Time for a new MM cartridge


My Grado The Reference cartridge is up to almost 500 hours and is beginning to sound a bit tired. I used a restored Thorens TD-125mkII table fitted with a SME 3009 II Improved w/ removable headshell. I used the onboard MM phono stage of my Yamaha A-S2200 integrated.

Have previously run a Grado Ref Platinum and Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridge. I'm considering Nagaoka MP-200 or MP-300, AT VM760SLC, Ortofon 2M Bronze. Anyone here have experience with those cartridges and the SME arm? Any other recommendations?

 

I listen to classic rock, blues, jazz, metal and a bit of outlaw country.

hedgehog

Showing 5 responses by hedgehog

I’m guilty as charged on lumping MI in with MM.😉 The current version Grado Reference is more than I care to spend at today’s pricing. I like the sound of the Grados, but looking to branch out a bit.

On another note; I received my Flux Hifi ultrasonic stylus cleaner last night. Used it for first time this morning (after my post), and it breathed a bit of life back into the Reference. I thought my regimen of Onzow and stylus brush was adequate, but the Flux seems to improve on that significantly. I'll still add a second/new cartridge.

Thanks, mijostyn, arm compatibility is something I wanted to address. 
 

I will probably have The Reference retipped once I have a replacement. It was at or near the top of their line at the time. 

Stereo5, the ultrasonic cleaning worked a bit of magic apparently. Doesn’t sound new, but definitely revitalized to an extent. 

The specs on the Charisma are impressive, and reviews seem to be quite good. It is pricey, however.

Thank you everybody for taking the time to respond. I ended up ordering the AT VM760SLC. I should have it by this weekend, and I'll have it up and running on my day off Tuesday at the latest.