USA Soccer
Well-Known Member
I am putting a new one on my Sansui SR-929. What is the best cartridge in the price I have given for a new one.
The best MM cartridge under $250
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Ilikevinyl
Cool Breeze
These would be my picks.
Audio Technica AT440MLa
Ortofon 2M Blue
Denon DL110 (high output moving coil, can be used in MM phono stage)
I have the AT440MLa and really like it. The MicroLine stylus is the best in it's price class.
Have to add Shure M97xE with JICO SAS stylus. Have that one also, another exotic stylus shape.
Audio Technica AT440MLa
Ortofon 2M Blue
Denon DL110 (high output moving coil, can be used in MM phono stage)
I have the AT440MLa and really like it. The MicroLine stylus is the best in it's price class.
Have to add Shure M97xE with JICO SAS stylus. Have that one also, another exotic stylus shape.
Stanton681EEES
Addicted Member
That's a very subjective question and I'll bet you'll get lots of opinions. I don't believe there is any best cartridge under 250 what's best on your table may not be on mine. I know your seeking answers but you and you alone will have to decide what works best in your system.
Sorry if this sounded preachy as it wasn't my intent.
Sorry if this sounded preachy as it wasn't my intent.
USA Soccer
Well-Known Member
high output MC cartridges $250 or less also
Hi, not at all. I am also curious on opinions on high output MC cartridges.
Hi, not at all. I am also curious on opinions on high output MC cartridges.
MWalt
Super Member
If you want a really good HOMC cart, look on the Bay for an SAE 1000LT. They were NOS for around $200.00 and I think there may be some left. I picked up one as a backup cart for my Audio technica AT33EV and I was pleasantly surprised by it's performance. It performs waaay above what it is going for.
USA Soccer
Well-Known Member
Cool, thank you.
The SAE cartridge is a good deal by all accounts... not many negatives out there!
The Arm on the table is mid-mass, so choose a mid compliance cartridge to get the best from both.... something like 15CU @ 10Hz or 8CU @ 100Hz
The Nagaoka MP series are another range that would match that arm/table well..
The Arm on the table is mid-mass, so choose a mid compliance cartridge to get the best from both.... something like 15CU @ 10Hz or 8CU @ 100Hz
The Nagaoka MP series are another range that would match that arm/table well..
scottyh777
Super Member
I do like the SAE 1000E as stated above also consider this for $229>It will rock your your world.
http://www.turntableneedles.com/Empire-EDR9-COPY_p_751.html
http://www.turntableneedles.com/Empire-EDR9-COPY_p_751.html
USA Soccer
Well-Known Member
I was thinking about the Denon for $140 or the SAE for $218. I figured I has a late 70's turntable so I went with the late 70's cartridge. So the SAE 1000LT it is.
bobins08
Celebrating Life
I have the Dennon DL 110, cost $139 at Needle doctor. Love it.
It started nice and it breaks in even better. It is rewarding to hear it improve. Fun.
The SR929 is a mid mass S-arm - so it works best with a mid compliance cartridge - with the exception of the Shure styli with the brush - where the brush provides damping to allow a higher compliance stylus to work with the heavier arm.
Having said that...
A Shure M97 with SAS stylus would work
An AT95 - given the budget you can fit it with a VividLine, HE or Shibata stylus
A cartridge from the Nagaoka MP series (as high up the range as your budget will allow)
The SAE MC cartridges are good value and a good match too
The Denon 103/110/160 cartridges would require higher mass to do their best - you can add mass with a heavier headshell, but you may need a heavier counterweight as well.
bye for now
David
Having said that...
A Shure M97 with SAS stylus would work
An AT95 - given the budget you can fit it with a VividLine, HE or Shibata stylus
A cartridge from the Nagaoka MP series (as high up the range as your budget will allow)
The SAE MC cartridges are good value and a good match too
The Denon 103/110/160 cartridges would require higher mass to do their best - you can add mass with a heavier headshell, but you may need a heavier counterweight as well.
bye for now
David
capt.chaos
Super Member
For under $250 I would get the Ortofon 2M Blue.
USA Soccer
Well-Known Member
The Sansui SR-929 got a fresh tune up and a new MC cartridge. It sounds amazing...
bob06
Addicted Member
He said he went with the SAE 1000LT. :thmbsp:No fair! You can't tell us that without telling us which cartridge you chose.
-Bob
