Reasonably priced cartridge for old Technics tonearm

[zachsdad]

I'm looking for a cartridge about $150 for my Technics SL-1500.
Any suggestions.

[zachsdad]

Test.. test

[flavio81]

For that price:

If you know how to modify preamp loading, then the AT440MLa would be my #1 recommendation. Otherwise:

Denon DL110
LPGear Deft 2
Ortofon OM20

[zachsdad]

I've been considering the Denon. I'm concerned about relatively low output.
I've heard that the Ortofon don't work well in the fairly high mass old Technics arms.

[flavio81]

I've been considering the Denon. I'm concerned about relatively low output.
I've heard that the Ortofon don't work well in the fairly high mass old Technics arms.

Don't worry about DL110's supposedly 'low' output, it's of no concern.

The Technics SL1200 arm is not 'high' mass, it is medium mass. The Ortofon OM20 (and other OMs) have many times been seen on those turntables.

[VinylIsTheBest]

The Technics SL1200 arm is not 'high' mass, it is medium mass. The Ortofon OM20 (and other OMs) have many times been seen on those turntables.

I have a Technics SL-1650 with a Ortofon OM-20 mounted, sounds great!

The Denon DL-110 DL-160 are a bargain for the money.

[banerjba]

I use many different carts under US$150 on my Technics 1200. They are preset on interchangeable headshells and I keep a log of optimum VTA settings for each.

Right now I am using a Grado Silver which I got from Amazon for $150. Lot of people here hate them but I really love mine.

For that money the other standout is the Denon DL 110.

Others which work well for a lot less money:

Grado Black or better
Nagaoka MP11 or 110
AT 95, 110, or 120
Sumiko Pearl
Shure M97xE
Ortofon 2M Red or OM10.

Lots of others.

I own or have owned all of these. Really depends on budget and what kind of music you like. I like the Mp11 or Grado Black at $70 the best. For a dirt cheap cart it is hard to beat a AT95 for $50. I even had the tarted up Linn versions which were not much better for more money but a lot prettier.

[Snead]

Go Vintage!!

The period-correct Shure V15-III is a standout on that arm.

Styli options range from $15 generics to the JICO SAS if you want the last bit of goodness.

[flavio81]

Go Vintage!!

The period-correct Shure V15-III is a standout on that arm.

The V15-III is from 1973 and it really was designed for the SME 3009 series of tonearms that have much lower mass than the Technics arm. The turntable is from 1975, the 1500MKII from 1977.

The V15-IV (1978) with lower compliance and the damper brush, should work better in that tonearm.

All in all, the V15-III will work, but i think the IV should match better to that arm.

Also note that if the V15 does not have an advanced needle, it will not sound at the V15 standard.

Still, your suggestion to 'go vintage' is a good one.

[uniqueusername]

I currently have a new Grado Blue1 on my (grounded) SL1100-A, and I get the uncool hum... something better I should shop for for this table (all original)?

While at it, any recommendations for a good setup in the Denver, CO area? Might be worth me getting a professional check up on this beast too.

Thanks,

-bh