AudioNervosa

Systemic Development => Analog Devices => Topic started by: jimbones on August 10, 2020, 10:22:40 AM

Title: Cartridge Budget
Post by: jimbones on August 10, 2020, 10:22:40 AM

There are guides out there that provide recommended budgets for cables as a percentage of your total system cost. My question is: Is there a  guideline for cartridge budget as a percentage of turntable cost? For example I own a VPI Classic 2 (original arm). What should my budget be for a cartridge?

Title: Re: Cartridge Budget
Post by: Folsom on August 10, 2020, 11:02:50 AM

Try an Audio-Technica AT-VM95C. (if the stylus wiggles put a little clay or something is the corners of it, wipe off excess when you put it back on)

No joke. Ignore everything you read and think you know, just give one a listen.

Title: Re: Cartridge Budget
Post by: S Clark on August 10, 2020, 11:31:48 AM

I've heard lower end Grado sound good, but overall I think you have to spend a few bucks to get better performance from a cartridge.  There are some nice sounding options starting around $400... all according to my ears. 

Title: Re: Cartridge Budget
Post by: jimbones on August 10, 2020, 11:37:39 AM

OK so it sounds like I am good. I have a Dynavector 20X2L ($1200) so it sounds like I budgeted enough.

Title: Re: Cartridge Budget
Post by: rollo on August 11, 2020, 01:54:23 PM

    Better cartridges cost more money. If your TT spins at the correct speed and the arm can handle it then it is up to the owner what to spend. The budget thing IMHO is for conversation only.

charles