The best MM cartridge under $250

[flavio81]

Seems that nobody has mentioned the Grados, perhaps because they are MIs.

I'd suggest getting a Grado Blue and replacing the stylus with a 8MZ stylus, or even better a MCZ stylus.

 

[GuyNoir]

Anyone that goes with the DL-110 should know it' sounds it's best loaded to ca 8k (10k added in parallel with 47k= 8.3k, close enuff).

How about the DL-160? Same deal? Is it kind of hot on the top end @ 47K? I've ordered one from CometSupply, though wondering if they'll be able to get it.

 

[Pio1980]

How about the DL-160? Same deal? Is it kind of hot on the top end @ 47K? I've ordered one from CometSupply, though wondering if they'll be able to get it.

Probably by ear ca 8k-12k from what I've gleaned.

 

[Stereo_type]

Flav:

Seems that nobody has mentioned the Grados, perhaps because they are MIs.
I'd suggest getting a Grado Blue and replacing the stylus with a 8MZ stylus, or even better a MCZ stylus.

I was also kind of surprised that Grado didn't come up as a very worthy contender, sooner. Blue? He could "go for the gold", as in Grado Gold and still come in under $250, unless maybre I'm missing something somewhere...

 

[GuyNoir]

Flav:

...still come in under $250, unless maybre I'm missing something somewhere...

Going rate seems to be $220, though a few NIB Gold 1's went for $169.00 w/free shipping on ePain in the last few days. Still a P mount available at that price. Edit: (not Gold 1, just Gold)

No affiliation.

 

[MitsuMan]

Seems that nobody has mentioned the Grados, perhaps because they are MIs.

I'd suggest getting a Grado Blue and replacing the stylus with a 8MZ stylus, or even better a MCZ stylus.

I think I just fell off my chair. :yes:

You are actually suggesting someone use a Grado cartridge?

 

[Catcher10]

The AT440MLa are going for $150-160 online.......Been thinking of getting one of those, that's pretty cheap for what seems to be a great cart

 

[DC]

At your price point, I'd check out the Ortofon 2M Blue or Ortofon OM30 or OM40, as Bigerik suggested.

 

[flavio81]

I think I just fell off my chair. :yes:

You are actually suggesting someone use a Grado cartridge?

Greetings old friend! But before feeling dissapointed, read what i'm posting below:

Flav:
I was also kind of surprised that Grado didn't come up as a very worthy contender, sooner. Blue? He could "go for the gold", as in Grado Gold and still come in under $250, unless maybre I'm missing something somewhere...

I don't suggest the Grado Gold because at $200, sporting a mundane bushed elliptical stylus and no serious improvements over the Blue, it is overpriced!

 

[MitsuMan]

Greetings old friend! But before feeling dissapointed, read what i'm posting below:



I don't suggest the Grado Gold because at $200, sporting a mundane bushed elliptical stylus and no serious improvements over the Blue, it is overpriced!

Old friend indeed.

Having just recently picked up an 8MZ stylus, I find a noticeable difference in soundstage, HF clarity, and LF extension with it driving my Gold1 vs. my Red. So as before, we can agree to disagree. :thmbsp:

 

[BillyB]

Probably by ear ca 8k-12k from what I've gleaned.

How does the 110 compare to the LOMC 103 series??

I am curious

 

[charles 1973]

You might try a Nagoaka MP150 (or as anouther post suggested the MP110). I've got their MP11 (predesesor to the current MP110) which I'm very happy with. All my LP's sound good with this cartridge and my Tonar Vinyline Phono Stage. It's a perfect ballance between detail and smoothness that just seems right.

 

[Pio1980]

How does the 110 compare to the LOMC 103 series??

I am curious

Primarily the stylus tip is spherical on the plain '103 and "special elliptical" on the '110, so the '110 should have better detailing particularly toward the inner area of the record. Otherwise the '103 should have lower effective moving mass in it's generator portion.

 

[Russellc]

the SAE 1000 LT are gone now. There is still some of the "E" version, and the other seller still has "LT" versions at 325.00.

Russellc

 

[flavio81]

Old friend indeed.

Having just recently picked up an 8MZ stylus, I find a noticeable difference in soundstage, HF clarity, and LF extension with it driving my Gold1 vs. my Red. So as before, we can agree to disagree. :thmbsp:

That's interesting and i'm taking note of what you are saying.

 

[USA Soccer]

the SAE 1000 LT are gone now. There is still some of the "E" version, and the other seller still has "LT" versions at 325.00.

Russellc

I saw that, I am super psyched to have gotten one at $218 delivered.