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New Cartridge for Sony PS-4300

Dunkeytron

Dunkeytron

New Member
Hey all,

I just acquired a Sony PS-4300, and I'm in the market for a new cartridge. I'm looking for something in the $150-$250 range, but figured I'd tell you all a bit about the system I'm using, and what I'd like from the cartridge and see if you all have any recommendations.

Currently, this TT is running to a Marantz 2215b which is then connected to a set of Klipsch KG4 speakers. As far as what I'm looking for from a cartridge, I'd like something that's generally not too fussy when it comes to set-up (this will be my first install), and sound profile wise I'd like something that is generally well rounded, leaning more towards warm than highly detailed/leaning towards harsh. Having the KG4s, and the horns that are in them, I'd like something that handles higher frequencies well, and avoids harshness there. Also, if this helps, I'll honestly be listening to most genres, excluding classical. Al Green, Justice, A Tribe Called Quest, Herbie Hancock, etc.

So far from my little bit of research I'm leaning towards the AT VM530EN, Ortofon 2M Blue, or Goldring E3. Let me know what you all think though!

Thank you all!
 
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Nagaoka MP110 or ATVM540ML would be my choices in that price range. AT is a touch brighter, and people describe the Nag as a touch more warm, so make of that what you will.

I currently have both and prefer the AT simply because it completely eliminates inner groove distortion and sibilance (the Nag is no slouch, just not as precise as the microline stylus on the AT).

From what you described as your preferences, you may like the Nagaoka more and it's a bit less expensive, so there you go.
 
You can still find the ATVM540ML for right around the top of your budget. That puts you into a more advanced profile than just about any cart within budget.
 
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Dunkeytron said:
Hey all,

I just acquired a Sony PS-4300, and I'm in the market for a new cartridge. I'm looking for something in the $150-$250 range, but figured I'd tell you all a bit about the system I'm using, and what I'd like from the cartridge and see if you all have any recommendations.

Currently, this TT is running to a Marantz 2215b which is then connected to a set of Klipsch KG4 speakers. As far as what I'm looking for from a cartridge, I'd like something that's generally not too fussy when it comes to set-up (this will be my first install), and sound profile wise I'd like something that is generally well rounded, leaning more towards warm than highly detailed/leaning towards harsh. Having the KG4s, and the horns that are in them, I'd like something that handles higher frequencies well, and avoids harshness there. Also, if this helps, I'll honestly be listening to most genres, excluding classical. Al Green, Justice, A Tribe Called Quest, Herbie Hancock, etc.

So far from my little bit of research I'm leaning towards the AT VM530EN, Ortofon 2M Blue, or Goldring E3. Let me know what you all think though!

Thank you all!
Click to expand...
The 4300 is designed to level a 15mm tall cart. The Ortofon 2M Series are 18mm tall thus you will also need to buy the Ortofon SH-4 Headshell, which has the right geometry to level the 2M for the correct vertical tracking angle. The 2M Blue has built-in capture nuts so mounting it is easy. To realize the Sony tracking error scheme just set the stylus to headshell tail distance to 49mm and square up the cart to the headshell. Now, the AT-VM540ML is 17.3mm tall, meaning it will set on a standard :LP in a tall low condition, which emphases record surface noise. So, you might want to replace the headshell for the Ortofon SH-4 along with a .7mm shim to get the ideal tonal balance. At any rate, looking at your pictures I see that your TT is not fitted with the standard Sony SH-135 Headshell, so the it could be that the headshell that came with your TT is the proper geometry to level your cart. You should check if to see if the AT cart is tail low, tail high, or level. I have the VM540ML and find it is very sensitive to vertical tracking angle.
 
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benricci said:
Nagaoka MP110 or ATVM540ML would be my choices in that price range. AT is a touch brighter, and people describe the Nag as a touch more warm, so make of that what you will.

I currently have both and prefer the AT simply because it completely eliminates inner groove distortion and sibilance (the Nag is no slouch, just not as precise as the microline stylus on the AT).

From what you described as your preferences, you may like the Nagaoka more and it's a bit less expensive, so there you go.
Click to expand...

Would agree completely. +1 for the VM540. Best cart you will find for 250 bucks. Also have the MP-200. Sonically and tonally very close to the VM540, but the VM540 is a better tracker.
 
for got to add, for your next purchase, try one of the EAR clone phono stages and plug it into one of the AUX inputs on your marantz. Will handily outperform the Marantz phono stage.
 
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