VM540ML from Audio-Technica is a great value. One of the best sounding cartridges I’ve heard by a long shot.
New Cartridge Suggestions
Help. I’m way too new to ferret thru the myriad of cartridges. I received a George Warren turn table in Feb. It has a Denon DL-110 on it. I’m getting a new Jolida JD-9 for Christmas because my Denon AVR-4806 doesn’t quite cut it & seems to leave a veil over some of the music.
The little neighbor kid started playing with the tt & bent the stylus. As I read, the cost to replace the stylus is a wash because something needs to be rebuilt before a stylus can be out on. So, I might as well replace it.
I don’t know of any places north of Chicago to audition new cartridges. My budget is very stretched at $500-I expected to only be getting to the phono preamp.
1) Does anyone know of a place in N/NW Chicago or suburbs to shop a cartridge?
2) is there anything on Audiogon that people would recommend?
I tend to like things a tad bright.
Please don’t critique what I have or give suggestions to replace X & Y & Z.
Thank you again for your guidance.
The little neighbor kid started playing with the tt & bent the stylus. As I read, the cost to replace the stylus is a wash because something needs to be rebuilt before a stylus can be out on. So, I might as well replace it.
I don’t know of any places north of Chicago to audition new cartridges. My budget is very stretched at $500-I expected to only be getting to the phono preamp.
1) Does anyone know of a place in N/NW Chicago or suburbs to shop a cartridge?
2) is there anything on Audiogon that people would recommend?
I tend to like things a tad bright.
Please don’t critique what I have or give suggestions to replace X & Y & Z.
Thank you again for your guidance.
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- 23 posts total
Here is a sample cartridge shootout involving a Hane vs Nagaoka- https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhSFP0PJCE4 |
I would recommend the grado sonata, retail is $600, you might get a better deal. I used to own 1 years ago. On cheap turntables, they had a problem with hum. On the better turntables, it’s not an issue. not sure if you bought your JD9 yet, but i’m Going to be listing my JD9 mk2 with the optional factory upgrade #1 package and an upgraded set of psvane tubes if interested. |
I’m a Soundsmith fanboy, so take this for what you will... I’d consider the $400 Otello from Soundsmith: https://sound-smith.com/cartridges/fixed-coil/otello With budget concerns, I’d even consider a rebuilt "B" stock unit for $300 (as it will be essentially a new cartridge). Plus, Peter can rebuild your cartridge indefinitely for $100 (if / when something happens to it again). Personally, I will only consider Soundsmith cartridges because of 1) their design, 2) their rebuild policy / price, and 3) to support the man behind the company (he’s one of the good guys). Watch his videos on-line to see why (assuming you’re unfamiliar with the Soundsmith). |
- 23 posts total