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View Full Version : Advice Needed on inexpensive MC Cartridges


ovlov854
10-04-2019, 16:39
Hi All. I have decided to replace my Tangerine LP12 and Naim Aro with something a little more modest
I have gone for a Voyd TT with an Audio Note Arm 1 V2 and am now somewhat bemused by the amount of MC cartridges
I have had Linn Asaka, Trioka and currently use a Benz Wood SL

I am limited to using MC as my Hovland pre only has MC.
It was quite happy with the Troika's super low output and OK with the Wood's 0.4mv
I would seek a modest MC with up to 0.5/0.6 mv??? possibly used as I would probably install the Benz Wood when the Lp12 goes

So any suggestions ?? :scratch::scratch::scratch:
Barry
10-04-2019, 19:46
What do you mean by "inexpensive"? What is your budget?
ovlov854
10-04-2019, 23:45
Probably £2-300
hifi_dave
11-04-2019, 09:01
Audio Technica AT-F2 or AT-F7. I don't know of any other quality MCs at anywhere near the price.
Barry
11-04-2019, 09:01
With that budget you are talking used or second hand. With a little more, there are models from Hana that might interest you.
mikeyb
11-04-2019, 09:05
With that budget you are talking used or second hand. With a little more, there are models from Hana that might interest you.That was my thoughts too, low hours mc at that price should just about be doable. Something like a used AT 33PTGII or Denon 103, Goldring Eroica LX.
AJSki2fly
11-04-2019, 09:09
With that budget you are talking used or second hand. With a little more, there are models from Hana that might interest you.

I would agree, I recently tried the Hana SL out on trail in my system, it is a very good musical cartridge IMO. I did see a new one for sale for £599 but cannot remember the dealer, hunt on the net.
mikeyb
11-04-2019, 09:11
Ortofon MC25FL is another good one to look out for IF you can find one with accurate hours used.
Barry
11-04-2019, 09:16
Ortofon MC25FL is another good one to look out for IF you can find one with accurate hours used.

I thought about suggesting the MC25FL. I have one, bought with only 50 hours on it for about £125. Like the Denon 103, I regard it as a good, 'everyday', cartridge.
walpurgis
11-04-2019, 09:20
The Goldring Eroica LX is good value and nicely musical. I've had one for years and like it a lot.
mikeyb
11-04-2019, 09:22
I thought about suggesting the MC25FL. I have one, bought with only 50 hours on it for about £125. Like the Denon 103, I regard it as a good, 'everyday', cartridge.


The Goldring Eroica LX is good value and nicely musical. I've had one for years and like it a lot.

See, I'm learning [emoji6] [emoji23]
Stryder5
11-04-2019, 14:12
Another one for the Goldring Eroica LX, I have two. One with Geiger II stylus and one with Van den Hul stylus. They are both very musical.

Gary
Lurch
11-04-2019, 14:56
I have an Eroica L, sitting here doing nothing I would let go for £100 posted. No box or accessories, just cart and stylus guard, but would be carefully packed.
DSJR
11-04-2019, 15:58
Re the Eroika... Don't you chaps have handling issues with 'microphonics' with these? maybe I have the wrong model, but I do think you can get far better these days. Just my opinion of course.

I now have several friends with AT-F7's and they ALL love them - not expensive, nice diamond finish, great sonics and not temperamental or fussy! The F2 has a bonded diamond instead of the naked one on the F7. It's a long time since I heard a Hana and not in comparison with anything, but the low output? one I heard was great too.

Hope the Void delivers these days. Getting on a bit now and who knows what numpty has been at the innards in the meantime but they were bloody good at the time ;) Hopefully less to do to it than an average geriatric knackered old fruitbox (most early 80's ones are now I gather), whomever's been at it and upgraded the parts...
Lurch
11-04-2019, 17:07
Used the Eroica when I snapped the stylus on my Hana (both on 100ohm) and not much to choose between them, and absolutely no issues with the Eroica. Different story though when I feed the repacent SL with 470 ohm, it was in a different league altogether, and took my current Sumiko Pearwood to show it a clean pair of heels.
cyto
16-04-2019, 16:00
I really like the Denon DL-301MKII and it can be had in your price range. Do some research first as some folks don't care for it.
Fiddlefye
19-04-2019, 21:42
What effective mass are you working with in that arm? Hard to make suggestions without knowing. Somewhere in the 11-12g range I'm guessing? If so here are a few I like- Denon DL-304, AT OC9/III, AT33PTG/II. In the "oldies" category an Ortofon Mc-10 Super might do nicely.
ovlov854
20-04-2019, 20:46
Bang on. The Audio Note Arm 1 V2 is 11.5 g Effective mass.
Still not quite sure what I am going to go for

BTW apologies and belated thanks to all who have made suggestions.
I'll let you know what I decide............and then if I like it :lol:
hifi_dave
22-04-2019, 10:37
Personally, I wouldn't go for a s/h cartridge - you never know how much wear, tear and care it's had. Instead I would go for an Audio Technica AT-F2 or AT-F7 in this price range.
Lovely cartridges with no equal at the price and you have the security of knowing it hasn't been abused.
ovlov854
23-04-2019, 08:37
Personally, I wouldn't go for a s/h cartridge - you never know how much wear, tear and care it's had. Instead I would go for an Audio Technica AT-F2 or AT-F7 in this price range.
Lovely cartridges with no equal at the price and you have the security of knowing it hasn't been abused.
This makes good sense and I am beginning to lean this way.