Hello choosing a new cartridge!

I have a Music Hall MMF 1.5 and i like it a lot. Very easy set up and sounds great right out the box.
I would like to put a different cartridge or stylus on it but is it worth it?
It cost me $400 so I don't feel like putting a $2/300 cartridge would be good investment.
Any suggestions welcome.

 

An Audio Technica VM540 would work nicely. It would be a good investment. The microline stylus can't be beat.

 

Depends on what kind of sound signature you're looking for in a cartridge.

Personally, if you want something smooth and pleasing, I'd go with a Nagaoka MP-150 or higher.

 

Another vote for the Nagaoka MP-150. In this price range $200-300, it has no peer.
However, make sure that the capacitance in your phono preamp does not exceed the 100pf, otherwise it might sound brittle and bright, in my experience.

 

My suggestion is definitely to replace the Melody with an Audio-Technica AT95EX at about $60 but DO NOT spend more than this on a cartridge before eventually upgrading the turntable.

 

Thank you for the replies. Will do a I me research on each suggestion.
What about a red ortofon and the nagaoka mp110

 

Having experienced both cartridges personally, the Nagoka MP-110 is much better.

 

This would be true to the MP-110 as well? I have a 150pF phono stage and my MP-110 doesn't sound anything near brittle and bright. Why would be the 150 any different? The official specifications of both cartridges doesn't mention recommended capacitance:
The Nagaoka MP-150 phonograph cartridge

 

Also the Sumiko Pearl
It's on Amazon for $119

 

Good question and honestly I have no idea. I know you have read my post in the Nagaoka thread, when I wrote about this.
Could it be that the difference has to do with the sonic signature of the two phono stages used, MS Nova II vs Graham Slee Jazz Club and not with the difference in capacitance? The Nova II has 200 and 300pf while the Graham Slee 100pf.

It is possible. Or maybe it is both that make a difference, the sonic character plus lower capacitance of the Slee being more suited to the Nagaoka.
Whatever it is, I was about to throw that MP-150 out of the window so I am glad that I decided to try using a different phono stage, it sounds real good now

 

Stay away from the Ortofon Red, you can do better. Personally, I love the Audio Technica carts.

 

I second vote for the VM540ML.

 

Is it better than the audio Technic which is half the price?

 

Owned both MV540ML and MP-110. MP-110 not even close to MV-540ML. Grado Green is better than MP-110 at same price.

 

Ideally I'm looking to see if I can improve the cartridge whilst keeping it at or around $100.
I will look to upgrade my TT in 18 months or so.
I have had grado headphones and loved them so I have a bit of a soft spot for the company.

 

The Grado Prestige Green (now Green2) is excellent at its price point

 

I don't know either. This capacitance thing is a mystery to me, that's why I asked. I want to try a VM540ML and I'm trying to learn about capacitance to be safe.

 

I am not an expert but I found this very helpful.

Hagerman Technology LLC: Cartridge Loading

 

Nothing wrong with your TT. I have a second TT, A Music Hall MMF 2.1 in the family room running through a MS Phonomena ll+ and that through a Yamaha home theater receiver. I have a Mobile Fidelity StudioTracker MM Phono Cartridge on her and she sings! Its only $199. Its been said to really be an Audio Technica cart made for Mobile Fidelity to their specks. Check it out. Phono Cartridges | Shop High End Audio Equipment - Music Direct

I've used a 2M Red, 2M Bronze, 2M Black, and Grado Red on that arm. The 2M Bronze was really the sweet spot on that arm. The 2Mred was the worst. That table couldn't dig out all the fidelity out of the 2M Black, and the Grado had a hum on that table. And now the Studio Tracker is singing.

 

MV540ML- $250. Too high? Grado Green $125. Very hard to beat Grado Green sound at $125 and likely $200 may not outperform it. Best way I can explain it is I did not get that 'wow' sound out of other cartridges including the MP-110.

 

It's a very good entry level TT. I like it a lot. In fact I'll most likely keep for my boys to use at some point.
But I'm ready to go up a whole level. I just got a pair of dynaudio special forty's to go with my less recent upgrade which was the outlaw RR2160.
Once they are paid off a new TT is next.
But in the mean time I'm looking for an affordable cartridge.
I just wish there was a way to try them out before buying

 

I've seen the grado for $95

 

I would recommend the Ortofon 2M Red as you can upgrade to the 2M Blue stylus when you get a new TT.

 

Dynaco Special 40s. Wow, you got great speakers!

 

I second (or third?) the Grado Green. You can upgrade stylus later to a red, or blue, or even gold!