# MC Cartridge Advice, $1-2K zone **URL:** \ **Category:** Vinyl\ **Created:** [May 25, 2023, 1:49pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829 "2023-05-25T13:49:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![akro](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/akro/32/177145_2.png) [@akro](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/akro)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 1:49pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/1 "2023-05-25T13:49:26Z")
not ready for the $5,000 refurbish for my Koetsu Onyx sage advice for new MC cartridge for SME 309 tonearm? ---
**Author:** ![tony22](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f04885/32.png) [@tony22](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/tony22)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 2:00pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/2 "2023-05-25T14:00:47Z")
What sort of sound are you looking for? ---
**Author:** ![akro](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/akro/32/177145_2.png) [@akro](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/akro)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 2:06pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/3 "2023-05-25T14:06:55Z")
No good answer other than best possible, no harsh, no fake bright Currently have Shelter 501 ---
**Author:** ![stevensegal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/35a633/32.png) [@stevensegal](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/stevensegal)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 2:13pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/4 "2023-05-25T14:13:12Z")
Just had an Urushi Gold rebuilt locally, with Fitz Gyger. Built to last. ![FLQveStd6o8uHjXz](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/psaudio/original/3X/3/c/3ce4091cad2f708818a59f351fae19208dd58ece.jpeg) Other options considered: Hana ML - good, boring Phasemotion PP200 - would have been my choice > **[Phasemation PP-200](https://hifiplus.com/articles/phasemation-pp-200-mc-cartridge/)** > > Japanese cartridge manufacturers have a reputation for making magical moving coils, but they often cost a fortune. Jason Kennedy discovers a superb and affordable jewel in the PP-200 from Phasemation! Denon DL-103R with ruby cantilever and paratrace tip - a bargain at $1,000, great performer, but don’t last long. Just send back to re-tip. Audio-Technica AT-OC9XSH > **[Audio-Technica AT-OC9XSH Cartridge](https://www.hifinews.com/content/audio-technica-oc9xsh-cartridge)** > > In production for over three decades, A-T's iconic 'OC9 moving-coil has evolved into a broad series to service the vinyl revival. We test the 'prince' of the new generation None of us needs reminding that the enthusiasm for vinyl continues apace. Yet... ---
**Author:** ![Photon46](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/photon46/32/142920_2.png) [@Photon46](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Photon46)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/5 "2023-05-25T14:21:30Z")
A lot of good choices in that price bracket. I’ve enjoyed this one in rotation with an Ortofon Cadenza Blue for a couple of years. Seiji Yoshioka, the builder of Transfiguration cartridges, died recently so this will be unobtanium from any source soon. The reviews online match my perceptions of the cartridge. [https://www.ebay.com/itm/164802493078?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=415076d4-fb06-11ed-9eba-313461313663](https://www.ebay.com/itm/164802493078?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=415076d4-fb06-11ed-9eba-313461313663) [https://www.hifipig.com/transfiguration-axia-s-cartridge/](https://www.hifipig.com/transfiguration-axia-s-cartridge/) [https://theaudiophileman.com/music-not-noise-transfigurations-entry-range-cartridge/](https://theaudiophileman.com/music-not-noise-transfigurations-entry-range-cartridge/) ---
**Author:** ![Serhan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/serhan/32/192329_2.png) [@Serhan](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Serhan)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 2:25pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/6 "2023-05-25T14:25:27Z")
I have Rega Apheta 3 and Clear Audio Talisman V2. I prefer the latter. This review recommends Ortofon Cadenza Bronze. > **[Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, Clearaudio Talisman V2 Gold, Benz Zebra Wood Low -...](https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/ortofon-cadenza-bronze-clearaudio-talisman-v2-gold-benz-zebra-wood-low/)** > > Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, Clearaudio Talisman V2 Gold, Benz Zebra Wood Low - ---
**Author:** ![danofesherintheuk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3d9bf3/32.png) [@danofesherintheuk](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/danofesherintheuk)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 2:27pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/7 "2023-05-25T14:27:52Z")
I’m with Steven regarding AT cartridges. three or four years ago they revamped the OC9 range and I wanted a cheao MC having only had good MMs in the past. I figured AT would be a good value cartridge that is made in large numbers. I went for the AT-OC9XSL and it’s in an SME 3012 - works fine and is so much better than MMs that I’ve had. ---
**Author:** ![john2213](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/john2213/32/94338_2.png) [@john2213](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/john2213)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 2:51pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/8 "2023-05-25T14:51:32Z")
Juuust over budget. I own one and rotate in in often, a strong overall performer for the price point [Dynavector - XX-2 MKII MC Phono Cartridge - Music Direct](https://www.musicdirect.com/equipment/phono-cartridges/dynavector-xx-2-mkii-mc-phono-cartridge/) ---
