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Good (great?) cartridges with user replaceable styli

I've been considering getting a Ortofon Black 2M LVB 250 for use on a Rega Planar 6, but am wondering if there are other cartridges with user-replaceable  styli worth considering. (I know I'll need a spacer.) Why the user-replaceable stylus, you ask? Because I'm blind and might one day screw up, and wouldn't want to be out the whole cart if a mishap were to occur. I'm generally good, but, well, you know.

 

(Yes, I understand well that I could stream or play CDs or rip to a music server -- all of which I do plenty of. But I've got a decent selection of records, have long enjoyed spinning them, and would like to continue to do so.)

 

I've long had a Rega P3 and am figuring that the Planar 6 would feel quite familiar when putting a new record on. As such, I'm fairly set on that 'table, but am still open to other carts -- if the stylus can be changed.

 

I listen to all sorts of music, though more rock than classical. Plenty of acoustic stuff, a bit of jazz, and always Joni Mitchell.Thanks very much for any recommendations.

 

-- Howard

 

hodu
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Shure V15mk5MR! I was lucky to find one NIB plus a new SAS replacement stylus for a combined price on eBay!

laoman's avatar
laoman
386 posts
 

Van den Hul replaces needles.

billstevenson
345 posts
 

Well you are on the right track.  I happen to own all of those mentioned so far, plus a few more.  Audio Technica AVN150 is also very nice and there are others.  The Shure V15 is a favorite of mine too and then there is the possibility of picking up a Stanton 681 or 881 NIB.  These are all great cartridges and frankly any one of them would be fun.  But you have already answered your own question.  You like your 2M Black.  I can understand that.  When I have mine playing I wonder why anyone needs anything else.  As Mikey Fremer said years ago, it is stupid good.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,239 posts
 

Aside from other factors, I want wide separation and tight center balance to provide more distinct imaging.

2m black has good +/- 1 db center balance, however it’s channel separation is very low at +/- 15db.

I also recommend getting a Shure V15Vxmr body (original stylus likely broken), and getting a replacement stylus from Jico. My choice was Shibata on Boron cantilever.

Here’s a V15Vmr body with I don’t know what stylus in it for $285.

Teh get the Jico Stylus for another $285.

Total $570. plus shipping, for awesome result

The Jico has a brush like Shure’s, you can use the cartridge with the brush up, not on the lp, or, lower the brush when desired. Note, Shure’s brushes were/are damped, like shock absorbers, best for warped lps, the Jico brush is not damped.

....................................

found this chart about Ortofon stylus interchangeability.

 

ccogopher
26 posts
 

The M series Ortofon all have replacement styli but they are nearly as expensive at the complete cartridge. Grado and Sumiko as well but not sure which models. You can check out audioadvisor, which sells a few different styli.

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