Cartridge Replacement

Phil_S · « **on:** 7 Aug 2016, 11:59 pm »

It's that time again to replace the cartridge. As usual funds are tight. In the interest of full disclosure here's my turntable/cartridge history over the past 10 years.

Turntable is a Technics 1200 Mk3 with the KAB Fluid damper & Cardas rewired tonearm, with the thick rubber mat. I started with a Grado Black, transitioned to an AT 120e, and am currently running an AT 125LC. Same body as the 120e, just a replacement stylus.

I'd like to keep the cost sub $300. Obviously I am not considering a moving coil, moving magnet/iron are my best bets.

In your experience, what are my best bets?

JDUBS · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Aug 2016, 12:54 am »

The KAB ProS Cartridge w/STY30 Stylus would be a very solid choice. I regret selling mine.

-Jim

neobop · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Aug 2016, 03:17 am »

OR..........

You could get an ATN150MLX before they're gone. The MLX has been discontinued and that stylus on your body is fantastic. A boron/nude microridge for $250 (Lp Gear) is a real bargain. New TOTL is a deluxe version of your body with a tapered AL/nude shibata. The stylus is about the same money as the MLX.

Never heard the KAB/Ortofon. Might be really good. Getting rid of the headshell is a plus, but you can't change alignment.
neo

ACHiPo · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Aug 2016, 07:47 pm »

+1 on the AT 150 MLX. I picked up the whole cartridge for less than $300. It's taken me some getting used to as it's the first MM cartridge I've had in many many years, but it sounded pretty darned good with the Wavestream Kinetics phono stage I demo'd this weekend. I still prefer the Lyra Delos and Kleos, but those are ~10x the cost.

djEmpire · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 Aug 2016, 06:32 pm »

AT 150 is a giant killer.

AgentOrange · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Sep 2016, 12:08 am »

A high end cart is not always the place to spend money.
Lots of guys I know have a cart better than their system can handle.

I would place cart replacement low on the list unless you have an exceptional audio line all other places.

orientalexpress · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Sep 2016, 02:52 pm »

Quote from: AgentOrange on 2 Sep 2016, 12:08 am

A high end cart is not always the place to spend money.
Lots of guys I know have a cart better than their system can handle.

I would place cart replacement low on the list unless you have an exceptional audio line all other places.

The guy looking for a $300.00 cartridge ,What are you talking about?

Dieterle Tool · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 Sep 2016, 03:41 pm »

The cartridge has got to be the most significant link in the TT chain.

The Audio Technica ML150 is a great option for sub $300 range (probably the best). But I guess I will be the first to suggest a Denon 103. Although I have no experience with mounting one on a Technics table, I know Technics provides a 4 gram weight to accommodate its rigid cantilever.

Dieter