Cartridge Choice

[chris_bates1974]

OK, I am hoping this will be a simple question....

About to sell my old CD player (CD72) and use the cash for a new cartridge, as I understand the Ortofon on my TT is probably the weak link. I'm looking at around £100 as I'll make up the extra if I need to.

So, which should I be looking at?

Thanks!

 

[Al ears]

You are probably right about the Ortofon so I will point you in the direction of the Shure M97xe available for around £80 or, a much better choice might be worth the money, and that is the Audio Technica AT440MLa available (cheapest I can find) from snvinyl.co.uk for £128.

 

[chris_bates1974]

Thanks for the advice... I've also seen some Grado carts reduced at a friendly hifi store near me... But as I know nothing (at all) about them, need to ask.... Any good in comparison to what you've mentioned already?

 

[thescarletpronster]

Would the Nagaoka MP-110 (just under £100) be worth considering?

 

[Al ears]

I would indeed also consider the MP110 but I think that the AT just bests it although it's a bit dearer.

Regards the Grado's I really rate them although I haven't personally heard any in this price range. The Prestige Gold and Black seem to be well regarded. I would check though that the offers you have seen are in fact cheap. Check the internet first don't just a dealer's word for it.

 

[thescarletpronster]

Thanks. That's good to know. I haven't had chance to hear AT carts so I don't know how they compare.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks. That's good to know. I haven't had chance to hear AT carts so I don't know how they compare.

If I had to rank it I would put it just above the MP110 but not by much. There would still be quite a gap between it and your MP200. Sound quality is very similar to the Nagaoka range, good all-rounder for a variety of genres, and it should probably be the 'go to' cartridge for anyone limited to around £120.

 

[plastic penguin]

OK, I am hoping this will be a simple question....

About to sell my old CD player (CD72) and use the cash for a new cartridge, as I understand the Ortofon on my TT is probably the weak link. I'm looking at around £100 as I'll make up the extra if I need to.

So, which should I be looking at?

Thanks!

For that budget you're unlikely to achieve much of an upgrade. You really need to be looking at Goldring 1042 or ClearAudio Concept V2 cart.

I have personal experience: Had a ClearAudio Classic Wood cart with my Pro-ject Xpression TT, and downgraded as looking at a replacement TT at the time. I purchased Ortofon and didn't like it. I have since binned the Ortofon and purchased another ClearAudio. Superior IMO.

 

[chris_bates1974]

Thanks for the advice everyone... Once I've made the choice and got the new cart (mid June), I'll report back!

Not sure about loking at the Clearaudio though, as an extra £50 on top of what I was looking at is a bit steep...

 

[chris_bates1974]

OK, I think I'm ready to take the plunge.... But, it just ocurred to me, I have to actually change the cartridge!!!! How on earth does one do that?

Have tried to look online, but surely it can't be as difficult as some of these articles seem to be suggesting? Can it?

Advice?

Thanks!!!

 

[stevebrock]

MP110 can be had for £84.95 if you look around

Fitting isnt diffucult, but you need the knack, use tweezers to remove/fix tomearm wire tags, use the stylus guard if provided and take your time. Ensure cartrdige is aligned as per manufactuers instructions

 

[chris_bates1974]

So will the cart come with instructions for alignment? And what about "force"?

I have never done this before, so I am frankly quite nervous that I'm going to spend a fair chunk of money, and ruin the new cart by not setting it up right!!

 

[stevebrock]

its usually the turntable manfactuer who provides aligment guides - head over to VinyEngine online loads of info there or try You Tube.

The tracking force recommedation will come with cart

What cart are you going for ? are you buying online or a local shop ? Local shop will fit it for you

It can be daunting but once you have done it a few times its easy

 

[chris_bates1974]

Thanks very much - will check out vinylengine.

Haven't 100% made up my mind yet - thinking Nagaoka or Grado.... so either Amazon or a hifi place in Coventry - but their opening hours aren't great.... So either way it looks like an online purchase....

 

[chris_bates1974]

Thanks very much - will check out vinylengine.

Haven't 100% made up my mind yet - thinking Nagaoka or Grado.... so either Amazon or a hifi place in Coventry - but their opening hours aren't great.... So either way it looks like an online purchase....

 

[chris_bates1974]

its usually the turntable manfactuer who provides aligment guides - head over to VinyEngine online loads of info there or try You Tube.

The tracking force recommedation will come with cart

What cart are you going for ? are you buying online or a local shop ? Local shop will fit it for you

It can be daunting but once you have done it a few times its easy

they quoted me twenty quid! Online it is...