Warmish, good tracker & low noise for used vinyl?


Hello folks - Of the carts listed, can anyone say from experience which would be warmest with good tracking and low surface noise playing used vinyl? On the radar: Denon DL-103, DL-110, Ortofon S30, Nagaoka M-150. Like what i've read about Grado but put off by reports of hum and that it's not a great tracker. Not too interested in highly detailed or anything with potential for being "bright" so avoiding the AT150MLX. Would like to keep cost below $400. System listed but it's for a KAB SL1210M5G (w/fluid damper) + Heed Quasar phono-pre (can do LOMC). Running a Stanton cart w/Pickering elliptical. Like the warmth quite a bit but could do with a bit wider and deeper stage. So looking for a replacement option given no more of the Pickering styli left. Listen to EVERYTHING (...well, almost...don't play rap or death metal). Thanks for your input.
128x128ghosthouse

Showing 1 response by theo

Although I haven't owned one, I have friends that have the Dl03 and love it and been very happy. I have owned a Grado Statement Series (long time ago)and always felt it maintained a veil over the music and wasn't revealing enough for my taste's. I traded it for a Benz which was more money but it showed me how much I was missing.
Probably not much help for you, but I would lean towards the Denon over the Grado, I can't speak to the others on your list.