What cartridge to replace my Audioquest 404 BH?


Well, my AR ES-1 turntable was in a closet for about 15 years before I set it back up a couple months ago. The tonearm is an Audioquest PT-5. It actually sounds pretty good, with the exception of the louder, more complex passages, which sound a bit strained or harsh(I don't think the problem is mis-tracking). As to the cartridge itself, it was used quite a bit back in the day, and I have played quite a few LPs since setting it back up. With my vision, it is difficult to really see the stylus and I don't have much experience with how a stylus is supposed to look anyway. I just have a feeling that the stylus is worn(not to mention just old) and I can improve my sound with a new cartridge.

The 404 BH was a pretty highly reviewed high output MC cartridge in its day, and I wouldn't want to take a step down in audio quality. Its rated output is 2.2mv, which is on the low side for my receiver and I have to crank the volume fairly high.

So, can anyone recommend a few MM or high output MC cartridges that I can check out?   I am seeing great reviews on the Dynavector 20X2 H and 10X5 .  Thanks much.
mtrot

Showing 1 response by mattmiller

Yes I would get the 10X5 all day! If you need a little more refinement, delicacy, beauty, then choose the 20x2. I have owned many great cartridges (Denon, Nagaoka, Grado, Ortofon, Clearaudio) and the Dynavectors are just plain lively and exciting and engaging!


Matt M