I have an old AT 440 ML body with a NOS AT 125 SLC stylus on it. It works well on my vintage Technics deck. I was using an Ortofon 2M Red, but it sounded somewhat flat. The Ortofon, however, sounded better on the Project deck I used to own. I think there has to synergy between tone arm and cartridge. I'm guessing that the AT was developed around the time my Technics was new and may have been the reference brand the Technics was developed around. I think low end Ortofons were used by Project as their reference cartridge as the OM5e was the supplied cartridge and 2M Reds are pretty standard on their more recent budget decks. When my 125 SLC wears out, I may try one of the new AT Microline or Shibata styli that fit on the old body designs. I think AT's are a safe bet for a sub 1K cartridge.
Best cheapo Cartridge
In a bind, I have 2 cartridges that have seen better days. My Ortofon Jubilee has at least 1500 hours on it and I’m starting to hear a drop in performance. My Transfiguration Proteus only has 450 hours but is on the fritz and they are OOB.
I have too many irons in the fire to spend alot and need one to hold me over for a while. Thinking about a MM, like Ortofon or Grado. Would be mating with a Basis Vector 4 tonearm, Basis 2200 sig, and either Allnic H3000 or ARC PH 5. Speakers are Thiels.
Analog heads please give me some advice. I have no experience with MM or MI or than many cartridges in my system for that matter.
I have too many irons in the fire to spend alot and need one to hold me over for a while. Thinking about a MM, like Ortofon or Grado. Would be mating with a Basis Vector 4 tonearm, Basis 2200 sig, and either Allnic H3000 or ARC PH 5. Speakers are Thiels.
Analog heads please give me some advice. I have no experience with MM or MI or than many cartridges in my system for that matter.