Stock 1210 cartridge

[Metlor]

Having moved up to a Cambridge audio 540 phono (goodbye Skytronic) I'm now looking for a new cartridge.
I've read round in circles and have arrived at the AT 95 ml. or sh. variants.
I've no idea about loading, capacitance, compliance etc, my records are mainly 1980s, and not pristine, but I'm not ready to say goodbye yet.

Any advice appreciated.
Thanks mart

[Zoidburg]

I used the AT 150 ML which is basically the same cart as the 95 (I think) and it worked very well with my 1200 both on the standard arm and the Jelco I had on it,

[CageyH]

The AT150MLx is not the same cart as the 95.
The generator is different.

The VM95ML is supposed to be quite good, but it is also worth looking at the 540ML. This is apparently the same as the 740ML, but has a plastic body. The 740ML is a bit more expensive.

[Metlor]

Thanks, from what I understand the discontinued 150 would sit somewhere in the current 700 range.

Any recommendations for UK retailers ?

mart.

[graham67]

Yes the 150 MLX microline was effectively replaced by the VM740ML. Also check out the VM750SH which has shibata tip. The VM540ML replaces the old 440ML and will also work well and is more affordable.

[KAWASAKI ADDICT]

I wouldn't consider the 750 Shibata (I have the 2m black) unless your LPs are kept immaculate. Shibata styli, whilst sounding superb with very clean vinyl, are not very kind to worn or less than pristine LPs. Go with the Micro line. I use a 440 for old records because apart from a reduction in surface noise, they dig out the detail that other profiles cannot. Hope that helps.

[Metlor]

Thanks for the advice Russell, it certainly applies in my case. Not sure how much new vinyl I'll be buying given the cost, mind second hand jazz pressings aren't exactly cheap.

[CageyH]

What cartridge are you upgrading from?

[Metlor]

It's a Stanton 500, bought it from Hudson's records Chesterfield about 20 years ago ☺
I've decided on a AT 740 ml, probably too much, but I won't be thinking about upgrading for a while !

[CageyH]

Not a bad choice, as you have plenty of styli available at reasonable cost.

[Metlor]

Thanks Kevin, that's reassuring to know.
Hopefully I can pick up a few more albums before Christmas !

[KAWASAKI ADDICT]

Yes, the price of new Records is eye-watering. The industry are shooting themselves in the foot with greed. If they reduced prices by £5, I'm sure they would sell many more LPs, to many more people.

[Metlor]

I recently picked up the Cambridge phono stage bundled with a Rega P2 that I bought for our daughter. The new Sam Smith album I picked up the other day was just short of £30 !
Not sure how many school kids are buying albums every week.