Technics SL-1900

Would a Grado Green or AT95 be the better choice?$100 or less is a good budget.

Can you bump up your budget another 18 bucks and consider the Audio Technica AT-120ET?

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT120ET-Phonograph-Cartridge/dp/B0088Y12UW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434491393&sr=8-1&keywords=audio-technica+at120e

I just restored a Technics SL-2000, a very similar TT as the SL-1900, for a friend and installed the AT-120ET and its a wonderful match. The 120ET with its nude elliptical is a huge step up from the 95E.

The AT Pro 12E is a an .04 x .07 elliptical. I am not sure if its bonded or nude.

The AT-120E/T is a .03 x .07 elliptical (much sharper) and definitely nude. I still stand by my recommendation that it would make an ideal cartridge for your SL-1900.

I know your not disputing anything John. I was just pointing out the differences between the cartridge that came with your TT and the AT-120E. Sorry if I sounded like I was defending the AT-120E - that certainly wasn't my intention.

The SL-1900 & SL-2000 were entry level direct drive tables built in 1977, the same year Technics also was building the much more expensive SL-1600, 1700 & 1800. Anyone giving the 1900/2000 a bad rap is no doubt comparing them to these latter tables. For what they cost at the time though, the 1900/2000 were good value priced TT's that punched well above the weight. And for what you paid at a thrift store, you did well John.