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Cartridge recommendation please...

Jettisoned most of my record albums 20 years ago, but am considering a return to vinyl. I've dusted off my old but fully operational TT and would like to mount a new MM cartridge.

Equipment
Technics SL-1300 Direct Drive turntable
The TT would be mated to a Parasound 200 Pre, with a Parasound 2125v2 amp.
Speakers are PSB Silver i's, with an occasional switch to Vandersteen 1's for variety.
No current plan to add a separate phono preamp.

Sound
Jazz, classic soul/r&b, light rock is my preferred type of music.
I'm OK to trade some bass for better vocals and higher end clarity.
As my A'gon name suggests, I do not listen at elevated levels.

Technical/misc.
The SL-1300 currently has an equally old AudioTechnica cartridge (no obvious markings).
I'd like to target a cartridge in the $300 neighborhood.
Will get an additional headshell for whatever cartridge is purchased.
Any cautions for install, or brands to exclude?
If I've done it correctly, here's a link to the TT owners' manual.
https://usermanual.wiki/Document/technicssl1300OwnersManual.3287426015

I can certainly get recommendations from local retailers, though their choices would be for cartridge brands that they carry. My preference is to use the experience of... and hear from... the wider audience reading this post. Thanks much!
60decibels

Showing 2 responses by corelli

corelli
951 posts
 
I just hauled out my old turntable as well.  I set up a independent system with a Project Xpression table, Ortofon OM Super 20e cartridge, Bellari 129 and Sennheiser 580 phones.  Am listening right now and am amazed at how much enjoyment I am getting from this gear I just had going unused!  Very thankful I saved most all the LP's of my youth.  

Regarding your question.  I have owned several Ortofon MM's over the years.  To my ear they seem neutral and balanced.  When my elliptical stylus becomes worn I would be tempted to upgrade to the om 30 stylus.  Another cartridge slightly above your range I have heard good things about is the  Audio-Technica VM750SH.  I would be curious if other members could comment on that cartridge, especially relative to my older model Ortofon.  

The mass of your arm is probably a bit higher so would also be mindful of compliance issues (a very high compliance cartridge would result in a too low resonant frequency).  Would also welcome others thoughts on this issue in practical terms as well.
corelli
951 posts
 
@lmnop   Would you elaborate on the sound quality of the cartridges you mentioned, particularly in the technics 1210gr?
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