Thanks for the recommendations mattmiller agrippa noromance! I watched some cart shootouts on youtube from HiViNyws (Ian in Singapore), the Nagaoka MP-150 (~$300) sounds great, I agree with the few videos I watched that it outclassed at least the Hana EL but might be a little too $$. Funny story, I have a Well Tempered Labs TLC MM cartridge on my Amadeus, which is modeled after the Nagaoka MP-150. Searching at the $100 level, I'm read that The Vessel A3SE ($99) is worth consideration. anyone have experience with the Vessel A3SE? Whichever way he ends up going it will be fine, there are some really great choices available.
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!
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!