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Which MM Cartridge for under a grand

Hello. I am a new member to Audiogon and am seeking some adivce. I have a vintage system consisting of a Pioneer SX1980 receiver, Teac X2000 reel to reel, Klipsch Belle's and most recently added a Pioneer Series20 Model PLC-590 turntable. It is set up with the Pioneer PA1000 tonearm, with an aftermarket headshell by Orsonic. Ive installed an Audio Technica 440ML cartridge that I was previously using on my Empire 698. My listening style is varied but mostly classic rock from the 70's. Now I'm looking at new cartridge's and would like to be in the 5 to 7 hundred range. Given that you guys know just about everything with regard to turntable setup and I know just enough to get myself in troublecould someone please make some recommendations. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to becoming part of your community. Rick
35off
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Nagaoka MP-500 for a full and chunky sound, Ortofon 2m Black for a brighter sound. Also have a look at Soundsmith and Clearaudio.
schubert
4,867 posts
 
What you have is as good as anything for what you listen to.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I have a DV 20 lomc that works really well with all types of music. They offer a high output version that can be used with a MM phono preamp. With something like that, you'll be set for a long time.
griffithds
851 posts
 
I agree with Schubert. You can spend a lot of money buying various cartridges and just wind up with different flavors of the same sound. But you might want to buy a 440 MLa replacement stylus. The ML stylus is a little brighter than the MLa. This would give you that 'change' that we all occasionally look for and not cost you much money to do so.
BTW: Welcome to our community!
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