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MC Cartridge for Pro-ject Debut Carbon

What are your recommendations on choice of MC cartridge on a Pro-ject Debut Carbon with acrylic platter upgrade? The MC cartridge would need to be compatible with the stock carbon tonearm and cost less than $800 give or take. My phono preamp will accept either MM or MC and adjustable resistance and capacitance (Schitt MANI). System response is neutral.
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Showing 1 response by bkeske

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bkeske
5,589 posts
 
I had that exact set-up for a while. IMO I wouldn’t spend a lot on an MC cart with that table and the Mani.

My initial recommendations would be the Denon DL-103, the Hana EL, Ortofon MC Quintet Blue or Red, AT OC9XEN, or AT33EV. Somewhere in that range. That said, I would probably consider a Soundsmith Otello before considering one of those MC carts. 

Personally, I think when you get to the $700-$1,000 range for a cart, you should consider a table and phono stage upgrade. I know I did, made a significant jump, and happy with the results. That table/arm and phono stage will only take you ‘so far’.
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