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What kind of cartridge do ya recon? (yet again)

Embryos

Embryos

Active Member
I think this question has been asked to death, but what kind of cart and stylus should I get? haha
this is the equipment I have::

receiver- harmon kardon hk990vxi
turntable- technics 1200mk5 (if you read the melo-drama of my previous thread, i decided to keep it!)
speakers- polk 7 series monitors
Im no audiophile, and I am relatively new to vinyl. I only need something modest but quality hopefully, my budget is around $200..(can you guess why? heh!)
I listen to many types of music, from low fi recordings of the velvet underground, to recent higher quality production of St. Vincent, Brian Enos work from the 70s, chamber no wave of tuxedomoon, lots of talking heads, minimalistDSCF5827.JPG compositions of john cage, to hip hop from pre early 90s. So basically I guess I would need something generally relative to my existing equipment mainly! BTW, any opinions on the equipment I have?
I just purchased an MK5 from ebay, had a bit of a disaster with the shipping, and the numark CC1 stylus that came with the TT scratched some deep gouges into the platter, but did not break and doesnt sound too bad actually. I know I shouldnt be using it, but I couldnt wait to use my new TT! Perhaps a testament to the numark CC1 which doesnt seem to be too popular?
also, I am no DJ turntablist/scratcher, just a fellow enjoying great music!
 
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The Audio-Technica AT95E goes very well with the Technics arm, and cost around $35 shipped if you do a little research.
It's actually comparable to the SL-1200Mk2 before they stopped production, since it's been made in large quantities for decades with very little price change throughout the years.
A true classic, and incredible value!

You're going to need a headshell as well. The Stanton headshells are inexpensive and good quality.
 
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Embryos said:
no way any idea where to find one? im only seeing around $300...
Click to expand...

Look at the newer version AT 440MLB. It's 200 on Amazon. The Discontinued MLA is 280 on Amazon if any left. I would always look for current production. You might also consider Grado. Their Prestige series is available in price increments as low as $65 up to $260. I have a Gold and a Blue. They are hand made in Brooklyn, N.Y. and still Grado family owned. I happen to love the Grado sound but that's a personal thing.
 
virak said:
The Audio-Technica AT95E goes very well with the Technics arm, and cost around $35 shipped if you do a little research.
It's actually comparable to the SL-1200Mk2 before they stopped production, since it's been made in large quantities for decades with very little price change throughout the years.
A true classic, and incredible value!

You're going to need a headshell as well. The Stanton headshells are inexpensive and good quality.
Click to expand...
You would suggest the stanton over the stock technics headshell? Thats another thing im tryin to figure out... obviously going to need that! im really surprised that there are these super inexpensive carts but there are ones that are also thousands of dollars more. I am obviously ignorant to this whole scene but damn. One day I will understand!
 
Bugler said:
Look at the newer version AT 440MLB. It's 200 on Amazon. The Discontinued MLA is 280 on Amazon if any left. I would always look for current production. You might also consider Grado. Their Prestige series is available in price increments as low as $65 up to $260. I have a Gold and a Blue. They are hand made in Brooklyn, N.Y. and still Grado family owned. I happen to love the Grado sound but that's a personal thing.
Click to expand...
Great! looks like the 440mlb is in the lead with two recommendations. Ive got a dumb question, but the little hinged protector in front of the stylus, is that all it is? a guard for the stylus when not in use? or is it some other cool thing beyond by comprehension level?
 
I will also recommend the Shure M35x, of all my cartridges this is the one I use the most. Mine is slightly modified from stock though, and still comes in well below your budget:

$35 for cartridge (acknowledging current prices are higher)
$40 for body
$3 for epoxy
$79 for the M97xE Vivid Line Stylus (however, sounds great with the stock conical as well)

20160206_093308.jpg
 
Embryos said:
You would suggest the stanton over the stock technics headshell?
Click to expand...

The Stanton H4S-V2 standard mount headshelll has the longish mounting screw slots that allows for the use of the Baerwald cartridge alignment.
https://www.amazon.com/Stanton-H4S-...=1467502423&sr=8-1&keywords=stanton+headshell

One of the newer version of the Technics headsell also have similar mounting screw slots, not sure of the model number though. :idea:

This may not be a concern if you are happy with the cartridge mounting method described in the owner's manual.
 
Stick with a better cartridge. It's worth it. You already said your budget is $200 so why settle for a cheaper when you don't have to. The swivel plastic piece is a very handy stylus protector. I wish all cartridges came with them.
 
