Cartridge

I second the Grado Gold IF you're looking for rich and sweet which can go a long way towards being forgiving of non-ideal records. I wouldn't pair them but the Grado Sonata lists for $500 and is a major step up but overkill for that table. If you're thinking of possibly upgrading the table if the vinyl thing takes, then you'd be wasting less money by going with the Sonata even though it would be a better match for the eventuality of the better table. Either one tracks light at 1.5 grams and has loads o' gain at 4mv. Along those price lines, the Clearaudio Beta S lists for $500 and is another nice jumping off point, a little less compliant, tracks much heavier at 2.2 grams but still with plenty of gain at 3.6mv and much more neutral and resolving.

So what you guys are thinking is don't spend much more than 300 bucks on a cart for that particular table? In speaking to people at Music Direct and Needle Doctor they are saying that the table is good enough for a $600 cart. I realize they are trying to make as high priced sale as possible. I just want to realize the full potential of this table for my son. I figure I pay for most all of his gear I sure want it to sound good when I go over to have a listen. Again if a $600 cart will out class a $200 one than I am ok with spending the money. If he decides he likes vinyl then the table will most certainly get upgraded. Thanks again for all your help!

First, realize the implications of the guidance that you are getting from those with a financial stake in your decisions. Cartridges have a much greater dealer markup than electronics or tables. For a dealer, cartridges and accessories are where the cream is. If the table will, most certainly, get upgraded, then the sky is the limit. But, in the hear and now (bad pun intended), a budget table will regress all cartridges to the mean. Maybe that is what is meant by the table being "good enough", rather than optimal. That is not to say that the better cartridge will still not sound somewhat better.

Viridian -

That is very well put. Thanks for all your help on this issue. I know a lot about amps, speakers, cables and digital but nothing about good old vinyl. I wouldn't have had these questions 20 years ago. Thanks again.

I second the Shure M97, this is a cartridge known for it's neutrality. Mounted on a friend's VPI Scout it is a giant killer. Enjoy!