**Author:** ![RonP](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/ronp/32/213555_2.png) [@RonP](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/RonP)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 2:53pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/9 "2023-05-25T14:53:59Z")
Sumiko Starling, $1799. Very balanced, lots of detail, smooth midrange. Zu Audio’s modified Denon 103. [Zu/DL-103 Mk.II | Zu Audio | Hi-Fi audio speakers and cables hand built in the USA](https://www.zuaudio.com/turntable/zudl-103) ---
**Author:** ![stevensegal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/35a633/32.png) [@stevensegal](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/stevensegal)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 2:59pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/10 "2023-05-25T14:59:19Z")
I have the SoundSmith Zephyr Mk3 (a version labelled for Origin Live as Mark Baker liked it so much). It’s 2.4mV high output, I run it through my Luxman internal MM phono. Was listening with it last night. Very good performance indeed. ---
**Author:** ![john2213](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/john2213/32/94338_2.png) [@john2213](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/john2213)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 3:04pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/11 "2023-05-25T15:04:35Z")
The Zu Denon 103DL paired with the Auditorium 23 103 SUT is rumored to make magic, have not experienced myself but you could still sneak under budget for the cart and SUT Best, -JP ---
**Author:** ![kcleveland123](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/kcleveland123/32/45645_2.png) [@kcleveland123](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/kcleveland123)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 6:12pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/12 "2023-05-25T18:12:09Z")
Second the Rega Apheta 3. Had the 2 until I upgraded to Aphelion 2 and it was nicely balanced and accurate and musical. ---
**Author:** ![akro](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/akro/32/177145_2.png) [@akro](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/akro)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 6:27pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/13 "2023-05-25T18:27:02Z")
thanks for the recommendations re-setup TT chain, will do vinyl Saturday (first time in years) I probably should simply refurbish my Koetsu Onyx but given its historical signifance in Koetsu land (long-body made by Koetsu’s founder by hand), I favor not risking a sendoff…with potential loss, sending back something different, or damage ---
**Author:** ![dcm](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/dcm/32/299862_2.png) [@dcm](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/dcm)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 6:33pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/14 "2023-05-25T18:33:39Z")
Ooh nice - I have the Sumiko Songbird ($899, I think) which I love for similar reasons you mention here. I always figured whenever I decide to upgrade I would go to the Starling (or whatever replaces it if it goes away). I love their cartridges ---
**Author:** ![weedeewop](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/weedeewop/32/190064_2.png) [@weedeewop](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/weedeewop)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 6:39pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/15 "2023-05-25T18:39:15Z")
I’d refurb it as it is one fine cart. ---
**Author:** ![tony22](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f04885/32.png) [@tony22](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/tony22)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 6:42pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/16 "2023-05-25T18:42:32Z")
Me too. It is otherwise a useless bit of audiophilia. ---
**Author:** ![Clive197](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/clive197/32/7215_2.png) [@Clive197](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Clive197)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 8:16pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/17 "2023-05-25T20:16:53Z")
Easy, no question, Hana ML. Price is about £1,000 GBP here in the UK. ---
**Author:** ![markus46](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@markus46](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/markus46)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 10:02pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/18 "2023-05-25T22:02:16Z")
I have one of these arriving next week (US$1,260): > **[LS10 MKII MC Cartridge](https://www.leson.org/shop/ls10-mkii-mc-cartridge/)** > > Our flagship MC Cartridge gives you access to the best of 2 worlds: the ultimate definition of the Moving Coil, and the fullness of the Moving Magnet design Review here: > **[\[Listening test\] LeSon LS10 MKII Moving-Coil Cartridge](https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/leson_ls10_e.html)** > > A world-class MC cartridge entirely made in China and sold direct by the factory, here's the LeSon LS10 MKII, a review by M.L. Gneier on TNT Audio I won’t have it installed for another few weeks. Have to wait until my TT guru gets back from Munich. ---
**Author:** ![stevem2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cab0a1/32.png) [@stevem2](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/stevem2)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 10:35pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/19 "2023-05-25T22:35:22Z")
Dynavector DV-20X2 at around $1,250 is a nice moving coil cartridge for the money. I used to own the high output version. Edit: I misspoke. I owned the low output version, not the high. ---
**Author:** ![tony22](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f04885/32.png) [@tony22](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/tony22)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2023, 10:51pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829/20 "2023-05-25T22:51:57Z")
Interesting. This is one I haven’t heard of. I wonder if they’ll supply a frequency response plot with the cart? [Next page](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/mc-cartridge-advice-1-2k-zone/33829.md?page=2)