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 3 responses by yogiboy

The Sonata comes in three versions. I use the Sonata with 1.5 mv output which is known as the Sonata VPI version. Call Grado and they will give you the info on this.
BTW: I forgot to mention, it sounds like you have an arm and cartridge mismatch causing the cartridge to resonate. You can try adding some mass to the arm and see if that corrects the problem.
If you go on Ebay check out head shell weights. Technics has 3 gram weights for a couple of bucks. I would give that a try. The Sonata is a light cartridge (6 grams)so I use a weight on my SME 309. You will change the VTA when you do this so make sure that the arm you have can be adjusted for VTA.