Trying vinyl, need some help!


For the last month, I have been searching for a good cd player or transport and thought I had settled on a Mcintosh unit when I started looking and turntables. I found a Roksan Radius 5 with a Nima tonearm that was in my budget so I bought it.
Now comes the problem, the cartridge. There are so many to choose from and they are not cheap so finding one that would compliment the table/arm is a bit intimidating.
My Audio Research preamp has 2 inputs for MM, or I can purchase a dedicated MC preamp.
If anyone has any experience with the Radius 5 please let me know what you have tried.
drf24
@drf24

I know this isnt always true in practice but I guess the only way to find out is to buy a MC and MM at the same price point and see which one I enjoy more.

The key is not the price point, but a quality of the cartridge, MM is always cheaper. Top quality MM at $700 (used) can beat $3000 MC with ease.

@roberjerman

MC cartridges beat MM and MI cartridges for sound quality and information retrieval from those vinyl grooves - contrary to what the untutored say! My experience goes back 40 years! Limited budget? Try the Denon 103R

Do yourself a favor, listen to Mr. Peter Ledermann’s (SoundSmith) speach about MI vs. MC in this video https://youtu.be/F65mODzn4Gk He’s the guy who refurbishing your MC cartridges every day for ages. If that’s not enouph read this thread and you will discover amazing MM/MI cartridges https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/who-needs-a-mm-cartridge-type-when-we-have-mc Another great article about how close is the MM to the master tape is here: http://www.regonaudio.com/Stanton881AudioTechnicaATML70.html
MC cartridges are not bad, just 3 times more expensive when it comes to a good ones (if they are used) and 10 times more expensive if they are brand new + the cost of the SUT or high gain phono stage (even for your cheap Denon 103). 

No, your cheap DENON-DL103R MC does not extract the information from the vinyl groove, because it has an awful conical stylus tip, more about styli here: https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?t=22894 The truth is truth, even if you’re a beliver. This is just an entry level MC cartridge, designed in the 60s to play records on NHK Radiostation in Japan.


Why not do what I did, I bought a used MC cart (Lyra Delos) for a be price of a new MM cart and I have been very happy with it.
donvito1You said your budget was under $600. The last time I looked the Grado Master was $1000!

The Grado masters is a grand however the sonata is $600ish.
For the time being, I ordered a Sumiko Pearl until I make my mind up. I am hoping to be able to find a place near by to take some time to listen.
Thanks for all the input! It gets confusing but I am sure it will begin to make sense as time goes.