MM cartrige - recommend a good one

for an incredible value....the audio technica 150mlx between 350 and 400 bucks, and it plays toe to toe with the likes of some pretty refined mc's from 1k to 2k

I agree with Jaybo - the AT150MLX is a very fine and detailed cartridge, but it does need to be loaded correctly. AT specifies a total cable capacitance (arm, ICs, preamp input) to be between 100-200pf - I use 115pf. You should play with the preamp input impedance also - I've lowered mine from 47K to about 32K using "Y" adapters and 100K load resistors. This loading should be played with depending on how bright/forward your system is.

I have the AT150 and cant say enough good things about it, agree 100% with others here. I have a couple carts MM and MC all $500-$600 but never feel a need to change.

09-29-07: Jaybo
for an incredible value....the audio technica 150mlx between 350 and 400 bucks, and it plays toe to toe with the likes of some pretty refined mc's from 1k to 2k

It's a lot cheaper than that here.

I would also check out the Music Maker III and Classic. Both received very good reviews in Stereotimes.

I am familiar with the Music Maker II and it, indeed, makes music. My understanding is that the III and Classic are better.

Clearaudio Maestro

johnnyb53...thats a steal on it. wow

Dear Kublakhan: The Empire 600LAC is a very good quality performer and for less than 200.00

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

I'm using a Goldring 1042 MM cartridge in my second turntable (light modified Dual CS5000 with OPS arm)
I think it's one of the best MM cartridges money can buy.
I've compared it to the Music Maker II and found the Goldring the better one.

London Decca makes several. Depending on your budget you can pick one. I have the Super Gold (MSRP $1295) which is in the middle of their range.

I also like the Grado - various levels depending on your budget. I have the Reference Sonata (msrp ~$500) and like it a lot.

. . . that's my 2 cents . . .

Thanks for the recommendations everyone. I went with the AT and thanks to johnnyb for the link...I bought it from them.

The london decca sounded interesting but I read a note on here that the manufacturer recommends an undamped unipivot arm which I won't be using.

Kub, your gonna be very happy with your choice, cheers.

Oh Chad, you will HEAR FROM ME if I'm not!!