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Cartridge forgiving of "non-audiophile" recordings and pressings

I’m a record collector first, and I have stacks of vinyl of many genres that would never qualify as audiophile quality, either in terms of recording, pressing, or both. Note that this isn’t a problem of vinyl condition. We’re talking VG+ at worst.

I find that the various fine line styli are too fussy and revealing with these records. Nude elliptical have proven to be a better match here, a good compromise.

Anyway, I’m looking to explore some new carts in a second system and wanted some recommendations. I know it all comes down to subjective listening, but I like to hear about what others have experienced as a guide to exploring.

I want a forgiving cartridge but with good dynamics and a fast transient response. Quick, full, tuneful bass and rich mids are the priority over treble extension and detail.

For now, ignore tonearm effective mass, turntable, etc. Budget up to $1,000. MM or MC.

Thanks all.

funthings

Showing 2 responses by daveyf

daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,004 posts
 
I think that it is probably a good idea to dumb down the system when listening to most of the LP's that you are talking about. Not sure if this is a worthy cause, but it seems to be a requirement with these recordings, IME.
I would consider a MM of some kind, probably one from AT or similar. These can be had for not too much money, and better still have user replaceable styli should something go wrong.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
3,004 posts
 
I disagree that the better the rig, the better the sound on poorly recorded/pressed albums. IME, the better the rig, the worse the sound, simply because all of the warts and poor quality is now brought to the fore! This is unfortunately easy to hear when you place the typical Rock LP under the lens. Personally, it is not so easy to enjoy the music when it is clearly too bright, has vague imaging, poor resolution or any number of other issues that were common to the type of LP's the OP is talking about. OTOH, if one has a less resolving system, IME, these problems tend to be glossed over and the basic music is actually easier to listen to. IMHO, YMMV etc.
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