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Budget MC Cartridge and Synergy

Hi all, I am interested in discussion on Low output cartridges, .3-.6mv output, that are priced up to $500.00.
Some of the usual suspects are Audio Technica OC9MLII, Denon 103,Denon 103R,Grado Statement Sonata, Benz Micro MC Gold,Ortofon HMC30. Let us know your favourites, what types of systems they worked best with be it Horns, Tubes, Solid State. The phono stage and settings that worked the best with them. The more detail the better we can learn. If there are some disapointments let us know about that as well. If you don't think any are good enouph and that it is worth it to pay for a higher priced model let us know and what you suggest. I personally have a Moon LP5.3 phono, a Thorens TD160HD with RB250 and technoweight, modded Technics M5G, run through a tube integrated(GF RITA-880) with Klipsch Cornwall III Speakers. I am wanting to figure out which of these cartridges might have the best synergy with my system (with the Thorens)and/or if I should be looking at something that cost more. look forward to your opinions. Thanks
jamo1
daverz
477 posts
 
You should add the AT33EV to your list.

http://www.jr.com/audio-technica/pe/AT_AT33EV/
br3098
660 posts
 
For virtually every cartridge of any type, the most important synergy is compatibility with the tonearm forst and the deck second. After that, obviously, I would look at the the phono stage, SUT or head amp. For myself, I probably wouldn't worry about anything downstream of that.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
The Denon 103 series is not a good match for the Rega or Technics arms at around 9 grams effective mass for the Rega and, well, much less for the Technics, however the Zu versions add enough mass to get you in the ball park.

The best match and sound, to my taste, would be the Dynavector 20XL. Second would be the Ortofon Rondo series, which were designed on the Rega arms, or even the Denon 301.
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