My local "audio salon" cartridge expert dude recommended an inexpensive Sumiko Pearl a few years ago as an interim solution until I could decide which more precious cartridge I wanted to eventually try (Linn Akito arm). I had been listening to an annoyingly bright (in my system anyway) AT440 that I sold quickly, and the Pearl sounded a LOT better…years pass and I not only love the tone of the Pearl, I bought a re-tip for it. Still, an utter bargain only suffering from credibility issues due to its low cost.
A new Question: Moving Magnet Cartridge To Compliment My Rock Collection
I am looking for a MM cartridge to work well with my VPI Prime Turntable with the 3D arm and to compliment my large Rock collection. Presently I have a ZU/Denon DL103 MC cartridge with a bent canteliver. I will be sending it to Soundsmith for repair and keep it as a spare. My Rogue tube preamp accepts MC and MM cartridges. I want to keep this in the 500-600 range new and cheaper if used. Recommendations and why?