Hi Hemoncdoc, Grado, even though fine cartridges, will most likely hum on your turntable, safe choices would be Nagaoka, Audio Technica, Goldring, Ortofon (consider more for ULM tonearm) . Plenty to choose and match to your tonearm.
Help me rebirth my old turntable
I just “found” my Dual 604 turntable with a Acutek Red cartridge after more than 30 years in storage. Plugged in the turntable and it actually turned which did surprise me. Since I have less than 100 records which I purchased in the 1950’s-1980’s, I decided I would put very little money into getting the turntable to work. I purchased an inexpensive phono preamplifier, the Hagerman Bugle 3. I connected it to my amplifier ( Gryphon Diablo 300 connected to my Sonus Faber Amati Traditions). The system does work, the noise level is low, but of course it does not have the soundstage, sparkle or high frequencies of my digital system (PS Audio Directstream Dac, memory player, and Bridge II).
I realize that trying to compare my analog equipment to my digital equipment is totally unfair. However, I was wondering if I could improve my analog sound by replacing my current cartridge and if so what cartridge would you recommend for my 604 turntable? I realize that unless I spend a lot more money, it is unlikely to equal the quality of my digital sound.
Since I own very few records, I am uncertain as to whether or not I will upgrade the entire analog system in the future. However, I really like the semi-automatic function of my Dual turntable.
Although cost is not a major concern, I am not looking to spend a lot of money at this time.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions you may have other then ditching the entire analog system and starting all over again(just kidding).
I realize that trying to compare my analog equipment to my digital equipment is totally unfair. However, I was wondering if I could improve my analog sound by replacing my current cartridge and if so what cartridge would you recommend for my 604 turntable? I realize that unless I spend a lot more money, it is unlikely to equal the quality of my digital sound.
Since I own very few records, I am uncertain as to whether or not I will upgrade the entire analog system in the future. However, I really like the semi-automatic function of my Dual turntable.
Although cost is not a major concern, I am not looking to spend a lot of money at this time.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions you may have other then ditching the entire analog system and starting all over again(just kidding).