dmason
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Cartridges...
mrlowry
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The most important question would be, what's your turntable? If it has an aftermarket tonearm you should give details on that too.

dmason
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I believe that the tone arm is the original.
It is a Pioneer PL-15d II

Here are the specs...
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-15d.shtml

Hope that helps.

Buddha
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Hey, man, welcome!

I've had a turntable in that line.

For the money, check out the Shure M97 XE for 62 bucks.

Nice tracking. Won't drive the arm crazy. Sounds better than it costs. Easy on your electronics. For that turntable, I can't think of a downside.

dmason
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Awesome, thanks for the advice. I'm curious as to why cartridges cost so much. I've seen cartridges for $3000. What exactly is the difference between those cartridges and a $60 one? Also, would you say they are worth it?

Jim Tavegia
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In a nut shell it is more resolution, but the rest (all) of your system must be equal to the task. You might want to go back and read some of Fremer's old columns and reports on carts to get a feel for the high end market.

An expample might be that a table at $1k like say the Rega P3-24 could use a cart up to $1K and possibly more, but then the phono stage must be as excellent as well. then you amp and speakers must be able to clearly throw at your ears what has come their way.

I wish there was an easy answer to your question, but the $2500 VPI table could probably easily do a $3K cart justice, but you still have the rest of your system to deal with. that could take another $5-6 grand.

commsysman
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I suggest that you look at Grado MM cartrdges; I think they are very hard to beat in the under-$200 price range.

The Grado Prestige Black is $60 and the Green is $80; either of those should fill the bill.

Look at the Music Direct and Needle Doctor websites for good prices and selection.

miniboy
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Hi, I also agree Jim that you would separate your budget to 1K for TT & 1K for cart.
e.g. I have my TT, rega P25 with dynavector 17D3, which give me enjoy so much. Both have very good performance as their price range.
Hope you find your one & enjoy the real music asap.

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