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Budget MC Suggestions?

I've been back into vinyl for over a year now, enjoying it all immensely. I have a Thorens TD-320 with Shure V15VxMR playing through a Gram Amp 2 SE phono stage and I do love the sound. But I've been reading so much about the superior sonic quality of low output MC that I've gotten very curious. To the best of my knowledge, in 35 years of listening to records I've never heard an MC cart. So, I'm wondering two things. First, is it possible on a shoestring budget (say $300 for cartridge and phono stage or transformer, used is fine) to find an MC set-up that will sound better than my present MM set-up? If so, what preamp and cart do you recommend? If it's not possible on that budget, how much does one have to invest in MC to outperform the V15-Gram Amp 2SE set-up? Second, what exactly are the sonic improvements I should expect to hear? Thanks, Rich
winegasman
jphii
485 posts
 
1. No

1a. See #1

1b. $400+ Denon 103r, about 250, & K&K step up, about 200

2. Detail, detail , detail!

Some would say that your Shure is a better setup than the Denon. I think they are both fine cartridges for the money, and use the 103r myself.

I'd say if you enjoy it that much, don't screw with it. All that will do is get you started wondering how much better the next level of upgrades are. Then you will fall blindly into the never ending upgrade fever, spend all your money, lose job, wife & dog in the pursuit of audio nirvana. Then, you'll end up selling it all and go back to where you started.

Sounds like fun, doesn't it!!!!
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I have used the V15VxMR in the past but not on the RB 250 that I have now. It was on a Music Hall with the Pro-ject arm. It really is a very good cartridge. I currently have the 103R that Jphii recommended. It is not broken in yet, neither is the RB 250, but I believe that I can already here a difference with the low compliant Denon. There seems to be more magic and detail, especially in the background.

I have a new V15VxMR in transit, $217 from Beach Audio, so I will be able to give a good side-by-side using the RB250 in a week or two. I'm not familiar with your arm or phono stage so I can't help there. You may want to do some more investigating about your arm before moving to a low compliant MC.

Jphii is right about the change to MCs. I am currently feeding my new addiction to them.
restock
831 posts
 
What arm do you have mounted on the Thorens?

The Denon requires at least a very stiff medium or heavy mass tonearm. If it
is a Thorens tonearm I am not sure whether I will work with the low
compliance Denon. However if you have one of the Rega arms I would
certainly recommend the Denon as well.

Enjoy!
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