What cartridge for a prime super scout 10.5 arm.? Budget $500


Just looking for any cartridge recommendations for a used prime super scout I just picked up with 10.5 arm. I got a great deal on the table but don’t want to spend a fortune on the cartridge. I had a Sumiko Bluepoint N0 3 which sounded great to me but I accidentally damaged the needle. The cantilever broke off so that’s done. On to the next thing. My system is a Mcintosh C50 preamp and MC452 amp with NHT 3.3 speakers. The C50 has both MM and MC. I listen to anything from Kiana Krall to David bowie and I like a good low end and good midrange. I’d like to try another cartridge since I have to replace Sumiko. Budget is $500.00

Thanks in advance
funlvr1965

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

My first MC,

Audio Technica AT33PTG/II, ML on boron, $50. over your budget

excellent sounding, tight channel balance and wide separation.

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-coil/at33ptg-2

you can get just in your budget here

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254980772116?epid=27032781048&hash=item3b5e09d114:g:yjsAAOSwQVRebF4a

My friend had a NOS Goldring Eroica LX, no way to play MC, gave it to me, I have 3 tonearms, we can compare cartridges quite readily, it sounds excellent also, just in budget, however I think the AT fits your stated preferences.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254804394240?hash=item3b53868100:g:Yq0AAOSwVH1f0qF5

MM

I also still like the sound of my MM cartridges, Shure V15Vxmr body with a new Jico SAS stylus on Boron, and actually prefer my lightly used AT440ML ML on aluminum to it for some content, primarily it’s greater separation over the Shure. The current model is 540, here with a spare headshell, under your budget, replaceable stylus in the future, ML on aluminum

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

AT has other MM that cost a bit more still in your budget to consider.