[XKevinX]

Hi:  Just jumping back into vinyl.  I have an old Technics turntable that uses P mount cartridges.  I have the cheapest Shure cartridge in there now.  I'm going through a Pro-ject Tube Box 2 and a Bryston BP-6.  I'm not in a great position to purchase a turntable at this point, to improve the sound, can anyone recommend a cartridge or any other suggestion would be appreciated.  Thanks

Kevin

[Wayner]

Kevin at www.KABUSA.com has some P style cartridges, Stanton for one. He may be able to help you.

Wayner 

[XKevinX]

Thanks.  Site was also very educational.  In your opinion, will this help with the overall sound or should I wait and make an investment in a new TT?

Kevin

[Wayner]

Well, I don't know how much you want to spend, but it's hard to beat a good technics SL-1200 and especially one from Kevin. You could start out with the basic level and tweak things later. I have one an am running an Audio Technica AT440MLa with great satisfaction. It is my everyday table, built to last for years and years and also has a real descent tonearm. I also have a Technics SL-Q2 table that is semi-automatic (returns at end of record) that I use in my garage during the summer. If I get busy doing something, it's nice knowing the TT will auto return and shut-off. There are other entry level tables from Pro-ject, Music Hall and Rega, but I (and many others here) would favor the Technics SL-1200 over them (unless your dead set on belt driven). You could be all set up for under $600.

Wayner 

[Norman Tracy]

Some of these look nice:

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/P-Mount-Cartridges

[Miney]

Hey XKevinX.

Recently "jumped back in" myself.   Last March, I found my old SL-QD33 and several boxes of LPs in the basement during spring cleaning, after having abandoned vinyl for CDs at least 10 years ago. 

After some dusting, spinning, and liking, I started scouring this board, finally giving Kevin @ KAB a call to order a new SL1210.  His first question was, "what are you currently using?"  After I told him about the TT, his response was that it was actually a decent table, and that my money might be better spent on a good cartridge.  Bought an Ortofon OMP-20 from him and have been extremely pleased. 

So my first recommendation is to talk to Kevin.  The man knows his Technics and is incredibly honest and helpful. 

Also... I've received some great tweak suggestions from folks here including Wayner and TheChairGuy - all most beneficial. 


Paul

[XKevinX]

Thanks all.  I find the SL1200 very attractive and buying from KAB sounds like the way to go.  The only issue is I live in Canada and I suspect after all is said and done, I would be looking at over a grand by the time it arrived.  I just ordered some AudioQuest cables that cost 86.00US and ended up paying about 140.00 CND.  Dollar is not great right now.  Based on the fact that it is a P-mount turntable, I'm still pondering if buying a new cartridge is worth it??  I think I will send KAB an email to enquire.  Thanks again for all of your insight.

Kevin

[Miney]

Have you seen this?  Looks like a KAB unit based on the upgrades...

Good luck.

[vinylkid58]

Or this? 

Going used may be another option for you. You can do upgrades to an older table, with the same sonic benefits as a new one. Try it, I did.

Jeff

[lifewithmusic]

A friend asked me about getting a new P mount cart for her old Technics table.  What would be the best cartridge say under $50 on a bang for the puck basis?

I apologize if this post is too tangential to this thread.  If so, administrators may delete it.