Replacing Cartridge on Technics SL-Q202

[Vernal]

I am looking to replace the aging cartridge (Stanton 500e MkII) and so far (out of a dizzying array of options) I am considering either the Audio Technica AT95e or the Ortofon 2M Blue. Both seem to be regarded as outperforming others in their price range, but the AT is in the $50-70 price range whereas the Ortofon is around $200.

I'll leave it at that for now. Any advice and opinions? Thanks!

 

[Vernal]

Ok well actually, I'm sure the cartridge is fine...I really mean that the stylus is aging. But I've always found the highs to be a bit crispy, and I'm not sure how much that has to do with the aging stylus, or the cartridge, or the "nothing fancy" turntable itself.

 

[Balifly]

I am looking to replace the aging cartridge (Stanton 500e MkII) and so far (out of a dizzying array of options) I am considering either the Audio Technica AT95e or the Ortofon 2M Blue. Both seem to be regarded as outperforming others in their price range, but the AT is in the $50-70 price range whereas the Ortofon is around $200.

I'll leave it at that for now. Any advice and opinions? Thanks!

An alternative would be the Audio Technica AT 95VL fronted by LPgear.

It may be step ahead in stylus design and less expensive than the Ortofon 2M Blue.
http://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGAT95VL.html

 

[MacNoob]

Me? I'd invest the $50 in the AT95 and see how I liked it.

 

[Vernal]

An alternative would be the Audio Technica AT 95VL fronted by LPgear.

It may be step ahead in stylus design and less expensive than the Ortofon 2M Blue.
http://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGAT95VL.html

So that would be basically the same cartridge (AT95E) but with a better stylus?

 

[Balifly]

So that would be basically the same cartridge (AT95E) but with a better stylus?

Yes, that is correct.