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$300-$500 Cartridge for Thorens TD-1601 Turntable

Hello.  I am considering the purchase a Thorens TD-1601 TT.  My dream table, so please don't try to talk me out of it.  Trying to decide a good cartridge to go with it.  I am a higher-end, Mid-Fi kind of guy, pretty darn good is good enough.  I value ease and reliability over esoteric.  The TT will be a splurge.   Relevant Info:

  • Budget $300-$500
  • Moving Magnet (simplicity, more connectivity options)
  • Natural/organic sound.  No fatigue or harshness!
  • Robust and durable. No breaky.
  • Connect either to Parasound Z-Phone Pre and/or Vintage Sansui AU-5900 integrated (newly refurbished)
  • Current speakers: Paradigm SE-1 or Classic Dynaco A-25 (Speakers will be upgraded one day).
  • I play a good bit of used vinyl, though I clean them with a VPI vacuum machine, and discard the scratchy ones.
  • I like the idea of being able to replace/upgrade the stylus over time.
  • Buying the TT now because my old Dual CS-5000 needs service and I'm ready to move on.
  • Small wood-paneled room.  There will be no room treatments.

Looking for a good match, organic sound, durability and ease.  Cartridges under consideration are, inno preference order are (sample prices for reference):

  • Nagaoka:  MP-150 ($300), MP-200 ($425)
  • Grado: Opus 3 ($275), Platinum 3 ($400)
  • AT: VM95SH ($200 low cost Shibata), VM750SH ($450)
  • Ortofon: 2M Bronze ($500), 2M Black ($545 from Germany)
  • Sumiko: Wellfleet ($450), Amethyst ($600)

Thanks in advance for your input.  

 

gemoody

Showing 7 responses by gemoody

gemoody OP
164 posts
 

great input, thank you.  I was leaning to the Nagaoka and the Grado based on the sound qualities.  Any other input on what constitutes a good fit, or ease of setup, or good synergy?  This is where I have a lot to learn.  Also, open to carts that are not on my lists.  

gemoody OP
164 posts
 

thanks @yogiboy. Look like you use a Grado in your rig.  If you have time, wondering which characteristics you think match my request? TIA

gemoody OP
164 posts
 

Thanks @yogiboy @dekay @knotscott 

gemoody OP
164 posts
 

Thanks to all for the superb input. I continue to lean toward the Nagaoka MP-200.

OK, this is where my knowledge gets thin. I have heard the terms high/low compliance cartridge, not sure what it means... More to the point, would the Nagaoka MP-200 be a good match for the TP-92 arm on the Thorens TD-1601.

 

Thanks G

gemoody OP
164 posts
 

Thanks ‘goners.  

gemoody OP
164 posts
 

Great counsel, much appreciated.

Bonus question, With no regard to brand, etc., what shape stylus would produce the least background noise on older less-than-perfect records?  

gemoody OP
164 posts
 

@markalarsen hey there, funny,  it’s a legit question. This thread is from July 2023, so not only did I think about it, but I did it, I put the Nagaoka on there. I like it. At the time I’d spend a lot of money, and didn’t feel like I could spend more. To your other point, I did lust after the Thorens cartridge you mentioned. Thanks for showing an interest and sharing your thoughts.

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