$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

I know it is not in your target range, but for a Thorens TD-1601 TT, you should consider the Thorens TAS 1600 MC cartridge. May get a package deal. 

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@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.

+1 @dekay and @viridian

Grado carts are known for being musical. Nagaoka Carts are solid performers.