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Thread: Do any cheap MM/HOMC carts sound engaging and fun?

  1. #1
    Join Date: Mar 2013

    Location: West Sussex

    Posts: 195
    I'm Chris.

    Default Do any cheap MM/HOMC carts sound engaging and fun?

    Hi Guys,

    I was intrigued by the "Are expensive carts worth it?" thread however being somewhat financially challenged TBH it was pretty academic but nonetheless interesting debate for me. In any case even if I were flush I am not sure I would invest heavily in a cart or turntable.

    Now I appreciate system context is important and there are lots of YouTube videos showing "affordable" carts but usually on oldish Japanese DD turntables. I have a Rega Planar 3 and Croft Micro 25 and mainly old used but clean LPs so am wondering what the best sounding/best bang for the buck MM or HOMC cart is under say £200?



    Chris

  2. #2
    Join Date: May 2016

    Location: Much Wenlock

    Posts: 1,522
    I'm Gary.

    Default

    Hi Chris,

    As always this is subjective, but a good start is a Denon DL 110 HOMC.

    I don't think I've ever heard a negative comment on this, doesn't mind old records either.

    I'm sure others will come along with suggestions.

    Currently new on eBay for £175 new.

    Gary
    Last edited by Stryder5; 14-06-2018 at 09:47. Reason: Added cost

  3. #3
    Join Date: Sep 2017

    Location: Chichester, West Sussex UK

    Posts: 368
    I'm John.

    Default

    At 440mlb or Ortofon 2M Blue.

  4. #4
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Toulouse, France

    Posts: 6,562
    I'm Kevin.

    Default

    One of these would be worth a listen - https://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGAT95VL.html
    Kevin

    Too busy enjoying the music....

    European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..

  5. #5
    Join Date: Jun 2010

    Location: Adelaide, South Australia

    Posts: 520
    I'm Steve.

    Default

    I found an Ortofon OM10 surprisingly good when care is taken with setup and then tweaked to sound the best you can get it.
    This ws on my Luxman PD264 and GH228 unipivot.

    Running a V15 III jico Neo SAS now though
    Steve.

    Kit I have:
    CD player, TTs, Phono stages, Pre amps, Power amps, Integrated amps, DACs, Streamers, Speakers and a bunch of cables.

  6. #6
    Join Date: Mar 2013

    Location: West Sussex

    Posts: 195
    I'm Chris.

    Default

    ..thanks guys for the recommendations. I think it will have to be a MM as an HOMC output is too low to drive my power amp.

    Chris

  7. #7
    Join Date: Nov 2008

    Location: Banbury, Oxfordshire/Panteg is where my late father was born

    Posts: 4,382
    I'm Chris.

    Default

    Very wise, in my opinion having used a DL160, it's too much of a compromise! Better to have a decent mm or a true MC.
    Chris

    We've gone on holiday by mistake !

  8. #8
    Join Date: May 2016

    Location: Much Wenlock

    Posts: 1,522
    I'm Gary.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by cjm123 View Post
    ..thanks guys for the recommendations. I think it will have to be a MM as an HOMC output is too low to drive my power amp.

    Chris

    I'm sure it's a typo, it's feeding your Croft Micro? If so its a pre amp. MM and HOMC will drive this, you may need to turn volume higher.

  9. #9
    Join Date: May 2012

    Location: Toulouse, France

    Posts: 6,562
    I'm Kevin.

    Default

    A HOMC should be fine directly into the MM input.

    Another thought for a cartridge is the AT95e with the upgraded paratrace stylus assembly.
    This will cost about £200.

    Recently there was a AT150ea on eBay for £150. This is another excellent sounding cartridge.
    Kevin

    Too busy enjoying the music....

    European loan coordinator for Graham Slee HiFi system components..

  10. #10
    Join Date: Nov 2010

    Location: Chorley, Lancs

    Posts: 2,734
    I'm Mike.

    Default

    if you can find a good one an Ortofon VMS30 Mk2, i use one on a planar 3 with a 202 arm, sounds fab


    As the late Colonel Sanders once said
    "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken!!"

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