r_brumett61
Well-Known Member
Hi, I am looking for a new phono cartridge and my budget is only $100 any ideas? I have a Thorens TD 165 and a new Fluance RT-81. Thanks!
Phono cartridges for $100.00
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savatage1973
Addicted Member
Do you really need a whole new cart, or perhaps just a replacement/upgraded stylus. Unless you really are looking to try something totally different, or need an additional cart, you could just upgrade styli.
DustyOldPile
Vinyl Goddess
Agreed. What cart(s) are you currently using?
Are you needing new cartridges for both turntables? The Fluance should have come with a new AT95E, but maybe it's damaged or you just hate it (not my favorite cartridge, I have to admit). Is your TD 165 the earlier model with the 16.5 gram effective mass arm or a later model with 7.5 gram arm? That can make a difference in recommended cartridge due to the resonance characteristics it will have in concert with a cartridge's suspension compliance. One of my favorite cartridges in that price range is the Sumiko Black Pearl, and it has a middle of the road compliance rating that should work with either the older or newer TD 165 variants. I also like that Sumiko has rather kind replacement stylus costs. Just looking at Needle Doctor for instance, the Black Pearl's stylus is $49 vs. $87 for the Ortofon 2M Red stylus, and both are $100 cartridges.
Save longer and up your budget to $120 then get the Nagaoka MP-110.
marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
Grado Black 2 is $75...............recent thread on a shoot-out between the black-1 and -2 with sound files.
and you can visit DaveyW's web site to hear downloads of multiple carts of MM, MI, MC
Jelloalien1
Active Member
+1 on the nagaoka mp110.
r_brumett61
Well-Known Member
Thanks guys for all of the info. My 165 has a Stanton 681EEE and the Fluance has an AT195. I will be looking at the aforementioned Carts. I do appreciate the comments and help.
CWG66
Well-Known Member
Sorry to revive this thread, but I also own the RT 81(although after today I may go in a different direction) and was looking to upgrade the AT95e. After research and weighing the pros and cons of overkill by installing a cartridge that outstrips the tables abilities I decided on the Nagaoka MP 110. Got the cartridge home...mounted it....so far so good. Now the frustration begins. Although Fluance advises suitable weights of 3.5g to 6.5g for the cartridge. What it should probably say is below 6.5g. There is just not enough weight in the counter balance to offset the weight of the cartridge and headshell making it impossible to balance the arm. After adding some carefully applied electrical tape to the counter weight I was able to get the arm balanced and the anti skate set up.
All this being said, the Nagaoka MP 110 is light years ahead of the AT95e. The AT had been broken in and was sounding as good as it ever has. Right out of the box the Nagaoka was much more musically appealing. Broad and detailed.
I'm happy with my choice.
All this being said, the Nagaoka MP 110 is light years ahead of the AT95e. The AT had been broken in and was sounding as good as it ever has. Right out of the box the Nagaoka was much more musically appealing. Broad and detailed.
I'm happy with my choice.
cafe latte
Addicted Member
Find that hard to believe as I have a lot of carts including a MP-500 way above the mp-110 in the food chain and a AT3600 which I bought for a giggle and it was 20 bucks so nothing lost. Anyway the AT3600 way below the the AT-95 but it sings and it has presence the mp-500 does not even if it lacks detail. Also there is a reason the AT-95 is one of the most sold carts it sounds amazing for the money. The MP-500 is so detailed due to the stylus but the mp110 does not have this so dont rule out the AT-95.
Also check out the Grado 2 range amazing for the money.
Chris
You might see if Fluance offers a heavier counterweight or look for a lighter headshell. I do not like running the counterweight back as far as it goes. Also do confirm that the current headshell does not have aux weights on it.
mprince
Super Member
You can always wrap the c/w with lead "swing weight" tape, available at just about any sporting goods store that sells golf stuff. Doesn't take but a few wraps to add enough weight in most cases. Adding weight to the c/w usually renders it's markings useless, so you will likely need a scale to set VTF accurately.
CWG66
Well-Known Member
Attached the Nagaoka to an AT headshell instead of the original headshell....voila. 
I was able to remove the tape and balance and set the tonearm. Breathing much easier now that things are as they should be. I guess the difference in weight between the AT headshell and the Fluance headshell was just enough to make it possible.
I stand by my initial assessment, the Nagaoka sounds better to me than the AT95E.
I was able to remove the tape and balance and set the tonearm. Breathing much easier now that things are as they should be. I guess the difference in weight between the AT headshell and the Fluance headshell was just enough to make it possible.I stand by my initial assessment, the Nagaoka sounds better to me than the AT95E.
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