Esoterica Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 Hey guys, I'm looking at upgrading my Rega Carbon (on my P2) soon, and have no idea re: cartridges, so I'd like to get your thoughts. Please list a few good options. Can get a 2M Blue for $300, Sumiko Rainier and Olympia are in the ballpark, Garrett Bros. K2 or K3, Clearaudio Concept V2 or Rega Elys 2 at well below $400. My phono pre (Vincent PHO-800) does MM & MC so I'm happy to try MC. Never used them before. Ideally something suitable would come up on the classifieds, but looking at past posts, they are few and far between.
dwbasement Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 2M bronze or DL103R are good options, even Garrott P77. Low hours secondhand is possible with your budget. 2
Bell Ringer Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 Super cart for the price, and stylus replacements available. Good allrounder and tracks beautifully. I really prefer this to the Elys. 1
t_mike Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 At $400 I wouldn't bother looking at MC unless it's a super deal on something second hand. Are you still using a Rega arm? 1
Esoterica Posted November 10, 2020 Author Posted November 10, 2020 7 minutes ago, t_mike said: At $400 I wouldn't bother looking at MC unless it's a super deal on something second hand. Are you still using a Rega arm? Rega P2 (bought new 4 months ago) is as it came.
wartman Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 I have a couple of options for you esoterica. Low <20hours Ortofon 2m bronze. A&R Cambridge with new black diamond stylus New Sumiko Pearl. Will PM you I run a small shop, so I don't know if I can display the prices. 1
aussievintage Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 (edited) Do you like AT cartridges? The AT VM95ML is around $300. I love mine. Edited November 10, 2020 by aussievintage 1
Esoterica Posted November 10, 2020 Author Posted November 10, 2020 13 minutes ago, aussievintage said: Do you like AT cartridges? The AT VM95ML is around $300. I love mine. Have hardly any experience of them. I think my old sherwood came with one, but being a budget tt, the cartridge wouldn't be any good.
aussievintage Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 4 minutes ago, Esoterica said: Have hardly any experience of them. I think my old sherwood came with one, but being a budget tt, the cartridge wouldn't be any good. That would be the older AT95E with a simple elliptical stylus. The new range VM95 have a range of styluses, and the VM95ML I suggested is a microline, making it much better than the AT95E was stock. There is another range VM540ML which is much better again, but costs a bit more too.
Mendes Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 Worth a look....audio-technica AT-OC9XEB Moving Coil Cartridge, a little bit over your budget , but love mine on my Rega P9 1
MattyW Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 Ortofon 2M Bronze or a DL103. I have a soft spot for the DL103 still and it becomes a pretty fantastic cart after a rebody and retip..... Basically once its worn out fit to a wood body and get it retipped. Performs well above it's price point then. 1
Batty Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 How about a vintage Nagaoka MP11 with about 500 hours on it for $150?
Esoterica Posted November 10, 2020 Author Posted November 10, 2020 Thanks for all the suggestions. Plenty of options. Not sure about that one @Batty Googled it and it sounds fine, but you can buy the later version 110 new for $239. The old one may sound better? I would'nt have a clue, but 500 hours on any cartridge seems like it would need refurb? @wartman offer of a 2M Bronze is probably my preferred option if he replies to my pm with a bit better price
marleshi Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 I recently bought an AT VM540ML for $320 off Amazon and found it excellent for my needs - on my system, it was a nice improvement over Ortofon 2M Blue. 2
aussievintage Posted November 10, 2020 Posted November 10, 2020 9 hours ago, marleshi said: I recently bought an AT VM540ML for $320 off Amazon and found it excellent for my needs - on my system, it was a nice improvement over Ortofon 2M Blue. It's a personal thing maybe, but I always prefer the sound of AT to Ortofon.
Esoterica Posted November 11, 2020 Author Posted November 11, 2020 2 hours ago, aussievintage said: It's a personal thing maybe, but I always prefer the sound of AT to Ortofon. I've gathered that from reading comments. I guess you have to try them out to know. I know most people probably don't care, but I also go on aesthetics. The AT ones look like cheap plastic to me. Ortofon aren't much better, but have a cool shape. I really like the look of Sumiko. Generally cartridges don't look good though, so it's not a major factor I'm considering.
Mutatis Mutandis Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 I have the DL103 and am very happy with it. Tons of history and reviews - and pretty sure all positive,
Rocketfrogs Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 The Sumiko Pearl and Shelter 201 are excellent MM (both under $400) and you can also change the styli on them making them super economical. I'd stay away from the entry level Clearaudio and Rega carts (speaking from personal experience).
mkaramazov Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 21 hours ago, marleshi said: I recently bought an AT VM540ML for $320 off Amazon and found it excellent for my needs - on my system, it was a nice improvement over Ortofon 2M Blue. That is a great price. The aesthetics might be objectionable, however my VM540ML has been a revelation, equalling some of my moving coils.
Adjust Posted November 11, 2020 Posted November 11, 2020 12 hours ago, mkaramazov said: That is a great price. The aesthetics might be objectionable, however my VM540ML has been a revelation, equalling some of my moving coils. Agreed! I love my mine. It would be a big upgrade from the Rega carbon.
Jebediah Posted November 12, 2020 Posted November 12, 2020 From what I've read online (researching for a friend whom has not long bought a P2) the Exact cart gets good wraps, so perhaps a good used Exact might be had for around the $400 mark. I like the idea that you don't have to bugger around with shims etc...the Rega cart should be an easy fit and set up.
Adjust Posted November 12, 2020 Posted November 12, 2020 If you want some more options this review makes some interesting comparisons. http://soundadvicevinyl.com/2017/12/04/under-1000-moving-magnet-cartridge-shootout-11-cartridge-reviewed/
Esoterica Posted November 13, 2020 Author Posted November 13, 2020 Based on the reviews, I'd buy the recommended AT despite my dislike of the look of it. The difficulty now is picking one of the several options.
aussievintage Posted November 14, 2020 Posted November 14, 2020 13 minutes ago, Esoterica said: The difficulty now is picking one of the several options. Believing , as I do, that they will all impress you, I would say, stick to your budget. I think the VM540ML can be had just under the $400 in Australia. Or, save upwards of $100 and go with the VM95ML. Probably choose which you think looks more reasonable
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