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Bugler said:
Stick with a better cartridge. It's worth it. You already said your budget is $200 so why settle for a cheaper when you don't have to. The swivel plastic piece is a very handy stylus protector. I wish all cartridges came with them.
Click to expand...

Contrary to the belief of some, higher price does not necessarily equate to "better"(whatever that means). Type of music listened to, type of equipment being used, listening preference all comes into play. I don't know if you have ever heard the M35X, but I can tell you that it shoots way above it's cost, and beyond that, is a terrifically enjoyable, musical cartridge. I've listened to a lot of music and a lot of carts over the last 45 years, and this one is among my favorites, ever, because it simply makes music. Hard to believe that in the quest for every last ounce of detail people tend to place that low(er) on the priority list. But they do. What I do know is that $200 is not going to get you a cartridge that is going to be "better" then the M35X. Maybe different. $2000? Could happen, but again, I'd say it depends. For $59, the 35X can be auditioned, and if something that costs more is desired down the line, when the budget grows, it can always be used as a backup, or as something to play the slightly more loved pieces of the collection.
 
Several things are involved in designing and manufacturing a stylus. The M35X is a great cartridge for the price. I used to use one sparingly. The stylus is conical which limits groove contact for detail and tracks between 1.5 and 3 grams. The cantilever is fairly thick which affects response, especially highs adversely (The laws of physics). Heavier tracking than I would want to use on a good record. It is marketed by Shure at the DJ market with their "skip resistant" claim, critical for DJ's. My Grado Gold1 and Blue1 plus my Audio Technica AT30E MC cartridge sound quite superior to the Shure M35X to me. They use elliptical stylii tracking great at 1.5 grams with very low mass cantilever. By the same token if you're pleased with the sound of the M35X great. Just know its limitations. Of course SQ is affected by the entire chain starting at the cartridge/turntable then your speakers and ultimately your ears. P.S. I bought my first good cartridge 47 years ago. I've got you beat by 2 years! It was a new Shure V15 II Improved cartridge. I've accumulated a nice collection over the years including Shures so I'm not anti Shure. I recently hooked my older son up with a Technics SL-1700 with a Shure M995ED cartridge and it's a great sounding combination.
I will add I've always shied away from the Uber high end cartridges with non user replaceable stylii. Too risky for me.
 
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mprince said:
I will also recommend the Shure M35x, of all my cartridges this is the one I use the most. Mine is slightly modified from stock though, and still comes in well below your budget:

$35 for cartridge (acknowledging current prices are higher)
$40 for body
$3 for epoxy
$79 for the M97xE Vivid Line Stylus (however, sounds great with the stock conical as well)

View attachment 755891[/QUO
sberger said:
Contrary to the belief of some, higher price does not necessarily equate to "better"(whatever that means). Type of music listened to, type of equipment being used, listening preference all comes into play. I don't know if you have ever heard the M35X, but I can tell you that it shoots way above it's cost, and beyond that, is a terrifically enjoyable, musical cartridge. I've listened to a lot of music and a lot of carts over the last 45 years, and this one is among my favorites, ever, because it simply makes music. Hard to believe that in the quest for every last ounce of detail people tend to place that low(er) on the priority list. But they do. What I do know is that $200 is not going to get you a cartridge that is going to be "better" then the M35X. Maybe different. $2000? Could happen, but again, I'd say it depends. For $59, the 35X can be auditioned, and if something that costs more is desired down the line, when the budget grows, it can always be used as a backup, or as something to play the slightly more loved pieces of the collection.
Click to expand...
ok heres a dumb question... I currently have a Numark CC1 which i understand is not very popular. is it possible to keep this cart and replace the stylus with a different brand? for potential improvement? I do like the philosophy of "auditioning" the less expensive carts, and going from there...Im getting in trouble these days for all the $ ive been spending on vinyl!
Click to expand...
 
mprince said:
I will also recommend the Shure M35x, of all my cartridges this is the one I use the most. Mine is slightly modified from stock though, and still comes in well below your budget:

$35 for cartridge (acknowledging current prices are higher)
$40 for body
$3 for epoxy
$79 for the M97xE Vivid Line Stylus (however, sounds great with the stock conical as well)

View attachment 755891
Click to expand...
that is a beautiful photo! what is going on there? whaty are the "body" and "apoxy " used for?
 
Bugler said:
Stick with a better cartridge. It's worth it. You already said your budget is $200 so why settle for a cheaper when you don't have to. The swivel plastic piece is a very handy stylus protector. I wish all cartridges came with them.
Click to expand...
I may go the cheaper route for now,, save some more pennies, learn a bit more, and then really make it count! thanks
 
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