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Budget MC Suggestions?

I've been back into vinyl for over a year now, enjoying it all immensely. I have a Thorens TD-320 with Shure V15VxMR playing through a Gram Amp 2 SE phono stage and I do love the sound. But I've been reading so much about the superior sonic quality of low output MC that I've gotten very curious. To the best of my knowledge, in 35 years of listening to records I've never heard an MC cart. So, I'm wondering two things. First, is it possible on a shoestring budget (say $300 for cartridge and phono stage or transformer, used is fine) to find an MC set-up that will sound better than my present MM set-up? If so, what preamp and cart do you recommend? If it's not possible on that budget, how much does one have to invest in MC to outperform the V15-Gram Amp 2SE set-up? Second, what exactly are the sonic improvements I should expect to hear? Thanks, Rich
winegasman

Showing 2 responses by jphii

jphii
485 posts
 
1. No

1a. See #1

1b. $400+ Denon 103r, about 250, & K&K step up, about 200

2. Detail, detail , detail!

Some would say that your Shure is a better setup than the Denon. I think they are both fine cartridges for the money, and use the 103r myself.

I'd say if you enjoy it that much, don't screw with it. All that will do is get you started wondering how much better the next level of upgrades are. Then you will fall blindly into the never ending upgrade fever, spend all your money, lose job, wife & dog in the pursuit of audio nirvana. Then, you'll end up selling it all and go back to where you started.

Sounds like fun, doesn't it!!!!
jphii
485 posts
 
Restock is right. In my overzealous pursuit of giving kudos to the 103r, I forgot that your arm has to be able to handle it! Like Dan I ordered a Shure also. SInce they are being discontinued, I figured why not.

See what I mean, once you get started....
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