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.
tochsii

Showing 3 responses by noromance

Nagaoka MP200 - smooth, warmish and tight
Ortofon 2M Blue - detailed and cooler
Audio Technica VM750SH - in between!
OP doesn't seem to say what his table and arm are but the SS Otello appears to be a high compliance cartridge.
@tochsii Replace the Moth RB250 with a Jelco 850 (750 new old stock or 550 new if budget matters - 850 is well better.) from George Merrill and install any of the recommended cartridges for a major upgrade (mind-blowing) for relatively little money. The arm you have, while competent at the lower end, is a weak link. Honestly, you are overthinking the options. Forget the ZYX LOMC and use the Nag MP150 or Blue for starters with Jelco.