Best cartridge to reduce hum under $400 USD


I am currently running a Grado platinum reference on a stock Thorens TD150 mkII and Grado phono preamp. I like the the music it produces, but on my new Arcam - Monitor Audio - B&W based system I am noticing the hum a lot more. The hum increases as the cartridges swings towards the center of the platter, so I am assuming the unshielded cartridge is to blame.

With the b&w sub I am also now noticing more rumble, which may also indicate the cartridge is the wrong compliance? If I recall correctly, the tone arm is medium weight, something like 13 grams.

The phono stage has high and low level settings, but not sure it can effectively handle low very output MC.

Any suggestions?

kn
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Showing 2 responses by mofimadness

I agree with the Denon DL110. The Audio Technica AT150MLX is
also an excellent choice.
The Grado cartridges are a moving iron design and have always been notorious for hum problems with turntables/tonearms that have less than ideal shielding of the motor. This has been well documented. I was a Grado dealer for many, many years and know this first hand.

I'm not sure that even reducing the output voltage of the cartridge will work unless you want to shield the motor somehow on your Thorens.

IMHO, I would move to a different cartridge, (or spend the time and money to shield the motor).