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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
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!
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
It would also help to know what you would like more (or less) of, compared to your current cartridge. That will help us narrow down our recommendations.
beewax
173 posts
 
Soundsmith designed & manufactured products in USA. Many cartridges under a grand.
lewm
6,770 posts
 
I think the Soundsmith offerings at or below the $500 level might please you, but so too would any number of vintage MM cartridges, made by Acutex, Grace, Nagaoka, AT, Signet, Grado, Astatic, AKG, etc., and for well under $500, probably under $300. At those prices you can often find top of the line vintage MMs. A Clearaudio cartridge, purchased new, would not have nearly as much bang for the buck, IMO.
fleib
1,124 posts
 
Before making a move you should try a 150MLX stylus on your 440. Allow about 5 hrs to break in the suspension. The difference is dramatic.
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