Wanted: cartridge, stylus or just advice

[rorackowe]

Hi, I have just bought a systemdek iix 900. Unfortunately the seller snapped off the cantilever when dusting the deck so I'm either looking for a new stylus assembly for a Goldring 10xx body, a new cart or maybe just some advice.
The turntable will be near some pretty inquisitive young fingers, so ideally under 100 notes. I have an MM input on my Yamaha amp and can dig out an OBH 9 for MC duties. The arm is a straight wand Rega (RB250 at a guess).

[Audio Al]

Rega carbon ? new £25

[Riislingen]

Rega Carbon is a more than decent choice for the cost. You could consider Audio Technica's AT VM-95 series at 50-100 quid as well - I think they sound very good.

Ortofon Red, or Grado Black (I've used the Black in the past) are other good options. I'd take Grado over Ortofon at that prince range though.

[rorackowe]

I used to own a basic AT95 and a derivative (Linn K5). Is the VM-95 related? They had a nice balance. I've no experience of the Grado so thanks for the suggestion. Is the Goldring 1006 any good? At the top of my budget and very few reviews around.

[Magic]

The Ortofon Red works really well in Rega arms.

May I suggest investing half your budget in a low hours, used Red & the other half in a used replacement end stub & counterweight (assuming your RB250 still has the plastic one fitted).

This will maximise your sound quality for pound IMHO.

[hifi_dave]

I used to own a basic AT95 and a derivative (Linn K5). Is the VM-95 related? They had a nice balance. I've no experience of the Grado so thanks for the suggestion. Is the Goldring 1006 any good? At the top of my budget and very few reviews around.

The VM95 is a new range of cartridges from AudioTechnica. Similar to the old AT95E but with better bodies and more refined stylus assemblies.

Priced from £44 for the VM95 E with an elliptical stylus to £179 for the Shibata tipped VM95 SH and very good they are too. For your budget there is the VM95 EN, which has a nude elliptical stylus at £99. Ideal for use in your Rega arm.

[rorackowe]

Decisions decisions! Thanks for the replies.

[mikmas]

There is an Ortofon 2m Red for sale at the moment ....

https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?61016-Fs-Ortofon-2M-Red

(was toying with the idea of buying it but unsure how it would gel with my set up)

[Riislingen]

I used to own a basic AT95 and a derivative (Linn K5). Is the VM-95 related? They had a nice balance. I've no experience of the Grado so thanks for the suggestion. Is the Goldring 1006 any good? At the top of my budget and very few reviews around.

I see Dave beat me to it. Yes, they are the new lineup based on the older AT95, offering more styli choices along with better bodies - price still aggressive as well.

The Grado's have a warmer tone and more slam than the lower end Ortofon's IMO. Traits I personally value beyond most things. Some say they are more susceptible to hum picked up from the motor of Rega decks. I wouldn't know as I only ran it in a modded Rega arm but never on a Rega deck.