1210 stock arm cartridge suitability?

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

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.

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

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.

which cartridges would they be?

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Originally Posted by karma1967

which cartridges would they be?

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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).

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?

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Originally Posted by 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?

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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

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Originally Posted by Macca

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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?

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

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Originally Posted by walpurgis

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

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Thanks Geoff. What might sound more refined?

The DL-160 is nicer, but long out of production. Decent used examples crop up now and then.

The high output version of the Goldring Eroica is reputed to sound very good, I have the low output type and like it.

The DL10 is a very decent cart, I'm sure your buddy will love it.

Does your mate's amplifier have a suitable input for a moving-coil cartridge?

Have a look at a RigB vm95ML ;)

The rigB version is available via Facebook and could be the way to go. It seems to upgrade the cartridge and he can upgrade via the different style profiles over time.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

He went for a Audio Technica VM540ML/H in the end. Says he is really pleased with it. Thanks for everyone's advice.

All's well that ends well. :)