2. analog
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What's your go-to cheapie cartridge?

Let's say $300 or less. This would be your "y'know, this thing is pretty darn musical even though I've got higher end carts" cartridge. In my case I'd have to say it's my 103R. Not as transparent or fast as a lot of my better carts, but it sails smoothly through the grooves and just sounds good. 
tonyptony
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,287 posts
 
Another Grado Black user ($75 new) but replaced the stock stylus with an 8MZ ($150).  
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Never tried Grado Black but I suspect it's a bargain.  I love the sound of my $200 Grado Gold on my early 1980s  Acoustic Research ES-1.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Grado Gold with 8MZ stylus is also a good combo, (I have a Black, a Gold and the 8MZ) albeit, the total price would exceed the OP's budget.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,842 posts
 
 @viridian all that rain, cold rain has an upside......

i rescuced a busted Sapphire recently....$2k...later..man i hope the Grado on it is worth a listen.....we shall see, she arrives from SOTA factory tommorow..

what have you in the cast off bin suitable for Sumiko FT-3 ??????
tonyptony OP
614 posts
 
Grado Gold with 8MZ stylus is also a good combo

@stevecham, how would you say the Gold stock versus the Gold with the 8MZ compare?

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