ssmith3046
Super Member
The Ortofon 2M Blue is an excellent $200.00 cartridge.
Looking for a new cartridge - Help!
- Thread starter tomrich22
- Start date
There are a lot of lower-cost cartridges that all have their fans. I've always used my turntable enough that I'd wear out a stylus in a year, sometimes a bit less, and for many years I just tried one budget-priced model after another. Almost all of them had attributes I could appreciate and made at least part of my record collection enjoyable. I came to like best models from Stanton and Grado, with the M97xE being the only model from Shure that I really liked (not that I've had all that many of them). I like a warmer, smoother sound for an all-round cartridge. You might like something different. I suggest just getting something that sounds interesting to you, then getting a different flavor next year. Have fun with whatever's out there.
tomrich22
Well-Known Member
Well as a couple of AK'ers suggested the Sure M97xE I purchased one for $59. Can't go wrong for that price with free shipping. I received it yesterday and got it set up last night. I am listening to it now and it doesn't sound too bad compared to the standard cartridge that came with my TT. Right now they sound the same to me but I imagine there is a burn in time. So I will report back with further results.
Stanton681EEES
Addicted Member
For ten dollars more you could've had this and not to ruffle anyone feathers and The Shure M97XE lovers but this will kill the M97XE
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer...t_Code=NAGAOKAMP011&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART
Plus with your older Pioneer Receiver that Shure may be to laid back sounding.
bluesky
Lunatic Member
Don't feel so bad or alone.
I broke the needle off my cart too, and it was a 'fine and most excellent sounding' old (1980) Ortofon cartridge with real low hours on it. Installed another cartridge I had, a new AT, but it doesn't sound no where as good. So..I'm lookin for a new cart toooooo. Looking for an Ortofon in the $250 price range but there is no big hurry. The Ortofon sure 'tracked' a lot better than this AT cart, that's for sure.
I broke the needle off my cart too, and it was a 'fine and most excellent sounding' old (1980) Ortofon cartridge with real low hours on it. Installed another cartridge I had, a new AT, but it doesn't sound no where as good. So..I'm lookin for a new cart toooooo. Looking for an Ortofon in the $250 price range but there is no big hurry. The Ortofon sure 'tracked' a lot better than this AT cart, that's for sure.
Cartridges I've listened to and like under $250
How about an AT440MLa or a Grado Gold? I have the AT in a vintage Thorens TD-160 at the moment (it's brand new but it's still pretty darn nice). I also run a Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo (a bit more pricey but still darn nice sounding) in my other turntable.
How about an AT440MLa or a Grado Gold? I have the AT in a vintage Thorens TD-160 at the moment (it's brand new but it's still pretty darn nice). I also run a Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo (a bit more pricey but still darn nice sounding) in my other turntable.
The more I listen to it, the more I like it. Not sure why but the AT sounds better to me than the Sumiko Blue Point Special. Tracks very well and sounds very detailed and clear to me. For under $200 it is very nice addition to my Thorens. I know it's all about personal preference but I'd buy it again and recommend it to anyone.
markshan
Sir Thrift a Lot
The Elan comes in a conical and an elliptical. So if you had tracking issues my guess is that you had the conical.
If you should want to try this cart, save a lot of money and get a "Red Ed" from Ed Saunders site. Same cart, no badge.
tomrich22
Well-Known Member
Hey Stanton,
I got to thinking about what you said up above. So I purchased the
MP 11 and another headshell for my TT. Can't wait till it gets here so I can compare the 2. I hope your right and thanks again.
Tom