Replacing MM Cartridge suggestions phillips table


Fellow audiogoner's need your help. I've decided to plunge back into vinyl. Haven't played records in years so I need to replace my cartridge. I have a Philips 312 Electronic belt drive turntable. It tracks very well from .5 to 1.5 grams. Back in the day it competed (almost) with Thorens. I have a MA 2002E cartridge which I paid $250.00 for in the early 90's. My system is B&W N802, Wadia CDP with a crown amp and pre. I listen to jazz so hearing the full music spectrum is important, high-mids-lows. I've looked at a few manufactures but honestly I have no clue. Like every thing else there has been a big price increase over the years. How much do I need to spend in todays dollars to get the sound of a $200.00 dollar cartridge from the 90's? I've seen prices in the thousand dollar range, do you have to go that high to get a cartridge that matches the sound quality of a CD? I've been told that playing vinyl will make me forget my 200 plus cd collection. Thanks in advance I would particularly like to hear from jazz listners. Also do you think a 20 year old table that seems to play like it was new stacks up to whats available today or do I need to start over?
So if you have experience going from digital back to vinyl give me your recommendations on brands and price range.
walkelin

Showing 1 response by rlxl

Welcome back! I think you're in for a pleasant surprise and good listening. My recommendation would be to go with a Shure V15VxMR. I believe you can pick one up from Jack's Audio for $200. I think this is an excellent cartridge. If you go this route, be sure that your phono amp input load is 220 pfd. This makes a world of difference in the sound. Also you may consider replacing the belt and the bearing oil.

Good luck---and, not to worry, I listen mostly to jazz.