aka catman.
 
monopole said:
hey guys
I have been searching for a decent cartridge that i can buy with my Amazon gift cards.
I was thinking:
Grado Prestige Green
Shure M97xE
Audio Technica ATP-N2

I really want the Ortofon 2M, but amazon does not sell them!
let me know if you see any thing better that what is on my list.
I am trying to keep it under $100
:banana:
Dual 1225 + marantz 2225
Click to expand...
If you really want the Ortofon, then get the AT. As a general rule, they have a similar sound. The Grado and Shure will be very different.
 
G'day all, has the OP actually heard the Ortofon 2M? Which model, I wonder? As I've said elsewhere I had a 2M Red which I initially liked but later I learned to loathe, with its tendency to inner groove distortion and generally harsh and 'in your face' sound.

I ended up giving it away for nothing, as I couldn't wait to get rid of it! Regards, Felix aka catman.
 
had the shure 97 (no complaints )good buy.Also have a Ortofon 2M red which is also a good buy but I may have to agree with catman on his review on the red.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom