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Cartridge for Technics SL-1200/1210GR

Hi All,
I recently took the plunge and got a gently used Technics SL-1210GR. I have a Sutherland Ph3d phone preamp. It has 40-60db of gain options and loading options of 100, 200, 1k, 10k, and 47k. I'm trying to limit myself to what I can get from Music Direct so that I can do a trade in of my current cartridge - Sumiko Blue Point Special Evo III. Here's what I'm seeing on their website that interests me:
Audio Technica AT-OC9MXL $550
Audio Technica AT-OC9XSH $650
Audio Technica AT-OC9XSL $730
Hana SL or SH (It weighs less than what Technics says to use, but I've read about people using it on my table. So, I don't know) $750
Audio Technica AT 33Sa $770
Soundsmith Carmen $1000. I don't really want to spend this much, but am interested because of the value of the rebuild pricing structure.
Any thoughts on these cartridges for this table? Or how any of these cartridges would compare to my existing cartrdge?
Thanks so much!
vanderstephen
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
Get this and be done with it. Sounds great on mine

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-VM540ML-MicroLine-Turntable-Cartridge/dp/B01MEI1RPC
billstevenson
345 posts
 
One of the great benefits of these turntables (mine is a SL1200GAE) is their versatility.  I have successfully used everything from vintage high compliance cartridges like Shure V15s (various versions) and Stanton 681EEE to new Ortofon Cadenza Black and Per Winfeld.  They all work and sound good.  I do think that any Audio Technica or Ortofon, either MC or MM, of any vintage would be a good choice.   Between the Hana choices you mention, if you have the preamp for it definitely go for the SL.  One of my favorite setups is this:  Two nearly identical Ortofons; a 2M Black (stereo) and a 2M Mono SE.  This facilitates quick switches mono to stereo without having to adjust setup when I am listening to certain jazz artists.  A great advantage to a removable head shell.   Finally, don't rule out the newest line of AT MM cartridges, which quite frankly are just simply spectacular.  I listened to one recently in a very highend system that had a Microline stylus, aluminum cantilever and could easily live with it forever without qualms.
last_lemming
632 posts
 
I have the GR and last week I installed the AT33sa. Sounds great to me.  
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