WTD: cheap and cheerful MC cartridge

[Lawrence001]

Does such a thing exist? I've wanted to have a play for years but can't afford much. Just bought this RFC prototype SUT from PFM (doesn't look like the one that did the rounds on here a few years ago, the ground connector is different, and it says they are Sowter transformers which surprised me).

https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/thre...pe-sut.215118/

So I need a MC cartridge to mount on my Ariston RD11/SME3009 (fixed headshell). I have a Yaqin valve stage, plus one in a Gate Audio pre I bought off here a couple of years ago, and a Croft Super Micro A is on its way!




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[walpurgis]

Does such a thing exist?

Not really. The cheaper you go, the less cheerful they become.

Your best bet is a Denon DL-103 as a starting point. It's give you a good idea of what MC's are about. Trouble is, your lowish mass SME is not suited to low compliance cartridges, as most MC's are. That means you'll need to add weight to the headshell to get it working right.

[Firebottle]

I was going to suggest a 103 as well.
I have used an offcut of lead flashing to make an extra mass for fitting in the headshell. It is very easy to work with and cut to size.

If you need a small piece give me a shout.

[steve-z]

Depends what your definition of cheap is ?
If you’ve got £200 or so to spend then the one to go for is the ATF7, or if a little less money is available its cheaper sibling the ATF2. The extra money gets you a nude elliptical whereas the cheaper one is shank mounted. I’ve been using an ATF7 for the last few months and have been very impressed with the SQ, it’s also a brilliant tracker that banishes IGD at 2g tracking weight, it’s a bargain imho.


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[Barry]

How much did you have in mind?

If you wan't to dip your toe into MC waters, and don't mind buying a low mileage used cartridge, then I would suggest either the Denon 103 or an Ortofon MC25FL. There is also the Sumiko 'Blue Point (Special)', but I think that might be a high-output MC.

[Lawrence001]

Hmm I was thinking £50 max for a s/h one.

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[steve-z]

Hmm I was thinking £50 max for a s/h one.

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You’re going to have a job finding something decent for double that price, I sold a low hours Denon DL110 a few months back and got £88 for it on ebay, about the going rate I think.


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[Lawrence001]

Probably should have done some research before jumping the gun!

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[Barry]

Hmm I was thinking £50 max for a s/h one.

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Hmmm - that's not a lot. I was lucky enough to buy a DL103C with 50 hours on the clock for £50 a few years ago, but these days I would expect to have to pay ~ £150, and about the same for a similarly used Ortofon MC25FL.

To be perfectly honest, I don't think you are going to be able to buy anything half decent for the sum you have in mind.

[struth]

Ortofon mc 25 was nice on my 3009. Some of the similar lower numbers might be got for around ur budget. Mc 20 maybe