Wanted: cartridge for thorens TP16

[MarginWalker]

I am looking to try out a new (to me) cartridge on my thorens TD160 to replace an ortofon om10. I don't want to pay any more than £40 ish so if anyone has anything they are looking to move on that would suit the stock TP16 arm and isnt too much of a faff to fit give me a shout.

Thanks,
Phil

[Idlewithnodrive]

Dicy only wants £20 I think for his Shure M75EJ.

That should do the trick.

[walpurgis]

Dicy only wants £20 I think for his Shure M75EJ.

That should do the trick.

Won't be any better than the OM10 though.

[Idlewithnodrive]

The OP asked for different, not better.

I'm not sure it wouldn't be better either.

[Box13]

I am looking to try out a new (to me) cartridge on my thorens TD160 to replace an ortofon om10. Thanks,
Phil

Why? Are you unhappy with some aspect of it's performance?
What sort of change are you hoping for?
What will you be listening to on it?
Bit more information is needed to give you considered opinion.

[MarginWalker]

Why? Are you unhappy with some aspect of it's performance?
What sort of change are you hoping for?
What will you be listening to on it?
Bit more information is needed to give you considered opinion.

I wouldn't say I was unhappy with it. The sound is fine but I am keen to see how a change in cartridge affects it. I am still learning about turntables and am still trying to cnd out exactly what I want from my setup. I listen to a real mix of stuff, from Jon Martyn to Minor Threat. I suppose trying the shure cartridge might be a good idea as it will be a cheap way of trying something new.

[DSJR]

£40 won't get you what you want methinks. The OM10 is a bit splattery and crude in the company of its peers, but the level it's at is around the 2M RED level.

I'd suggest waiting until you can spend around a ton or so. That way, you might find a good used Denon DL110 which is mechanically well suited to the massy TP16 IMO and will give you lower surface noise and a FAR cleaner treble performance.

Another cartridge is the Shure Me97XE, which is several planes above the dullard M75-EJ. The built-in damper allows its use in arms like the TP16, which could track a V15 IIIHE if set up VERY carefully and not disturbed when playing. The Sumiko Pearl is another 'trad' mm type which is related to the famous A&R cartridges of yore (E77 especially) and also the Rega R100, as well as various others from the late 70's to early 80's (Supex, FR mm's etc.)

Don't forget to change the belt regularly and replace the awful stock mat with a cork type (not expensive) or heavy rubber type (TD160 Super mats do come up from time to time, but you're looking at thirty notes or more).

[struth]

Think the 2m red is a fair bit better than an om10 ..well in my book.
That aside I would agree with David and hold fire till you have more to spend. Doubt 40 ish will improve your lot a lot where a 100 would

[MarginWalker]

Thanks fellas - I suppose I can wait another month so I have the extra cash to make a tangible improvement. Excuse my ignorance but is the Me97xe any different to the M97xe? I can't find the former for sale anywhere.

[Box13]

I wouldn't say I was unhappy with it. The sound is fine but I am keen to see how a change in cartridge affects it. I am still learning about turntables and am still trying to cnd out exactly what I want from my setup. I listen to a real mix of stuff, from Jon Martyn to Minor Threat. I suppose trying the shure cartridge might be a good idea as it will be a cheap way of trying something new.

If you like the ortofon family sound, I would suggest a 2m Red.
Later on you can upgrade it with the Blue stylus as they share the same body.
This way you can split the cost over two purchases.

[MarginWalker]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I want to try something a bit different, also I understand that it is a pain in the arse to fit the ortofon red to the Thorens headshell.

[walpurgis]

I understand that it is a pain in the arse to fit the ortofon red to the Thorens headshell.

There are many other good cartridge choices Phil. It doesn't need to be an Ortofon.

[MarginWalker]

Thanks. I reckon I will save my pennies and go for the shure or the denon. Thanks for the advice everyone.

Phil

[Box13]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I want to try something a bit different, also I understand that it is a pain in the arse to fit the ortofon red to the Thorens headshell.

If you are looking for something that is easy to fit then the Nagoaka MP11 with it's square body is the easiest I know.
The sound is also tank like.

[Box13]

There are many other good cartridge choices Phil. It doesn't need to be an Ortofon.

No of course not.
I like the Red simply because it is very 'even' and it tracks very well.
The Nagoaka MP11 would suit some people better as would the Glanz 10EX which also sets up very easily.

[karma67]

denon dl-110 gets my vote too,very good for the money.

[mikegreenwood]

Have a very nice sounding K9 mounted in a new head shell £45. plus a new AT95 mounted in a new head shell.£35. Postage at cost.

[DSJR]

Think the 2m red is a fair bit better than an om10 ..well in my book.
That aside I would agree with David and hold fire till you have more to spend. Doubt 40 ish will improve your lot a lot where a 100 would


You may well be right Grant, but look at Ortofon's pricings in recent times and the basic specs and I think you'll find the Red has more in common with the Om10 and 510 than it does with the 20/520. Under the fancy new clothes is a very similar body to the OM series, although I'm not sure about whether the lower 2M series has the laminated pole pieces of the 'Super OM' models.

The K9 would be good and better suited than say, an AT120 or 120-II. If you look after it, it may be worth having ESCo graft a new diamond on when it wears out... The AT95E, which has a similar spec body to the K9, can have an HE stylus fitted, which apparently takes it even further..

P.S. The MP11 or current 110 should also work, but old and outdated memories colour my opinion unfairly as it was the awful 80's when these memories were formed :( The Glanz is almost certainly too compliant and undamped for the Thorens arm sadly..

[karma67]

The AT95E, which has a similar spec body to the K9, can have an HE stylus fitted, which apparently takes it even further..
the HE stylus does bring it to another level,the SA brings it up another notch,i went from stock to HE and was very pleased,it costs around £80 from the states,the dl-110 beats it hands down though.