[FastGame]

I have an old Pioneer PL 112D that works fine except I need a new cartridge. I also have about $400 to spend. I was thinking between getting nice cartridge for the Pioneer or buy a new TT. Looking at the Uturn Orbit with upgrades, Acrylic platter, Grado Blue1, cork platter pad. I can get this for under $400.

So my question...what would be better ? nice cartridge for Pioneer, buy the Orbit, or get something new or used that's better than both the Pioneer or Orbit ?

I'm clueless on what's the hot item in budget TT but I would like the best I can get for around $400- + range. I'm into Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz and wife is Country girl.

Thanks

[neobop]

Hi and welcome to lunatic fringe,

What cartridge do you have now and what's the rest of your system?  You're familiar with Grado?

neo

[woodsyi]

I have an old Pioneer PL 112D that works fine except I need a new cartridge. I also have about $400 to spend. I was thinking between getting nice cartridge for the Pioneer or buy a new TT. Looking at the Uturn Orbit with upgrades, Acrylic platter, Grado Blue1, cork platter pad. I can get this for under $400.

So my question...what would be better ? nice cartridge for Pioneer, buy the Orbit, or get something new or used that's better than both the Pioneer or Orbit ?

I'm clueless on what's the hot item in budget TT but I would like the best I can get for around $400- + range. I'm into Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz and wife is Country girl.

Thanks

Welcome to Audio Circle,

I am sure there will be various recommendations once we know more about the rest of your system.  You can also browse this cartridge database thread to get some ideas.

[FastGame]

Hello

The TT has been packed away for the last 30+yrs, I don't have a cartridge it some how got lost over the years...All I remember about it was the best B&O cart made back in the 70's. It sounded great with equipment back in those days (Marantz 2270, Advent speakers) but things have changed.

I now have,  Parasound 2100 pre, Parasound 2250 v.2 amp, Parasound Zdac, OPPO 103D, Monitor Audio Silver 8, Dual SVS PB 2000

Thanks

edit= hmm after reading the "cartridge database" thread I see no mention of B&O cartridge, maybe I had $$$ junk ? and to think I sold a Decca to get that...don't see Decca mentioned in that thread ? I remember these cart's cost way more than my TT, were they over hyped junk back in the day ?

[toocool4]

Wow Pioneer PL-112D was my first turntable, cool. I don’t know much about the U-Turn Orbit apart from it’s from a kickstarter project.

Since you have about $400 to spend, I would say have a look at Rega P1 turntable first.

[neobop]

B & O and Decca are two brands that are not quite as well known in the US.  B & O made a few that were top notch, but if it's gone...

In your first post you said that the table works fine.  Without a cartridge you can't really test it ?
Chances are, you might need a new belt, clean the pulley with alcohol and a Q-tip, and some oil in the main bearing and hopefully you'll be good to go. 

$400 isn't a whole lot for a new table these days.  I think you'd be better off with a used one, but in light of the situation I'd have to say, get a nice cartridge.  I've never compared your Pioneer to an Orbit, but the U-Turn is an entry level table and switching might be a sideways move.  You need a cartridge anyway.

Do you have provisions to clean your records?  That's super important.  If not, maybe an inexpensive cleaning system and a belt should be in the budget.
I'm not sure a Grado would be great on your arm.  They sound very different than B & O.  If you need record cleaning that could leave around $300 for a cartridge.  That will get you a pretty decent cart.
neo

[BobRex]

B & O and Decca are two brands that are not quite as well known in the US.  B & O made a few that were top notch, but if it's gone...

If it's gone, it's not that big of a deal.  Sound-Smith makes improved versions of the B&O carts, from the MMC4 to the MMC1.  So if you like the B&O sound - which is rather good, btw - you can still get it.  You  can also try one of the Sound-smith carts - the Otello is $479, which are based on the same generator.

[FastGame]

I'm not sure a Grado would be great on your arm.  They sound very different than B & O.  If you need record cleaning that could leave around $300 for a cartridge.  That will get you a pretty decent cart.
neo

It's been a long time since I've done vinyl, Maybe I liked the B&O at the time because I was young and didn't know better. I don't know the B&O sound vs the Grado sound, can you explain so I have some idea ?

I serviced the Pioneer and everything seems to be working sans not running with cart. I think I'll just get a cart for the Pioneer and go from there. Any idea what cart would be nice for my system and the music I like ?

Thanks

[neobop]

It's been a long time since I've done vinyl, Maybe I liked the B&O at the time because I was young and didn't know better. I don't know the B&O sound vs the Grado sound, can you explain so I have some idea ?

