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Cartridge rec.'s for Denon DP-60l

Hi all,
I need/want a new cartridge... under $300?
My setup:
Denon DP-60L straight original tone arm
Grado ZF-1 (old version of silver)
Bellari vp130 phono-pre amp
Mcintosh 4100 receiver
Monitor Audio Studio 6 speakers on stands
(the old name for Gold as I understand it)

Vinyl collection: I've got a range of vinyl from classic, vg condition jazz and soul (primary listening), to lots of used rock, country and blues. I'm pretty picky with the used vinyl I purchase, but it's not always mint.

Given the Bellari, I need to go with a HOMC as I understand it.

I've looked at:
the Denon DL-110 or 160: too artificial sounding?
Shure M97xe: open to going more $ if it equals higher quality-also, kind of ugly
Sumiko Blue Point 2: trying to avoid the $400 price point and worried it'll be too sensitive for the ho-hum vinyl.
Grado Platinum 1: too warm, too much hum for my warm rig? Beautiful. Much different from what I have?

Any other suggests? Should I just suck it up and go for the Sumiko? Should I sell the Bellari and consider an MM or LOMC (with a different pre?)
.... I'm lost. Thanks!
Chris
cjeharnish

Showing 1 response by redglobe

redglobe
223 posts
 
Cjeharnish, With regard to a phono section, read up on the Jasmine LP ($500 thru Amazon or Ebay). I use this with a Denon DL-S1 ($500 from Comet Supply or $800 from Galen-Carol). You won't be disappointed and you will have a chunk of money left in your pocket.

I originally had a Bellari, then a NAD 262, and various HOMCs. I purchased the Jasmine and modified the output capacitors for $25 and have never looked back.

Over the next couple of weeks I hope to be able to record a digital file. If you are interested, PM me.
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