Cartridge for background music/LOW budget TT

[amulford]

I have a couple of TT's that I want to put new cartridges on. They are not for critical listening, but I'd like to get decent performance out of them.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the new carts under $200. I know this is limiting, but keep in mind the TT's are 1) a Technics 1200 DD and 2) an old Marantz. Not stellar audiophile grade by any stretch.

Just personal preferences, maybe some specs, characteristics, etc.

Edit: The Technics is a 1300, not a 1200...

[shack]

I like the Ortofon Super OM series of cartridges (10, 20, 30). Very Listenable.

[BlueMDPicker]

This guy is in your neck of the woods (and a Technics fan). I've purchased from him twice with good results:

http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/index.htm

I ran a Shure M78 series on a Technics DD table for decades and always thought it sounded decent.

[billbillw]

Can't beat the Shure M97xE for $67 from Amazon w/Free Shipping!

Link to Amazon page

That cartridge will do very well on either of your turntables and give you just what you are looking for, maybe more than you even expect.

It was my main cartridge up until recently. It worked with my Yamaha YP-D8 and my Oracle Alexandria. I changed it out mainly to experiment and will probably go back to it before long. The M97 is known for a very flat frequency response and a very fluid midrange.

In my opinion, neither of those turntables is good enough to warrant spending anywhere near $200 for a cartridge. Save your money, the Shure will be more than enough for you.

[Toka78]

KAB is one of the best retailers in the biz, so give them a look for sure.


Also, don't be so quick to poo-poo what you have...I'll take a modded '1200 over anything that costs 4x as much. I'd also suggest:

Audio-Technica AT440MLa - has a line-contact stylus, which is unheard of in the price (under $100). Stellar tracking, will make worn records sound like new.

Shure - M97XE - only $67 at Amazon, other world-class performer (don't let the price fool you). A bit more 'flat' than the AT, but tracks equally as well.

[schwarcw]

I second the recommendation for an Audio Technica 440 ML. Very good sound for very little money!

[Fireman32]

This guy is in your neck of the woods (and a Technics fan). I've purchased from him twice with good results:

http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/index.htm

I ran a Shure M78 series on a Technics DD table for decades and always thought it sounded decent.

Anthony,

This guy is about 20 min from me if you want somthing picked up let me know. Would love to check out the store anyway since i just got into the world of vinyl.