Do $$$ Turntable Cartridges Make Sense?

Do $$$ Turntable Cartridges Make Sense?

In this video, we'll be discussing the do's and don'ts of buying a turntable cartridge. We'll be looking at the different types of turntables and what factors are most important when choosing one.

If you're looking to upgrade your turntable, then this is the video for you! We'll discuss the different types of cartridges and what factors are most important when choosing one. We'll also give you some tips on how to choose the right turntable cartridge for your needs.

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[Patraquashe]

So far in my upgrade path when it comes to turntables, the biggest difference has been in upgrading the phono preamp, even when using MM cartridges. Started out with a really cheap one ($90) with my first turntable. Upgraded to a slightly better one from Clearaudio ($350) and it was a world of difference. Later upgraded that one to a new Clearaudio ($700) with a similar "jump" in quality. Latest upgrade was a Decware Zen Phono ($1500ish) and it is simply stunning. The ability to roll tubes makes it very easy to tune the sound to your taste. The jump from a $200 MM cartridge to a $900 MM cartridge, while it was an improvement definitely wasn't as much of an improvement as the phono stage.

[amarketing]

I moved to a Sutherland TZ Vibe, Transimpedance phono preamp. It only works with low output moving coil cartridges, but no loading to worry about. Sounds phenomenal and plug and play. I'm using a Hana ML cart currently. This Ortofon 2M Black LVB MM looks pretty awesome though and I might have to give it a try.

[astolatpere]

I've been using an ADC mm cart from the early '80s and it sounds awesome, very engaging. Can still get very, very good styli when needed.

[OFBCyclingWorld]

There is no way I'm going back to MM. I have Hana SL at the moment that I totally love the sound of. My preamplifier has a very good MC input so happy all round. I would suggest people get a good phono pre, if they can afford one. Enjoyment level through the roof. Good video. Thank you.

[russellewandowski]

Hey Ron, I just got a 250 LVB and after having played it for about 20 some odd hours, it came into its own and I am impressed with its performance. The additional benefit of having it is my ability to replace the stylus when needed as opposed to having to get a whole new cartridge as with many Moving Coils.

[bumblesby]

For me the biggest difference in sound quality was the phono stage. I had a cheap NAD and replaced it with a Musical Surroundings Phonomena 2 which has all the settings. The difference was jaw dropping even with a middle tier Grado cart. I then got the Grado Statement Reference 2 cart and I am very happy with the sound :)

[jasonsmith]

I currently have the Ortofon Bronze and love it. I moved up from the Blue about 6 months ago. The Bronze is more refined, detailed, and forgiving of a record's condition. It's less sibilant too. Lastly, I thought I'd lose a little bass going to the micro-line stylus, but that was not the case. I also have a tube phono preamp called the Magi Phonomenal that only works with MM cartridges so the Black could be my future cartridge someday. Thanks as always for your videos!

[brianlewis]

What I found out to be true in my situation was to upgrade to a separate phono stage. One that would give me the option to run a MM or MC cartridge. I did that before I upgrade to a MC cart from a MM cart. The difference was huge in my system. That was me using a better phonostage with a Mofi Studio Tracker cartridge. And I got many more pleasurable hours out of that cartridge.

[bencausey]

Haven’t even watched the whole video and I’m already appreciating SO much your knowledge and demo here. Perfect job! Thanks!

[johncallison]

I have debated this cart for a long time, I think you helped me save a lot of $$$$ yes 4 digits. I loved your breakdown on this thank you.

[barneyrubble]

All the really great cartridges are low output MC. So of you want better then a more flexible phono stage is definitely the way to go.

[RocknRonni]

The beauty in the music is revealed with a low output moving coil, common knowledge

[jon]

This is the type of review your big bro loves. Nice work.

[musicmaniac]

Thanks, I'm using a ortofon 2m bronze on a Clearaudio Concept with satisfy tonearm. It sounds terrific. I was looking at the moving coil cartridge soon, but the price difference is a lot. So maybe I'll take your suggestion at the end of the video. The black looks a whole lot nicer

[aaronhayman]

I admittedly haven't had the opportunity to play around with really high end stuff, but I'm pretty happy with the relative bargain level gear that I have now as it's the best that I've had in my system so far. I'm using a Denon DL-110 high output moving coil cart with my old Yamaha pf-800 table. Even though the high output designation is supposed to mean that it can sound good with a basic preamp, I found that my Cambridge Audio P651 preamp sounded a bit weak with this new Denon cart. I replaced the Cambridge Audio preamp with a Schiit Magi mkII preamp, which has lots of adjustments for different style carts and that seemed to do the trick. Probably not nearly as nice as the stuff that you're comparing, but I thought very good sound quality, particularly for a combo that costs well less than $500.

You should consider doing a price on lower priced moving coil carts like the Denon...

[LynnMitchell-wkpo]

I am sticking with my Shure V-15 Type IV with an SAS stylus, I see no reason to change it. The Shure is on an SME III arm which is not really very moving coil friendly, so add a new tone arm into the cost of switching. The changeable stylus adds a real incentive as well, at least as long as the SAS stylus is still made.

[mariocassar]

Because of you I bought the Dynavector 20X2L and it’s on par of the Denon DL103G at 250% of the price. Overall I prefer the Denon !

[bossoli]

Same for me when I upgraded to AT vm760 slc a gem 😊 sound stage, séparation, dynamics ………

[MatthewProietto]

I’ve been on the fence is going with a higher end MM or a MC. The LVB is what I have been looking at and this review seals the deal. I’ve watched enough of your reviews to know you don’t just hype everything. I have the Rega MM phono amp so I already have a decent phono. With the money I save from not buying a MC phono amp.. well I might have to pick up a few new records.

[jimgroce]

I have had a couple of lomc carts in a row including my current Air Tight PC7, about $2500, the most I have ever spent on a cartridge. I moved to mc carts without ever trying a very good mm. Next time I need a cart I should try one.