• 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

New cart or new stylus?

Z

zirtico

Active Member
I just got a Technics SL-MA1 and need some advice. The stylus on the Ortofon OMP 10 is gone. Am I better off replacing it or buying another cart? I checked some out on Needle Doctor and saw the Grado Black/Green have slightly better specs for even a bit less than the Ortofon. How does the Ortofon compare to those two? What decent P-mount carts are there under $100? Advice appreciated.

A second, off topic question: The SL-MA1 does not have a strobe light. How would I go about checking the speed to see how steady it stays?
 
Register to hide this ad
Instead of buying a bad stylus vich i bought today, better another cartridge. My stylus replacement had a very crappy cantilever suspension, i couldn't set the VTF to work well, that's why i replace suspension with original rubber one from worned stylus, and it's work great, but it's risky. Or take care to get really high quality replacement, but you'll never know.:scratch2:
 
Either a new stylus or a new cartridge is a fine idea. Ortofon and Grado sound different, so I don't think I'd let specs influence my decision. I'd be more interested in their overall characteristics. If you want to go really low cost and good value check out the Audio Technica AT92ECD. You could even upgrade to a nicer stylus later, just like you can with the Ortofon you already have.
 
Thanks for the strobe sheet. @Bob, I'm not too concerned about cost. I just want the best $100 can get me. I'll check out the AT92ECD.
 
I've used that AT before. Sounds surprisingly good for how cheap they are. $20 on Amazon.
 
zirtico said:
What do you guys think of the AT311EP? More expensive, so better than the AT92ECD?
Click to expand...

I've never heard it claimed to be unquestionably better. I have an AT311EP and I do like it. I put a line contact stylus on it after spending some time with the original elliptical stylus. I think the difference between the two cartridges is output level, with the AT311EP being the higher of the two.
 
Good information. Well if anyone else has an opinion on the best cart under $100, I'd love to hear them. Thanks.
 
Bob_in_OKC said:
Ortofon and Grado sound different, so I don't think I'd let specs influence my decision. I'd be more interested in their overall characteristics.
Click to expand...

I agree with Bob_in_OKC. The specifications won't really tell you whether you'd care for the way it sounds. I happen to prefer Grado over Ortofon, but my older brother holds the opposite opinion. When it comes to p-mount models, the most enjoyable one to my ears is the humble Shure M92E. It doesn't have great specs, but I love its warm, smooth, non-aggressive presentation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom