[Indiansprings]

Just dug out my old SL-Q3. It has a Audio Technica orange and white colored cartridge. From the early 80's I suspect. I cannot read which one it is. I would like to stay south of $150.

[neobop]

Hi,
Is this a conventional Technics with a standard 1/2" mount cartridge?
Most ATs will have the model number on top, under the headshell. Maybe there's a stylus available. Sometimes you can upgrade the cart with a replacement stylus. If you want to get a new cart, it would help if we knew something about your system, phono stage, and the kind of sound you're looking for. I'm sure you'll get some good recommendations.
neo

[Wayner]

I'll assume that it's a step up model from my SL-Q2. I have successfully run my Grado Gold Longhorn on it with very satisfactory results as well as an Audio Technica AT440MLa.

Wayner

[Indiansprings]

It is pretty much identical to the SL-Q2. 1/2" mount.

[Wayner]

They're all 1/2" mount, I was more interested in the pivot to spindle distance (215mm).

Wayner

[Indiansprings]

I think it is identical to the SL-Q2.  SL-Q3 has an auto repeat function, with the corresponding switch on the front panel. I keep looking at the Denon DL-110 and DL-160.

Here is my equip breakdown.
Amp,                VTL MB-125 monoblocks
Preamp,           Dynaco Pas-3
Speakers,         Von Schweikert VR-2
Cables & Wires, cheap stuff
TT,                   Technics SL-Q3

[DaveyW]

For that sort of cash I'd say you're in the right ball park.
Both are great carts for the money.
I'd also be considering the AT 440mla very detailed but some do find it a little bright into a std. 47k ohm loading.
I prefer it at 32k.
Another option if you want a bit of body, is shod a Std. High output Grado body (Prestige etc.) with a 100 USD 8MZ stylus.
You can hear samples of all of these combo's on my website , granted on a different deck - Should give you a bit of a flavour.
Cheers
Dave

[dlaloum]

Why don't you start by posting a pic of the cartridge on the arm...

The AT DR200 series were orange and white (p mount with adapter)
the AT11/12/13 were white bodied and some styli for that series had orange or caramel bodies
The AT Signets were white - and Tk6ep can be fitted with RX1500 realistic stylus which is organge/caramel

For each of the above, styli available range from cheap conical to Shibata and Line contact, sometimes with exotic cantilevers as well....

You might have a good cartridge on there - worthwhile checking

bye for now

David

[Indiansprings]

Good idea
I will try and get a pic up this weekend

[thinker10]

Assuming the arms bearing are fine I would not afraid of putting an Ortofon 2M Bronze on it.

I said the Bronze because some store can give great deal on them

Thank You

[Indiansprings]

Ok, I went and got a Denon DL-103R 
Seems like it should be a good starting point. Not to expensive. Seems under priced based on the reviews.

[Wayner]

It was great for old AM radio stations.

W

[Indiansprings]

It was great for old AM radio stations.

W

Wait what?? Its going to be that bad?