What is a good cartridge match for Shindo Monbrison preamp and pioneer plx 1000?


the monbrison has both MM and MC inputs.  I'm just started to get into vinyl with a pioneer plx1000 to see if I become a fan and will upgrade later.  I was looking for some suggestions on a cartridge type without having to go the a set up transformer. (less than $500) either MM or MC.
thanks in advance
salc

Showing 2 responses by johnnyb53

The Hana moving coil cartridges look promising. They make four models. Two have elliptical stylii available in high (2mV) and low (0.5mV) outputs and two with nude Shibata stylii available in the same two output levels. One thing a bit different about these is that they use alnico magnets, which are known for a warm, organically musical sound, whether in guitar pickups, loudspeakers, or other audio applications. Google for 'em and you'll find several favorable reviews. Herb Reichert at Stereophile really liked it on a turntable he was reviewing in the October 2016 issue.

Also, since you have a PLX-1000 which has very strong torque and a sort of insistent sense of tempo (or so I've read), you might want to swap in a wood headshell and a good turntable mat to relax the sound a bit. I just switched to a cherry wood headshell for my Audio Technica AT150Sa (Shibata stylus). The headshell comes with good hardware and excellent cartridge leads. It is only $35 available from Amazon and eBay

It definitely warmed up the sound of my AT150Sa cartridge on my Technics SL1210 M5G direct drive turntable.

jfn04: I know, Herb takes a different approach to reviewing, but I like certain aspects to his approach, such as judging a component or system by its ability to put you in touch with the music. Plus, he certainly doesn't stand alone in his praise for the Hana cartridges. It seems that the Hana SH (Shibata, 2mV output) could be a good match, and the cartridge's light weight should make for easy arm compatibility. I am concerned a bit about how low the body rides above the record surface, however. 

I've been using an Audio Technica AT150MLX for eight years. Recently Audio Technica has discontinued the ATNMLX stylus (with boron cantilever) and now offers a nude Shibata on a tapered aluminum pipe cantilever. I just got one and plugged it into my AT150 cartridge, and really like the results--improved detail yet with a bit more relaxed presentation. But since I changed to the cherry wood headshell at the same time, I'm not sure which is doing what. But I'm too pleased with the combo to mess with it. 

Depending on the OP's musical tastes, he might be really happy with the Shelter 201. I have one of those and like it a lot, too, especially for pop vocals (Sinatra, Bennett), chamber music (and solo cello is awesome) jazz, whether combo or big band, and even a lot of large scale orchestra. 

It and the AT150Sa are close to the same USA price (if you find the right Audio Technica dealer). The Shelter has this great midrange; the AT has a good midrange too (esp. with the Shibata stylus) but with more air and inner detail. But you can get the Shelter for $167 direct from Japan dealers on eBay and Amazon. That price is such a no-brainer I think everybody should have one, at least as a backup.