Cartridge upgrade for Pro-ject Debut 3 turntable

[admin_exported]

What would be a good cartridge for this turntable? I've seen the Shure M97XE at good prices on the internet - is it a good match for the Debut III?

Ortofon are readily available here, but I've always found them a touch too polite for my liking . Grados are another option - not familiar with them at all.

Your recommendations, please.

 

[Anonymous]

really depends how much you want to spend. The arm on the debut3 is really good so will even do a £400 pound cart justice. the denon dl103 is a mc type and the price is good. also the budget clearaudio carts are good. as you say the grados are really good the only thing is there really hard to demo so its a bit of pot luck

 

[plastic penguin]

I have a Project Xpression 1 and the cartridge I've had fitted is the ClearAudio Classic Wood. I purchased it about 2 years ago and it cost me then £110.00.

If that brand is available in your part of the world, I would recommend it whole heartedly. If not and your not keen on the Ortofon, try Audio Technica, Shure or Goldring.

 

[Anonymous]

sheepboy1234:really depends how much you want to spend. The arm on the debut3 is really good so will even do a £400 pound cart justice.

Seriously? Isn't that overkill on a £150 turntable?

 

[Anonymous]

no not at all the arm can take it its very similar to the rega rb250 witch is a arm option on the lp12. the arm and cart changes the sound more then most things on a turntable.

 

[the record spot]

Taksinridgeback:

What would be a good cartridge for this turntable? I've seen the Shure M97XE at good prices on the internet - is it a good match for the Debut III?

Ortofon are readily available here, but I've always found them a touch too polite for my liking . Grados are another option - not familiar with them at all.

Your recommendations, please.

I'd suggest the AT440MLa (approx £80-£100 in the UK or around £60 from the USA) - tracks like an absolute winner, detailed and very analytical cartridge; definitely not warm, but highly recommended. Tends to polarise opinion between those who rate it highly and those who consider it too bright. Not many tend to be in the middle about this one.

Alternatively, Goldring 1012GX (circa £120); had this for years on an old Thorens deck and it was very detailed but warmer than the AT. Good overall sound. Both worth considering.