Just Snagged a Micro Seiki DD-35 - Need Help With Affordable Cartridge Options for SM-505

Thanks for all of these suggestions. Very helpful and I've got somethings to look over now.

For some reason, I couldn't get a Numark cartridge to fit on the SM-505. It fit in well, but not fully set into the tone arm and there was no locking mechanism.

I'll try again tomorrow, but do these tone arms require some sort of twisting or turning to get the cartridge to lock on? Thanks again!

Pictures worth a thousand words, here what I’m working with:

https://imgur.com/uVoifzg
https://imgur.com/IXPdhA6
https://imgur.com/tXL2pjW

Do any components look to be missing or damaged from these pics? It just seems like the cartridge should push into the housing on the tonearm another 1/2" or so. I don’t want to push too hard and do damage, but I put some pressure on it and the cartridge didn’t go in any further. Thanks again. Glad to know it’s compatible and hoping that I'm dealing with operator error here!

Thanks guys! Good news! I took some sandpaper to the post on the cartridge and after that it slid right on! Ordered a cheap replacement stylus (don't have one currently) on ebay for $10 for testing purposes and if everything is mechanically functional, I'll order a nice setup!

Any basic maintenance I should do while I wait for my stylus?

I've got Deoxit for plastic sliders (has lubricant) and regular contact cleaner. The veneer is a bit chipped on the front corners. Not sure that can be repaired, so might just leave it looking rough... maybe some wood conditioner or polish to bring out the shine?

Awesome! I should have a stylus by early next week and will open it up for a cleaning if it plays nicely. Very excited. I sample vinyl for music production. Currently using a Sony PS-LX520. I love the automation, but MS looks way cooler. Wonder how they'll compare...

Thanks Chakster. That’s very helpful information and not something I had any knowledge of. I currently run into a Denon receiver (found on the road for free) then into a Mackie mixer, FX send into a 90’s Symetrix compressor (with Valley People chip) and finally into a Roland audio interface. I’ve been sampling vinyl for well over 10 years, but never considered the sound quality as a relevant variable. I do so much within my DAW that the samples are processed well beyond recognition usually. These days I sample more from digital content for convenience, but I still prefer the color and noise of vinyl. I love the idea of starting from a nude sound and working with a higher quality source material. Although I can’t afford $300 now, what you said makes sense so this is definitely going to be a goal.

Current setup:  https://imgur.com/a/6KJ11Yt