[TKonrad.NOLA]

I am really enjoying the VPI Scout Jr. but I want to see if I can get a little more out of it, so I am going to upgrade my cartridge.   I am still new to all of this, so I am seeking some suggestions for a MC cart that is an upgrade over the 2M Red without spending a fortune.

[Escott1377]

I am really enjoying the VPI Scout Jr. but I want to see if I can get a little more out of it, so I am going to upgrade my cartridge.   I am still new to all of this, so I am seeking some suggestions for a MC cart that is an upgrade over the 2M Red without spending a fortune.

Not sure what a fortune is (?), but I have had success w/ Soundsmith's products and my VPI Classic 1.  I use the Voice cartridge which is a moving iron, but I am intrigued by the Zephyr and it was developed as a shared project w/ VPI.

Good luck...

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-13407-soundsmith-vpi-zephyr-moving-iron-phono-cartridge.aspx

[hibuckhobby]

I like my D103 denon and it's pretty cost effective.
Hibuck...

[Charles Calkins]

  DigitalDude:
 
  Wayner and Frank Van Alstine sell a Grado Gold with the longhorn gizmo for $350.00
 
   I have that setup on my Rega TT. Sounds pretty good to me. Contact them especially wayner. He is the vinyl man!!!

                                                                      Cheers
                                                                     Charlie

[Minn Mark]

You could get into a Sumiko for not a lot extra...

http://www.needledoctor.com/Sumiko-Blue-Point-No-2

I have a VPI and use a Sumiko high output MC with excellent results.

An alternative is to upgrade your phono preamp.  Frank Van Alstine was mentioned in another post. Frank makes a killer MM/MC phono pre just reviewed in The Absolute Sound:

http://avahifi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=179&Itemid=237

Cheers,

Mark

PS- full disclosure I have the AVA Vision phono in my AVA preamp and love it with the VPI/Sumiko Blackbird HOMC.

[bacobits1]

For a minimum outlay check out the Vista Audio phono.
There will be a new version coming soon.
The current version is very capable in sound and setting choices.
I have had a lot of phonos and should not have sold this one.

[SteveFord]

You could always stick with MM and get a 2M Black. 

[TKonrad.NOLA]

You could always stick with MM and get a 2M Black.

$755....ouch

[bacobits1]

I agree. I start looking at MC's in that price range.

[SteveFord]

It looks like they've gone up around $100-$150 since I last bought one. 

[Escott1377]

I have a Sumiko Blackbird that is being retipped right now @ Soundsmith.  I will be putting it up for sale in a few weeks.

Please PM me if you might be interested in it.

[Nick77]

I picked up a slightly used Denon 103r for less than $200 and quite pleased. I went from a 2M Blue to 103 and will never look back. Much quieter surface noise and better details and no fatigue. 

[neobop]

I am really enjoying the VPI Scout Jr. but I want to see if I can get a little more out of it, so I am going to upgrade my cartridge.   I am still new to all of this, so I am seeking some suggestions for a MC cart that is an upgrade over the 2M Red without spending a fortune.

Is there something in particular you dislike, or just a general upgrade?   Tough question to answer with the price constraint.  I'm not sure at this point, maybe a Denon DL110 HOMC ($300) will be okay on your arm.  The DL301 should be perfect and it's $329.  You could also upgrade the 2M stylus.  Any 2M stylus will fit and your motor is the same as the Blue.  The Bronze/Black motor is very close in specs and you could get a Black stylus, but it's $500.  The Blue stylus is $165 and is said to be a lot sweeter. 
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?

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

http://www.lpgear.com/product/DENONDL301II.html

If you want a LOMC, IMO get the 301.  There's lots of love out there for this one and I doubt if you could do better for $330. 
neo

[sunnydaze]

If you are OK with LOMC and you don't mind buying used, you can't go wrong with this one:

http://audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Phono-Cartridge/Dynavextor/DV-20X2L/Low-Output-Moving-Coil/149004

Widely used in VPI setups due to its known synergy.  I love my low output 20x.  HO 20x is also great.

[Art_Chicago]

DigitalDude--
Do you have a phono preamp that can handle a low output MC?
I paid for AT OC9 II edition about 350 and really like it.

[jsaliga]

DigitalDude,

You should look into a Audio Technica AT-OC9/II.  You can get one for $350 at LP Gear.

http://www.lpgear.com/product/ATC01.html

It is a MC with .4mv output.
Solid boron cantilever
Microline stylus
Tracks great
Recommended VTF 1.25g to 1.75g

Some think it is a bit bright.  I can see that.  But overall it is truly a great sounding cartridge excellent midrange response and tight, punchy bass that is well extended but doesn't sound tubby.  I use the AT-OC9/III on my Pioneer PLX-1000 and have the OC9/II as a backup.  The Mark III costs about $499.

--Jerome