I serviced the Pioneer and everything seems to be working sans not running with cart. I think I'll just get a cart for the Pioneer and go from there. Any idea what cart would be nice for my system and the music I like ?

Thanks

If you had the top B&O maybe you liked it because it was a great cart.  The Grados have an excellent midrange and full sounding bass.  They sound very good on vocals, however they don't work out on all arms/tables.  Sometimes they hum because they're unshielded and interact with motors or platters and seem to be best on light/med arms.  I don't know about advisability with your Pioneer which has a S shaped arm - probably med mass.

I mentioned record cleaning because it's essential.  IMO you'll have a more satisfying experience with clean records in a new sleeve, than if you spent all the budget on a better cart playing dirty records.  You could spend hundreds on a record cleaning machine (RCM), but something like this would be a good start:
http://www.amazon.com/SPIN-CLEAN-STARTER-RECORD-WASHER-SYSTEM/dp/B002UKSZUU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399542754&sr=8-3&keywords=vinyl+record+cleaner

If you get extra fluid and replacement sleeves, you've spent over a hundred.  You could clean them in the sink with a record brush and fluid - develop a system.  There are quite a few old threads here about that - you might want to check them out and think about it a bit.

Do you know how to install and align a cartridge?  Would it be better to have somebody else do it, like a store?  If you've done this before or think you'll be able to figure it out, then no problem we'll help.   
I was thinking that an Ortofon or Audio Technica cart might be closer to the sound of the B&O, a little more lively than Grado.  I don't think your table has provisions for arm height adjustment in the back, so to be honest I'm not entirely sure.  My initial thoughts are for an AT-7V ($159) or Ortofon 2M Blue ($200).  The 2M might be a little tall or too compliant and the 7V might be a little heavy.  I'll try to research it further.  Meanwhile, maybe Toocool4 can shed some light on this.
neo

[MaxCast]

I'll second the rec for the spin clean.  $80 for the spin clean, $20 for sleeves and a digital scale for $25?? then put the rest in a cart.
Wait for 3 months.  If you are still using the table and going to record shows you can plan your next move from there.

Vinyl engine has protractors for alignment and keep your eye on craigs list for records and tables...you never know.

[neobop]

Well, that was interesting.  Seems that the arm is medium mass and most recommended cart is the AT-95E, but some of that is budget considerations.  An upgraded 95 with a more advanced stylus is around $100.  The AT7V mentioned earlier should also be a good choice.  An extremely popular high output moving coil is the Denon DL-130.  It will plug into the regular MM phono input.  The only thing is, as with most MCs you can't replace the stylus.  If you have an accident or it gets old you replace the whole thing.

http://www.lpgear.com/product/AT7V.html

http://www.lpgear.com/product/ATC95E.html

http://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGAT95SE.html

http://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGAT95VL.html

http://www.lpgear.com/product/DENONDL110.html

Here's a cleaning machine that's easier:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/Record-Doctor-V-Record-Cleaning-Machine/productinfo/RDV/#.U2uOPFIU8dU

What are your thoughts on all this? 
neo

[FastGame]

Thanks to all.

I'm aware of the cleaning routine, my vinyl days were in Phoenix, Arizona. The B&O was one of the least tolerant cart's with dirty LP's . I'm sure I can set things up myself, the B&O was real finicky...had to go though alot in setup but was worth it.

I'm going to try the Audio-Technica AT-7V, I'll get the Record Doctor. I will keep things posted.

[yeldarb]

If the platter on the Pioneer is aluminum, the Denon is astounding for the money.  But, you break it, you bought it (another).  Search for "Ed's red cartridge".  It is the same as the Music Hall Tracker or Goldring Electra.  Not bad as is, but LP gear has a hyperelliptical stylus replacement that improves it so much it seems silly.  Less than $100 for both.

AT95 with a hyperelliptical would be good, too.  Another hundred.  And maybe a Spinclean?

And, in the price range you stated, I'm not sure you can do better than what you have.  I am in the same boat, using a Technics DD. 

[Wayner]

Dealxtreme has a great digital scale for under $15, however, the last one I bought had to have the load cell mounting screws loosened and then just snugged, because the screws were installed way too tight, causing the scale to drift all over the place. But for $15 what the hell.

http://www.dx.com/p/digital-precision-scale-with-leather-case-5g-max-0-01g-resolution-16269#.U2vtOaKuYwo

Wayner