Needle recommendations for Stanton T.50X

[05SRTguy]

I picked up a Stanton T.50X at a pawn shop for $10. I just ordered the counterweight and replacement belt, and bought the head-shell. Now I don't know a thing about picking a needle but I read that because of the short straight tone arm it would be best to avoid elliptical needles. So that limits me to Conical and Spherical type. My budget is around $100. I might be able to swing another $50 if it's "Really" worth it.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

The best thing I'd install on it is a Stanton 500, 680 Heavy Duty, or Shure M 44-7. This tonearm is straight, no offset, and very short length. Which equates to Scratch/Hip Hop wannabe who does not care about record life. No elliptical or line contact tips should be used on it, they will not align close to correct, let alone correctly. Buy a cheapie DJ cart with a conical and enjoy it for what it is.

 

[05SRTguy]

Can the tonearm be replaced with something better?

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Might be doable with a Stanton S tonearm. Don't know of any other options.

 

[05SRTguy]

The best thing I'd install on it is a Stanton 500, 680 Heavy Duty, or Shure M 44-7. This tonearm is straight, no offset, and very short length. Which equates to Scratch/Hip Hop wannabe who does not care about record life. No elliptical or line contact tips should be used on it, they will not align close to correct, let alone correctly. Buy a cheapie DJ cart with a conical and enjoy it for what it is.

What would be the sonic qualities of the cartridges you recommended?