Up, Down, to the Side

[ondrej]

My stylus is getting old soon, and I'm planning on replacing the cartridge.

The cart is an ADC QLM 32 MKIII. It came mounted on the Thorens TD-160 that I bought used. It's the best cart I've yet lived with, although it was also the first one that I spent the time to fine-tune...

I've played with the after-market styli for this unit, but haven't been impressed, which is why I'm looking for a new cart. At some point I'll try an MC, but for now I need to stick with a <$200 MM.

Reading around, I'm tempted by the AT-VM95ML -- I think it works for my current sonic priorities.

My main question: will this cartridge feel like a step down from the ADC? A lateral move? An upgrade?

An auxiliary question: any other cart recommendations?

The TD-160 is going into a Yamaha A-1 and then to Original Large Advents.

Thanks!

 

[benricci]

For under $200, my go-to recommendation is the Nagaoka MP-110. The AT is certainly a fine choice, but it seems to be out of stock just about everywhere right now.

 

[twiiii]

Ortofon. So many choices.

 

[cason]

Slightly over budget, Ortofon 2M Blue. In my experience, it requires careful setup and a little tweaking to achieve best results, but can be a very satisfying cartridge.