2. analog
  3. 1139779419

ar turntable resurrection advice

I recently was given a mid 1980's AR ES turntable with an empty Sumiko Premier MMT arm. I'm anxious to get back into my pile of vinyl. What entry level cartridge can you guys recommend to an old guy with too many kids in college. I'm looking to spend $125 or less. I will be hooking this table up to an old NAD 1700 powered by an equally old NAD 2400 and played through Paradigm monitor 9's. I find my system a little on the "forward/edgy" side so a smooth musical cartridge is what I'm looking for. I listen to a lot of blues, guitar hero based classic rock, jazz and accoustic/folk/bluegrassy stuff. Does anyone have any input on the grado "color" series. I have heard good things about the ortofon om 20 but would like some second opinions.I appreciate your time and thoughts.
Tim
tda44
tda44 OP
43 posts
 
thanks to all for the recommendations! my dependable nad 1700 does indeed have a mc stage so feel free to give me tips on the moving coils too. how much skill is involved in a diy installation of a cartridge? the only time i did it was 25 years ago on a p mount linear tracking piece of crap technics. is this the kind of job for a ham fisted, spasctic impatient 50 year old geezer? go ahead, be honest i can take it!
elevick
2,439 posts
 
The Goldring and shure 97 are great choices. The ortofon sounds fairly nice. My only beef with upgrades to the ortofon is the needle price is quite high in comparison to finding a whole cartridge on sale.
I have the Goldring (1012?) on my table now and like it better than the ortofon or blue point. Didn't try the Denon. The shure was great for the money but can't keep up with these.
Try www.ewsaunders.com or www.needledoctor.com
Setting up the cartridge properly may be more important than what you buy. Find someone locally with the right guides and a nice scale.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
The Denon DL-110 is a high-output moving coil that will meet your needs and fit your budget. I would also take a look at the Audio Technica AT-440ml, for a brighter, more foreward, sound at a similar price point.
tonyptony
500 posts
 
Wow. Tons of good choices. I see a few mentioned that have been around almost as long as the table!

I had always heard good things about the DL-103. I actually tried a Grado (Reference? Statement?) on my table and didn't really care for it. Wonderful body, but seemed a little dark with my combination.

Elevick, I'd love to hear more about the Goldring versus the Ortofon and Sumiko. What table did you try these on?
More to discover