Cheap Cartridges

[Shian7]

Not the most extensive range in the world but prices are keen and include VAT & delivery.

There's at least a couple of models that seem popular with forum members.

http://www.hifix.co.uk/sku_list.lass...d=&major_id=29

I realise that this is a commercial site but there seems to me to be very little on there that I would consider to be in competition with WD.

If I'm incorrect on this, please accept my apologies in advance.

[Richard]

Thanks Mike,

I'm using a DL160 at the mo which is excellent and am thinking of the 304 which is a good price here. Anyone else using this or have any alternative suggestions?

Rich

[Gerry]

Richard

I have a 304. Excellent cartridge. Worked really well with my Alphason HR100 and Rega RB300.
I'd recommend it...easy load and perfectly suited to modern meduim mass arms.

[buddam]

Hi Gerry

how's the 304 against a 103/103R?

Adrian

[michael orme]

Originally Posted by buddam

Hi Gerry

how's the 304 against a 103/103R?

Adrian

I was going to ask that! Spec looks better on 304?

[Gerry]

It is a while since I used it. But as I remember they are similar but it has a tighter base. I used it with a different arm which the 103R didn't really like.
I might dig it out and compare, if the weather is as bad as they promise, this weekend!

[Stratmangler]

I had a chuckle at the description for the DL160 - the thought of a DJ using one of these in anger makes me shudder.

To quote:
DJs looking for a replacement cartridge will like the Denon DL-160 its a moving coil cartridge that's capable of producing a high output…...

Chris

[Stratmangler]

Richard

How does the DL-160 compare to the DL-110 ?

I have a DL-110, and find that it sounds a bit ploddy and one note in the low frequencies.

It also doesn't track particularly well as it nears the label when playing records - I'm thinking of DTB and his 103 tracking issues here.

Does the stylus difference make a big difference in the presentation and tracking between the two cartridges ?

Chris

[Richard]

Thanks Gerry, I was trying to find meaningful figures like compliance but couldn't so all comment welcome. I see Shane also uses the 304 which has made me pause as he's having probs in a Mayware which is lower eff mass than yours. I would have thought it will be as compliant as the 160 but who knows?

Chris, not used the 110 but the 160 tracks perfectly in the Mayware, absolutely no audible distortion or mistracking even on rough eBay vinyl, tracks the noise beautifully . Seriously, I'm begining to wonder if this is just a good cart sample or a lucky arm match. That said, I know the geometry is good so it may be worth you checking alignment. Also, this weather, keep it warm, my deck's on the shelf above the power amp. Bass is strong and tuneful, as good if not better than CD, which is saying something.

My dilema is that a 304 will need to use the step up TXs and will I lose as much as I gain by going to these? I suppose I will try it and report back.

Rich

[Shane]

My feedback problems are more a result of location and isolation with my home-made turntable. I think under normal circumstances the 304/Mayware combination should be pretty good given that the 304 is medium compliance and the Mayware has such easily variable effective mass. Don't let my problems put you off!