Best MM Cartridges

[daytona600]

use a cartridgeman LE myself , costs more than most MCs

[southall-1998]

The Shure M3D is a nice cart.

[The Grand Wazoo]

....what would you consider to be the very best MM cartridges available today?

Just to clarify a little, would it be correct to say that you're interested in cartridges which don't have a low output (requiring an extra gain stage in the phono amp) rather than purely moving magnets?
If so, there are lots of good suggestions above but don't forget the Deaccas.

[walpurgis]

The Shure M3D is a nice cart.

Cor, nice for what Shane? I've had a few of the sad old things. A well sharpened pencil would probably track as well and put out less offensive noises.

(that of course will have the M3D fans up in arms)

[Jimbo]

Just to clarify a little, would it be correct to say that you're interested in cartridges which don't have a low output (requiring an extra gain stage in the phono amp) rather than purely moving magnets?
If so, there are lots of good suggestions above but don't forget the Deaccas.

Yes you are correct I only have a MM phono stage so could at a pinch try a high output MC but I am really only interested in MM or maybe MI (Decca) type. My post was just to gain opinions and views currently of MM cartridges AOS users found particularly good. I am actually using a 2M black at the moment which I have found superb.

[trio leo]

Back in the 80's the Nagaoka MP50 was regarded as one of the best MM cartridge, I wonder if they have just added a 0 to the title and the price, it's now the MP500, I suspect it's very good, but a bit pricey to just give it a try, anyone got one to give the OP an opinion?


enjoy your music

regards Al

[Beobloke]

Another vote for the 2M Black here - it's a simply astonishing MM in my opinion.

Cor, nice for what Shane? I've had a few of the sad old things. A well sharpened pencil would probably track as well and put out less offensive noises.

(that of course will have the M3D fans up in arms)

*runs and hides behind something explosion-proof before Marco sees this*

[Boukman]

I have a 2M Black and like it. Also have MP500 which is warmer and great. Mostly, though, I listen to a denon mono DL102 and a GEVRII mono and 78 rpm cartridge. I dont listen much to stereo, but when I do, I choose the Ortofon 2M Black or the Nagaoka MP500. There are some good high output MC's as well, such as the Denon DL110 and 160 and the SAE1000E. An the Shure M44 is pretty good and good value. Good luck

[Reffc]

My faves include the Goldring 1042, the 2m Black and the Shure V15III (dependant upon arm used and stylus employed).

However, if your arm can take the energy which means high-ish mass, or mass loading applied to the headshell, then the London Decca carts are excellent and a great alternative to expensive MC set ups.

[Yomanze]

My faves include the Goldring 1042, the 2m Black and the Shure V15III (dependant upon arm used and stylus employed).

However, if your arm can take the energy which means high-ish mass, or mass loading applied to the headshell, then the London Decca carts are excellent and a great alternative to expensive MC set ups.

On this, my Reson Reca is a noticable step up from the Goldring 1042 upon which it is based bringing a larger degree of refinement & treble clarity to the mix.