Opinions on a cartridge upgrade for Micro Seiki/McIntosh system.

[triple20]

Looking for an upgrade from my AT VM95ML,I do feel it's a well balanced do everything good for the price cartridge but I'm sure there is better out there.
Thinking about a AT VM540ML but not sure how much of an upgrade this would be.
What MM cartridges in the under $400 price range should I consider.
Naturally I want the best of all worlds,great detail,strong bass,rich lively mid range and detailed highs without the harsh highs that would be considered fatiguing.

The tt is a Micro Seiki DD 40.
The system is all McIntosh...two MC 502 amps, C 504 pre amp, MQ 101 eq, ML1C speakers.
I recently started running 2 power amps in bridged mode instead of just 1 in stereo and I really noticed a big improvement in sound stage or depth of the music I guess you could call it.
So,I'm looking for more from my cartridge and stylus since the AT VM95ML would be considered close to entry level.
thank you

 

[CrSens]

Grado Opus3 is about the best MM out there in that class. It sounds richer and more dynamic than the good but somewhat bland VM95 series. Choose the high output version. Non replaceable stylus though.
VM540ML is more of a side step in my opinion, more open sounding than VM95ML, but similarly dynamically subdued, and less even balanced. I have all three (but VM95SH instead of ML). I also have Ortofon Blue which came with one turntable, it is more dynamic than the AT's, especially in bass, but it sounds somewhat course and unrefined in upper midrange and treble compared to the AT's and Opus3.

 

[knotscott]

Consider adding a RigB metal body to your VM95ML

 

[triple20]

Grado Opus3 is about the best MM out there in that class. It sounds richer and more dynamic than the good but somewhat bland VM95 series. Choose the high output version. Non replaceable stylus though.
VM540ML is more of a side step in my opinion, more open sounding than VM95ML, but similarly dynamically subdued, and less even balanced. I have all three (but VM95SH instead of ML). I also have Ortofon Blue which came with one turntable, it is more dynamic than the AT's, especially in bass, but it sounds somewhat course and unrefined in upper midrange and treble compared to the AT's and Opus3.

Thank you,I'm going to look around and research this cartridge.

 

[triple20]

Consider adding a RigB metal body to your VM95ML

Thank you
I've never heard of this,going to google it and research this.

 

[Ken Boyd]

Looking at your system, I think the better upgrade prior to anything would be a change of speakers especially considering you have such great amps and pre amps, I don't think your speakers are going to revel their potential. If you want to stick with Mcintosh I would go with at least XR19's but really your gear could handle even much better.

Their are some XR1051's on the auction site that would be nice.

 

[cafe latte]

Grado Opus3 is about the best MM out there in that class. It sounds richer and more dynamic than the good but somewhat bland VM95 series. Choose the high output version. Non replaceable stylus though.
VM540ML is more of a side step in my opinion, more open sounding than VM95ML, but similarly dynamically subdued, and less even balanced. I have all three (but VM95SH instead of ML). I also have Ortofon Blue which came with one turntable, it is more dynamic than the AT's, especially in bass, but it sounds somewhat course and unrefined in upper midrange and treble compared to the AT's and Opus3.

I agree, when the stylus wears out get it retipped with boron and nude Micro ridge and you will have a very serious cart. Google the Grado Epoch. Basically the same engine with gold coils and a better stylus and different wood. If the arm is well damped the wood difference will do little and the gold coils are not a good thing in my opinion (higher resistance and higher inductance). The Opus 3 is a massive bargain, most examples have separation over 38dB which is nuts.
Chris

 

[triple20]

Looking at your system, I think the better upgrade prior to anything would be a change of speakers especially considering you have such great amps and pre amps, I don't think your speakers are going to revel their potential. If you want to stick with Mcintosh I would go with at least XR19's but really your gear could handle even much better.

Their are some XR1051's on the auction site that would be nice.

Thank you!
Now you have set my mind into wandering and thinking about a speaker swap.

 

[triple20]

I agree, when the stylus wears out get it retipped with boron and nude Micro ridge and you will have a very serious cart. Google the Grado Epoch. Basically the same engine with gold coils and a better stylus and different wood. If the arm is well damped the wood difference will do little and the gold coils are not a good thing in my opinion (higher resistance and higher inductance). The Opus 3 is a massive bargain, most examples have separation over 38dB which is nuts.
Chris

Thank you very much!
If anyone knows these cartridges,it's you.
I appreciate your guidance!