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Have a U-Turn turntable with Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. Upgrade cartridge or turntable???

I have a basic U-Turn Orbit turntable with Ortofon 2M Red cartridge that was included. The Ortofon cartridge is good but is sounding worn; and, therefore am considering a Denon 110 high output MC cartridge which will work with this table. . The table sounds good, but at high volume, I can hear a old level hum, and build quality is just OK.  I am thinking of upgrading to a Music Hall's "Classic" turntable with its "Spirit" cartridge at $599.00 ( which is their in house spike  I never seen reviews about this table and cartridge combo )  This is just my initial consideration and far from final;, but, I  will gladly consider any recommendations in the same price range in the $500-$600 price range.


Thank you, and stay healthy and stay home

S.J.


sunnyjim

Showing 2 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,567 posts
 
I have a Stanton 981 HZS cartridge that came with a JVC turntable I bought.  It didn't sound that great, but I think the stylus was worn and of course, an original replacement is also unobtanium.
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
@chakster I'm not sure why you keep recommending cartridges that aren't in production and nearly impossible to find.  

You'll get more bang for the buck upgrading the turntable.  Consider buying used.  Try going a little higher in the Music Hall line, like a MMF-7X or 5X.  I haven't heard the Classic, but it looks like a decent enough table if you prefer to buy new.  It should be an incrememtal step up.

You might be able to find a decent used table with an OK cartridge at your budget and then you can upgrade the cartridge later.

If the turntable itself has issues adding a better cartridge won't make them go away.  I'd rather put an inexpensive cartridge on a good turntable than a good cartridge on an inexpensive turntable.  It all matters, but the turntable is the foundation.

How long have you had the cartridge?  
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