low tracking force cartridge recommendations?


hey, i'm new here (and also relatively new to the audiophile analog world), so i could really use some advice on my "new" turntable, which will very likely end up being a Dual 1019. from all of my research and speaking with people, it would seem to me that Dual recommended using cartridges that have a low tracking force. my understanding of that is limited, but i do have some idea of what that means.

being my first turntable in many many years, i am not looking to spend a fortune on cartridges - i figured i could spend $100 to $200 at most, and have found many that fall into that price range. some have recommended an Ortofon Super OM 30 to me, others pointing towards a Shure M97 XE. the repair shop that is looking over the turntable was saying a decent Audio-Technica might just be the best route... there are so many choices that my head is spinning.

one thing i did learn is that i apparently should be using a Moving Magnet cartridge since I will be using this table through a Bellari VP129 pre-amp, which I also just purchased.

i will primarily be listening to jazz and old rock records on this unit on a not-particularly hi-fi setup, though having the tube preamp was important to me since i'd love to hear stuff through my Grado SR 125's.

so, knowing all of that, what sort of cartridges would you recommend? i'd be thrilled to find something for $50 that sounds good and won't harm my records, but as i said, would be willing to spend a bit more if that will get me something significantly better.

thank you!
tethead

Showing 1 response by john_z

Hi, I'm by no means a vinyl expert here but... I mentioned to my local high-end shop a few years ago that I have an old '80s-era turntable and he recommended the inexpensive MM Grado. I bought the Grado prestige "black" P-mount cartridge for less than $50 and am very happy with it. I have it set at 1.5 grams tracking on my Technics SL-5 direct-drive linear-tracking table from 1982 and it sounds great. The sound is very smooth from top to bottom although a little darker sounding than my digital source (Arcam CD23), hardly a fair comparison, though. The Prestige series is also available in standard mount if your table requires it.

More refined sounding and smoother than the Audio Technica EP series cartridge it replaces. Very nice midrange and vocals. The "hum" problem apparently has been corrected with the newer (late '90's and newer) Prestige series according to one professional review I read online. I have experienced no hum in my system. A great-sounding cartridge and good value for money IMHO. -jz