2. analog
  3. 147039-2484

What's your go-to cheapie cartridge?

Let's say $300 or less. This would be your "y'know, this thing is pretty darn musical even though I've got higher end carts" cartridge. In my case I'd have to say it's my 103R. Not as transparent or fast as a lot of my better carts, but it sails smoothly through the grooves and just sounds good. 
tonyptony

Showing 3 responses by stevecham

stevecham
3,298 posts
 
Easy: Nagaoka MP110
stevecham
3,298 posts
 
Grado Gold with 8MZ stylus is also a good combo, (I have a Black, a Gold and the 8MZ) albeit, the total price would exceed the OP's budget.
stevecham
3,298 posts
 
The highs are more prominent with the 8TZ styus and I feel it tracks better than with the stock stylus. Overall the frequency balance seems more even. I’m sure the XTZ would be even better, but it’s out of my price range.

One thing I wish Grado, as a prominent phono cartridge maker would do, is provide the dimensional profiles of the styli used on its cartridges. They need to join the vinyl playback world in that regard. They say "elliptical," well what exactly does that mean? Feels like they’re trying to hide something.
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