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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 6 responses by tonyptony

tonyptony OP
500 posts
 
I heard a Grado Black on a VPI Traveler TT in an audio store some years ago. I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed that sound!
tonyptony OP
500 posts
 
Great selections. Let me be clear and say again that the 103R is *my* go-to right now, although I've been curious about other carts in this price range. One thing I love about it is, frankly, the elliptical stylus. IMO there's nothing wrong with an elliptical if the cart is able to be musically satisfying. Still, technology and time do sometime provide for moving the ball forward (sometimes!), so finding out about these newer carts is always interesting. 

Here's another question for carts in this price range - is there one that could be considered "today's" 103R? Doesn't have to be MC necessarily. I have uber-carts for top shelf playing, but sometimes you want to just sit back with a reliable, dependable, cheapie and enjoy life. I'll have to read up on the suggestions made so far. 
tonyptony OP
500 posts
 
IMHO, the Denon 103 is a much better balanced cartridge than the 103R

@viridian, I’m interested in your opinion as to why. I've been very happy with what I hear from the 103R. Granted, it's been transplanted to aluminum body, and that helped it quite a bit. Thanks.

tonyptony OP
500 posts
 
Chak, yes I know the 103R has a conical. My error in timing as I was looking over the HW VAS Nova elliptical that I was planning to (and have since) installed. I guess I was thinking about that when I typed. I missed the 30 minute edit window! :-)
tonyptony OP
500 posts
 
Grado Gold with 8MZ stylus is also a good combo

@stevecham, how would you say the Gold stock versus the Gold with the 8MZ compare?

tonyptony OP
500 posts
 
Thanks for that, @big_greg . I was wondering about the Stanton 981HZS. 
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