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Help me decide on my next cartridge (

They say that rule #1 of owning a turntable is -

“Do not spend more on the cartridge than the table”.  So, we are talking about <$900.

That being said, this is my current setup:

  • Parasound Halo Integrated amp
  • Pro-ject Debut Carbon Esprit DC turntable
  • Ortofon 2M Blue MM cartridge
  • Vandersteen 2Ce Signature II speakers
I like the 2M blue, but it’s getting up there in listening hours, and it’s the only cartridge that this turntable has had; so I don’t know what I’m missing by moving up.
I would appreciate any and all suggestions.

clipdin

Showing 2 responses by agrippa

agrippa
160 posts
 
I’m entirely in agreement with this:
I think you’re probably better off selling the TT and putting your proceeds and additional funds towards a better table. In my view it’s your weakest link in the chain, not the cartridge.

The Debut Carbon Esprit is a fine choice for an entry level turntable, but sticking a $900 cartridge on it is decidedly overkill. If you’re sticking with it, my choice would be either an Audio Technica AT540ML or Nagaoka MP-150 on the lower end of the price scale, or an AT-150Sa or MP-200 on the high side.

The latter two at $400 is about as high as I’d go on a Debut Carbon Esprit. Which isn’t as damning as it may sound, as I own an AT150Sa myself and consider it one of the finest MM cartridges I’ve ever heard.
agrippa
160 posts
 
I would have recommended Nottingham Analogue, except that I see their turntables are truly insanely priced across the pond.  The Ace Spacedeck seems to be well over twice the £1500 UK price, at $4500.
That being the case, there are a plethora of choices available at or around $1500.  My suggestion would be to move up the Pro-ject ladder and look at the Classic, 2Experience and RPM-5.  All three are well built, competent decs and safe bets at that price point.
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