Cartridge recommendations please.

[Gerry B]

I recently had one of those great happy hi-fi discoveries, when I tried an old Audio Technica ATF5 I had stored for many years, in place of my Denon DL160. Suddenly the sound became 3 dimensional and open.
I certainly don't recall it sounding very good in my old system but my current Garrard 401/Jelco SA 750 WD Phono 3S, Pre 3, WAD300B PP, B&W 703s, it is way better than I expected and finally preferable to my CD source (Pioneer PD91- modded)
So the question is if this cart sounds good what else should I consider in the medium () price MC market?
I just wondered if there was any general consensus as to what to go for?
I'll obviously never get a chance to audition anything so any comments would be most welcome.
Thanks
Gerry

[Cycleallday]

I like the Goldring 1042 cartridge but the Grado Prestige range have had some good reviews recently and I noticed 2ndhandhifi are selling some 'ex display' ones at reduced prices so it could be worth giving him a ring for prices.
http://www.gradolabs.com/page_cartri...db2f07f46fec27

Mel

[Gerry B]

Thanks Mel

I'll have a look.

Gerry

[Gerry B]

Thanks Mel. I'll have a look at both.
I notice the 1042 is a favourite of Hi-Fi World too!
If its not too much trouble what have you previously tried that you consider inferior?
Gerry

[colin.hepburn]

I also have the gold ring 1042 which I like but find is a pain to setup to avoid sibilance from it I am now using ortofon 2M blue a very good cart for the money I feel
http://www.ortofon.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&It emid=70
but I thought you were looking at MC

[Gerry B]

Thanks Colin,
Yes, I was assuming that MC in this price range would be superior, but I have no frame of reference really.
Hmmn Ortofon....interesting.

cheers
Gerry

[colin.hepburn]

Yes I like the Ortofon 2M blue I have it running in my J7 modes Rega RB250 into the WD phono 2/3 and into My JE.KT66 Single Ended Amp Nice detailed real sound well for me anyway may suit you but as always it down to personal taste maybe i should give the 1042 a try on this system again
PS i used to have the Audio Technica ATF3 years ago not qiuet the ATF 5 but i liked that one to too

[richardcooper2k]

Hi Gerry, do you think the DL160 had worn out or do you think the AT cart had a better balance in your system ?

Colin, have you compared the Ortophon to a DL103 ? not heard the Ortophon and wondered how they compared

[colin.hepburn]

Originally Posted by richardcooper2k

Colin, have you compared the Ortophon to a DL103 ? not heard the Ortophon and wondered how they compared

No sorry cant help you there apart from the ATF3 i had its allways been MM cart since then
its unfortunate you cant Demo a cart at your local Hi Fi Shops These Days its a fare bit to spend on a cart if you dont happen to like it

[Cycleallday]

Didn't read carefully enough to spot you were looking at MC's. Still I do like the 1042.

Others I still have and like in price order (low to high) are

Dynovector 10x5
AT OC9 ML2
Ortofon Kontra B (the one I use now)

To be honest if i had all my money back and could buy only one I would be very happy with the Dynovector 10x5

The law of diminishing returns definitely comes into play with these things.

Mel