new cartridge for Music Hall MMF 5


well, my daughter started walking about a month ago, which signaled that it was time to get the turntable up on a higher piece of furniture. sadly, I didn't get on that fast enough, and i've now a cartridge with no stylus.

so, i'm looking to get a new cartridge and wanted some suggestions. my setup is:
Music Hall MMF 5
Forte F40 with onboard phono card
Monarch SM-70
Totem Arro

I currently have a Benz Micro MC20E2 (without stylus!). I liked this cart.

I know the current entry level offerings from Benz are a bit higher. So even with retip/excange discount option on the Benz, I think might be wanting to spend a little less. I'd be comfortable spending around $200 or less. I'm open to a used cartridge, as I've had good luck with that in the past. I've mostly had higher output MC or MM cartridges in the past, though I'm open to lower output MC I think my Forte can handle lower output levels. I don't recall the full scope of the range it can do.

Some other options I could go down I also have an older model Grado , i think its a G+ or G1+ that's in need of a new stylus, which I think is the Gold Stylus. I've never been sure if its worth it to pop a new stylus on this so have always let it sit around. I also have a Clearaudio Aurum Beta wood body cartridge (whatever their entry model used to be) which also has a busted stylus. I could possibly use that for a retip/exchange discount maybe? Thoug with both the Clearaudio and my Benz, i think they don't make those models anymore so not even sure a retip discount is possible.

thanks for any tips and ideas!
128x128pablodeocampo
I was going to suggest the 2M Blue also. I'm not sure how it lines up in the cartridge calculator, but I have heard the Bronze on that table/arm and it was pretty nice. I am having a blast with the 2m Blk but I also have the Blue and it is 90% of the Blk. Just sound great, I don't have numbers to back it up but these carts are very nice and play well beyond their prices.
thanks! on another thread someone had suggested the DV10x5. that looks a little pricey unless i can find a used one on good shape.

Anyone have any opinions on the cheaper model Clearaudio units these days? I think its called a Concept? I liked my Aurum Classic wood body that i used to have, but it looks like their new cheap model is aluminum only.
The cheap clearaudio unit is a glorified audio technica AT95E.
I used to own a MMF5. I thought the Nagaoka Mp200 was a good match for that tonearm. Ortofn OM20 which is a bit cheaper than than the 2m blue would be a good match too. Also consider the Audio Technica AT7V in that price range.
Well, the 2M blue is getting a lot of votes. looks like it can be had for $200, so fots the budget! what are the differences between this and the OM20, which is at the same price point?

Are the Nagoka MP200's still in production? I dont see them listed at needledoctor. I have always heard those are nice, but thought them to be more of a classical/jazz oriented needle.

any thoughts on how the Denon DL-103 or DL-110 would size up to the 2M Blue?

and I had also considered just getting a new Grado Gold stylus for my old G2+ cartridge. any thoughts on that in comparison to these options mentioned above?
Dl103 is not a good match for your light arm. DL110 can be used with the add-on weight. DL-110 is decent but not as good as the Nagaoka IMO. LPgear sells Nagaoka, the MP200 is fine for all types of music. Ortofons are forward/upfront sounding compared to the other suggestions.
I am a Shure fan...although I have used lower end Ortofon Om carts with good results...the classic Shure V series...which is unfortunately out of production but can be found used would be ideal...the current Mx97e is a very good product for <100 and for what its worth beat a "cart shootout" in a Brit mag which I believe included the Ortofon Red(which did well too)...so really cant go wrong...I also had good luck with Sumiko carts over the years....best of luck....
My experience has been that this 2m line does a very good job of removing (or doing something with) the surface snap crakle and pop or a record from the nice high frequency sounds of cymbals, triangles, upper voice regions. Since I purchased this 2m Blk I have spent way too much time listening to way to many albums. It doesn't have that magical, intoxicating mid range of the Grado but the surface noise and muddy bass drove me crazy with Grado. You may not even like the sound, we are all unique in what we like. I am only telling of my experience with these 2 carts.
My experience has been that this 2m line does a very good job of removing (or doing something with) the surface snap crakle and pop or a record from the nice high frequency sounds of cymbals, triangles, upper voice regions. Since I purchased this 2m Blk I have spent way too much time listening to way to many albums. It doesn't have that magical, intoxicating mid range of the Grado but the surface noise and muddy bass drove me crazy with Grado. You may not even like the sound, we are all unique in what we like. I am only telling of my experience with these 2 carts.
well, based on comments and other things I have read, I think I am narrowing my choices down to the Ortofon 2m Blue or the Denon DL-110. On the one hand, the Ortofon has a replaceable stylus, which is appealing, but the Denon is a little cheaper. I know I can get the Ortofon locally (Toronto, Canada) but not sure about the Denon so will look around.

thanks all for your thoughts here!
You could get the 2m red to see if you like the overall presentation in your system. You can upgrade to 2m blue replacement stylus with it's more advanced stylus/cantilever, as the bodies are the same.
Sumiko Pearl. Sounds too good for its price, so I recommend paying double for one so it makes more sense.
ok. one LAST question on this thread. nude vs. bonded stylus? Wolf_garcia brought up the Pearl, which sounds like it might be a good fit for me too (and someone is selling one here right now with a spare stylus!). is one of these going to track better with a variety of vinyl qualities? well pressed, good condition older records as well as things which were not pressed as well?
The Pearl is cool...I would never have known it was that good until I was complaining about my "too damn bright" cartridge in a local audio salon and a guy I kmow who works there (has extensive 'table knowledge) said it's a sleeper...he was right (for my rig anyway). Best 125 bucks I've spent on audio yet.
Sounds like you have made up your mind, but for around $60, you can get a Acutex 312 lpm. If you want a backup stylus buy two. Many people are enjoying them. It is a very good cartridge, especially for the money. They can be found on Itallian eBay.