Analogue Upgrade Help.

TWL and Tswhitsel - Thanks for the kind help and advice. I am planning to upgrade to a TNT or equivalent TT in a couple years but not immediately (ongoing kitchen/living room renovations preclude the added expense). I planned instead to upgrade the cartridge first, but I was under the false impression, based on reviewer/reader comments in Stereophile and TAS, that MC was the only way to go. I am very encouraged by Tswhitsel suggestion of the Grado Reference. I considered this cartridge but did not know what to expect. I use a Clearaudio Beta Aurum cartridge today and used a Grado Platinum last year.

I certainly agree with the recommendation of the Grado Statement Reference in a high output model. I also have a MK4 TT with a classic Grado Signature arm; this cartridge sounds fantastic with this combo. Surface noise is so extremely low; it's just amazing. I have my VTA set such that the cartridge body is almost exactly parallel to the record, maybe just slightly negative, depending upon variables.

Thanks Bob_bundus. I appreciate the input and the help.

Thanks Bob_bundus. I appreciate the input and the help.