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Best $250 max phono Cart

G'day mates -

I'm loaning a friend my old turntable/amp (Nottingham Analogue Horizon, Rega tonearm, Rega Brio integrated amp with built-in phono).  He'll need to purchase a cartridge but does not want to spend more than $250.   He'll be listening to mostly rock & pop 60's-90's.  I also have an Auditorium 23 SUT intended for the Denon 103, but that $350 for a new Denon 103 price tag is too steep for him.  I see the Audio-Technica VM540ML ($249) as a top seller on Needle Doctor, but I have not heard it.  I'm curious if you have recommendations at this price range? Or, should I just tell him to bite the bullet and get a denon 103/R? Thanks in advance!
mikld

Showing 1 response by mattmiller

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
I would Highly recommend the Ortofon 2M Blue $236 on Needle Doctor. With this MM cartridge it will sound great on a Rega arm and no step up transformer needed, just feed it right into your amps phono input. The Denon 103 is not a good match for the Rega arm, The 103’s need a heavier/larger arm to have optimal compliance.


Matt M
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