Any recommendations for a phono cartridge upgrade for my Audio Technica turntable

Accessories and Tweaks
1

I listen to cd’s more than vinyl but would like something better but reasonably affordable.

2

Are you looking for a MM or MC cartridge? What phono stage are you using? Price under $500, $1000?

3

MM cartridge ,Pro-ject phono stage & under $500

Someone replied to your post.

| tomhail
September 23 |

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Are you looking for a MM or MC cartridge? What phono stage are you using? Price under $500, $1000?

4

I’ve read many recommendations for the Denon DL-103, to include folks on this forum. It is still made in Japan and can be found for under $400. Some have said it is the best sub $500 cart out there. An example of a used one (no endorsement of seller intended) https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650355316-denon-stereo-moving-coil-cartridge-dl103/

I have owned the Ortofon Bronze cartridge and really enjoyed the sound. It’s currently on sale here (Demo with bottom mount plate, otherwise it’s $499 MSRP):

5

I’ll add that I used the Ortofon Bronze with a Project phono stage (tube version) and they worked well together.

6

Mine’s not a tube but I’ll consider your suggestion. Thank you

Someone replied to your post.

| tomhail
September 23 |

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I’ll add that I used the Ortofon Bronze with a Project phono stage (tube version) and they worked well together.

7

Would a nude stylus sound much better than a bonded stylus with my mid priced turntable and phono stage?

Someone replied to your post.

| tomhail
September 23 |

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I’ll add that I used the Ortofon Bronze with a Project phono stage (tube version) and they worked well together.

8

The nude stylus sounded very good and tracked nicely on a vintage TT as well as on my Pro-Ject TT.

9

ok thank you

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| tomhail
September 23 |

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The nude stylus sounded very good and tracked nicely on a vintage TT as well as on my Pro-Ject TT.

10

The Bronze is great but don’t over look the Blue. For $200 it’s a real bargain.

11

Oddly enough, Audio Technica makes some excellent Shibata tipped cartridges in the vicinity of $500. A friend of mine put one on his Thorens TT and we both marvel at the excellent sound it makes and how well it tracks. Your turntable manufacturer is even better at making cartridges that excel.

12

I agree with Al, and I would likely start here for a replacement with a Shibata nude stylus. Also not a big Ortofon fan for the “modern” Ortofon lineup.

13

Thanks for looking that up buddy!
That is quite possibly the very best way to spend $369!
Do that and Be Glad!!!
Everything else is just noise.
(As a bonus, I believe the stylus is replaceable for less than $369)
(I looked it up, a new stylus is $269)

14

I think this is good advice from you and aangen even though I have not auditioned an AT cart. I’ve also heard that the modern Ortofon carts are not favored by some. Thanks for adding your experience to the discussion - I am taking it all in.

15

More food for thought.

A replaceable stylus although a cost saver has some limitations such as mechanical integrity from the stylus tip to the cartridge body since there are two parts that are friction fit and potential moving magnet to coil alignment variation from unit to unit causing signal channel level shift/imbalance.

Not saying the AT cart is a bad choice just suggesting you may be better off with the Denon 103 mentioned earlier if your phono stage can handle a moving coil design. MC carts have much lower moving mass and generally track better. They do have very low output voltage level, but also have much lower output impedance (10 ohms is typical compared with 47K or so for MM carts).

16

I finally bought a Sumiko Moonstone cart. Better frequency response range and cheaper but bonded stylus. So don’t everybody judge me. LOL

Someone replied to your post.

| tomhail
September 24 |

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I think this is good advice from you and aangen even though I have not auditioned an AT cart. I’ve also heard that the modern Ortofon carts are not favored by some. Thanks for adding your experience to the discussion - I am taking it all in.

17

no judgement here. Glad you found something that you are satisfied with. Enjoy the listening.

18

thanks

Someone replied to your post.

| tomhail
September 24 |

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no judgement here. Glad you found something that you are satisfied with. Enjoy the listening.