1210 stock arm cartridge suitability?

[HackneyRF]

Hi folks

Just after a little advice on a suitable replacement cartridge for a stock arm on a 1210. I’m asking for my buddy who’s inherited one and wants to replace the Ortofon dj cartridge it currently has. He doesn’t want to go down the rabbit hole of tweeks. I think he would spend up to £150. He wants something that’s going to be relatively easy to set up. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Loz

[Barry]

I would recommend a fixed-coil cartridge (a.k.a MM). Searching the web I found a few that your friend might consider. All, save one, are less than £150.

Goldring E3 (Around £99)

Sumiko Rainier (£160)

Audio Technica VM320EB (£144)

Audio Technica VM520EB (£105)

Ortofon 2M Red (£99)

Nagaoka MP110 (£130)


I should add that I have absolutely no experience of any of the cartridges listed above, but are some that I might look at given the record deck and budget.

Hope it helps.

[worrasf]

I have personal experience of the LP Gear (Audiotechnica) AT95 VL (https://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGAT95VL.html).
Very very good when I was using a stock arm in the SL1210 and it fits your m8's budget

[Mikeandvan]

As above, any of the Audio Technic VM95 carts, I have the vm95en, it's great, in fact as good as carts 3 times the price, that's no exaggeration.

[karma1967]

which cartridges would they be?

[Mikeandvan]

which cartridges would they be?

Well, my last cart before the VM95 and VM540 was the Nagoaka MP200, and while that 's been gone quite a while, I swear there is no major difference between the two in terms of SQ (in terms of presentation probably).

[HackneyRF]

Thanks for the replies chaps. I'll pass it on.
By the way, I have a spare Denon DL-110 in my box. Wonder if it's a good match?

[Macca]

Thanks for the replies chaps. I'll pass it on.
By the way, I have a spare Denon DL-110 in my box. Wonder if it's a good match?

tried a 103 on mine, superficially impressive but a bit cartoonish, bold sketch of the music rather than detailed insight. It did not end up replacing a Nag MP50

[HackneyRF]

tried a 103 on mine, superficially impressive but a bit cartoonish, bold sketch of the music rather than detailed insight. It did not end up replacing a Nag MP50

Great description! I can fit it for him and he can see for himself.

[walpurgis]

Thanks for the replies chaps. I'll pass it on.
By the way, I have a spare Denon DL-110 in my box. Wonder if it's a good match?

The DL-110 is suitable for the SL-1200/1210 arm, but it's not very refined. Worth a try though.