Best cartridge to reduce hum under $400 USD


I am currently running a Grado platinum reference on a stock Thorens TD150 mkII and Grado phono preamp. I like the the music it produces, but on my new Arcam - Monitor Audio - B&W based system I am noticing the hum a lot more. The hum increases as the cartridges swings towards the center of the platter, so I am assuming the unshielded cartridge is to blame.

With the b&w sub I am also now noticing more rumble, which may also indicate the cartridge is the wrong compliance? If I recall correctly, the tone arm is medium weight, something like 13 grams.

The phono stage has high and low level settings, but not sure it can effectively handle low very output MC.

Any suggestions?

kn
knownothing

Showing 1 response by lewm

What Mofi said.
I would shield the motor. The cartridge is a good one. Shielding may take some time and effort to install but would be cheaper than spending on a new cartridge that will at best be as good as the one you've got. I suggest you get sheet of mu metal and cut it so as to fit under the platter mat. It needs to be grounded, but contact with the underlying platter would likely by itself be sufficient to do that, in that case. Otherwise, lift the platter off and see if you can affix some mu metal over the motor. Then ground the shield. You could even try just a thin sheet of ordinary copper from a hardware store.