Inexpensive MM Cartridge


Hi All.  I'm helping a friend who has a late 1970's Pioneer PL12 turntable. The manual TT is in good working order, bearing and motor lubed, etc. We need a MM cartridge to mount on the stock S-shaped tonearm.  Budget is up to around $300.  Suggestions please!  Thanks, and Happy Holidays!
peter_s

Showing 2 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

Stylus shape is the important criteria for good/better/best groove contact/fidelity, good info here

https://sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information

Advanced shape: ML Microline; LC Line Contact; Shibata; SAS all in that advanced category. They cost more, but last longer, so calculate the cost per hour for a sense of cost over time.

A bit over budget at $329. very good channel separation and channel balance, both help with better imaging,

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm740ml

in budget, $249. (same specs, except 740’s innards better?)

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm540ml

or: Less costly now, $200.perhaps sell the TT soon, move up, or, this for MM, try Moving Coil sooner

Audio-Technica makes this cartridge body, and it offers 6 interchangeable/replaceable/upgradeable stylus,

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/line-series/at-vm95-series

It’s Shibata version is only $200.

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-vm95sh

However: the 95 line channel separation and channel balance are not great, I bet it sounds great, but the 540 and 740 will definitely produce a tighter center balance, refining locations, and the wider channel separation improves imaging as well
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consider signal strength, higher lets you keep your preamp/amp volume controls lower, less power needed, less noisy perhaps, nearly always a good thing.

consider tracking force, around 2.0 g my preference, some cartridges can track lower 1.0; 1.25; 1.50 etc, but I wouldn't make that a primary choice, just be aware. 


Seems like a good choice, it's a wonderful feeling to move on.

For others following:

The elliptical have the advantage of succeeding with less than perfect alignment. That is a reason they are good choice for someone without tools and skills. 

Many of us it seems have had darn good experiences with that Shure M97xe elliptical. Shure's also has the advantage of the brush, damped for warps and/or springy floors, and to pick up dust prior to the stylus.

The advanced stylus shapes need very careful alignment not only to perform to their increased potential, to avoid groove damage if improperly aligned.