Vinyl Junkies - I need some suggestions!

[Johnny Vinyl]

My GRADO 8MZ cartridge has seen better days and it's time to get a new one.

My turntable is decent and I have no intention of replacing it, so I don't want to spend a fortune on a replacement cartridge. I've been very happy with my GRADO and was thinking of purchasing the GRADO PLATINUM. But I'm open to suggestions. My budget is $500 CDN max. I can get the Grado for $400 + tax.

What other cartridges should I be considering? No Sumiko Blue Points though...I had one once and found it had little bottom end.

Any input is appreciated! Thanks

[richteer]

Originally Posted by John72953

My GRADO 8MZ cartridge has seen better days and it's time to get a new one.

My turntable is decent and I have no intention of replacing it, so I don't want to spend a fortune on a replacement cartridge. I've been very happy with my GRADO and was thinking of purchasing the GRADO PLATINUM. But I'm open to suggestions. My budget is $500 CDN max. I can get the Grado for $400 + tax.

What other cartridges should I be considering? No Sumiko Blue Points though...I had one once and found it had little bottom end.

Any input is appreciated! Thanks

I was going to suggest the Sumiko (have you heard the Blue Point Special?), but...

Would I be correct in thinking that you're looking for either an MM or high output MC cartridge? One option that comes to mind in that price range is the Audio technica OC-9, but it's an MC so might not have a high enough output for your preamp.

I'll do some digging around later today and try to come up with some more options for you. (I'm starting to consider replacing my Lyra Parnassus; top of my list is the Air Tight PC1, but at $6K it's beyond my reach at the moment (other priorities...).)

[pmac]

Uhh?! $6k for just a needle? Or it that a whole Turntable?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by richteer

I was going to suggest the Sumiko (have you heard the Blue Point Special?), but...

Would I be correct in thinking that you're looking for either an MM or high output MC cartridge? One option that comes to mind in that price range is the Audio technica OC-9, but it's an MC so might not have a high enough output for your preamp.

I'll do some digging around later today and try to come up with some more options for you. (I'm starting to consider replacing my Lyra Parnassus; top of my list is the Air Tight PC1, but at $6K it's beyond my reach at the moment (other priorities...).)

I'm looking for an MM cartridge and I appreciate you digging a little further. I'll do some research myself and see if I can find some reviews on your suggestions.

I know the Sumikos have a great reputation, but I'm hesitant on trying it again. Especially since I can't find any dealers whereby I could audition the cartridge. Basically I'll be doing a blind buy, which I hate to do, but I doubt I'll have much choice. Hence my propensity for sticking with GRADO...

As an aside....I just picked up Jack Johnson's - Sleep Through The Static - at HMV on vinyl for $12.99. Their selection was limited, but it is great to see some of the large B&M's offering vinyl again.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by pmac

Uhh?! $6k for just a needle? Or it that a whole Turntable?

$6K for just the cartridge. If it was available new today, my turntable would cost rather more than $6K!

[pmac]

I must say I am surprised at the price, but at the same time, not really, as audio has some house like prices on some equipment.
But the "frequency response of the cartrige is something i would not have considered, just because it would never have occured to me since all needles just follow thre groove outlined for them (yeah yeah, I know, ignorance is bliss) .
I just received a TT as a hand me down, hooked it up, and went to try it out with these 2 OLD boxes of records from my 88 year old grandmothers era. It turns out several months ago I dumped them on the curve, thinking I would never have a use for them. (Boohoo)