Phono stage and Cartridge for Technics 1210 GR

CARTRIDGE:

Stylus Shapes

Advanced stylus shapes are best. (microline, microlinear, SAS, Shibata ...). They cost more, however they have longer life, so not too expensive in the long run.

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

For MM, replaceable stylus, any phono stage, I recommend this one:

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm750sh

Wide 30db channel separation, tight 1.0 db channel balance are both advantages for imaging

For MC Moving Coil, fixed stylus, higher initial cost, higher replacement cost, and extra mc amplification cost:

My first MC moving coil cartridge, I researched, asked advice, charts, circles and arrows and decided to try one. I am very glad I did, my cartridge choice:

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/line-series/at33-series/at33ptg-2

It sounds great, very involving musically, and it’s wide separation and tight center balance are the factors that make it preferable to my Shure V15VxMR with a new Jico SAS stylus.

saved $100. via eBay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-new-Audio-Technica-MC-Cartridge-AT33PTG-II-AT-33-PTG-II/264129989611?...

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PNONO STAGE:

I had a phono stage I liked, so I used a SUT step up transformer, to get the small MC signal up to MM signal strength. Love it.

For you, I suggest starting with a MM cartridge, and get a phono stage that has both MM and MC. Many of these exist, however, they only have 1 internal load for an unknown future MC cartridge.

I advise a VERSATILE Phono Stage: MM and MC section with a few options.

I just found this one, I think I will order it for my office, which will add MC capability to my TT there.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H2GPD7F/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2H1DLE1VLYNIR&psc=1

youtube review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBAdLY3Upbo

in his video he mentions their iPhono3, extremely versatile, but $1,000.

https://www.amazon.com/iFi-Phonostage-Preamplifier-Compatible-Cartridges/dp/B088SSSTPD

Like I said, it’s fun learning about stuff, evidently they have been around, check out their product line:

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-phono/

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I found a few other VERSATILE MM/MC phono stages, posted them here

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/upgraded-turntable-is-my-current-setup-sufficient

I just ordered the iFi for my office, due here this coming Friday.

I'll plug it into my main system downstairs first, listen to MM and MC

then upstairs to my office, MM now, 3 easy loading options for future MC.

easy to return, I think you need to have return option for any phono stage you try.

Thanks elliottbnewcombjr for all this information.  I was thinking I was going with MM cartridge as mainly listen to classic rock.  Great advice about getting versatile phono stage for both MM and MC and return option.  Time to do some more homework...

I have the ELAC PPA-2 ($999) hooked to my GR and could not be happier. Michael Fremer gave the ELAC a favorable review. Currently, I am using a KAB 40th anniversary Ortofon Concorde with the OM 40 stylus. Basically, the combo makes it a Concorde version of the 2m Black. Great cartridge. I also highly recommend the AT VM540ML which I also have. Performs much better than the price. Good luck

aberyclark

I have the earlier AT440ml. I thought the 540 was it's direct successor,

however, based on my listening, and imaging comparisons related to channel separation and balance, I decided, in OP's budget, to recommend the VM750SH instead.

my 440ml is sep 30 db; bal .75 db
VM540ml  is sep 28 d; bal 1.0 db

VM750SH is sep 30db (ml version 28 db)

My Shure, AT440, and AT33/PTG/II all are musically involving, but both AT's tighter center, and more distinctly positioned players, i.e. bass player here, trumpet there, on superior recordings is more apparent (not necessarily full width, individual distinction)