Cart suggestions in the $150-200 range

Many years ago, the Denon DL110 was one of audio’s best bargains. Up until 2 years ago or so, I was still able to snag one for $200. Now the prices have really skyrocketed. Do you have any suggestions of a good cart in the $200 range that could rival the Denon’s sound? Is the Nagaoka MP110 any good? How about the new Audio Technicas?

 

Goldring E3
I loved mine

Stereophile Class B

Home review

 

You really can't beat getting a Microline stylus or a Shibata in the AudioTechnica VM 95 series.
The VM95ml is the choice I would make.

 

Just to point out, the VM95 is the basis for the Goldring E3. Same generator, I believe.

I wouldn't turn down the Nagaoka either....

 

A VM540ML stomps a Nagaoka MP-110. I owned both. Your tonearm has a compliance of 20 thus a VM95ML will also work and a little better match vs the VM540ML. They say you get 90% of VM540ML performance with VM95ML at $169 vs $279 for the VM540ML. Your audiophile quality system can easily hear the cartridges full performance.

 

Slightly over 200 bucks but I like the Ortofon Blue better than the Bronze.

 

I have a Denon DL110 (just bought a new one actually).
Nagaoka mp110 (I had one, didn't like it) is nothing like a Denon DL110.
I also have an AT VM540ML, don't like it either. I prefer my Denons over all of them. Don't get caught into the 'you need an ML stylus' mantra. The Denon DL110 has a finer elliptical stylus than usual and will track just as good (with no IGD) as an ml stylus when setup correctly. If you really like the sound of a Denon Dl110, neither Nagaoka or AT will do it for you. Don't know about other brands and how they compare to Denon.

 

$275 bit over budget grado opus
Grado Timbre Series, Opus3 - The Absolute Sound

 

Yep, ML is killer. Have a DL-160 but this is another league.

 

What do people do when the tip on the Denon DL110 is shot? Just buy a whole new cart? I mean really, retipping it has gotta run almost as much.

 

You can probably get it retipped for $200, contact Joseph Long https://www.instagram.com/groovetickler/ and see what his current price is running.

That said, another option is buying direct from Japan for under $250, many sources, or 2juki in Hong Kong has them listed on ebay for $256.

 

I know all about Joseph. Been using him for my Stanton’s!

 

Since you're already into the moving coil world, a MM cart might not satisfy. I see the 110 for $300 now. Maybe just grab one before pricing goes up even more. Or try one of the custom re-tippers mentioned above.

 

The higher vm95 series the best value in cartridges, ml, sh.

 

Poster above did not like VM540ML? Never read anyone that did not like that cartridge. He is the first at Hoffman Forms. 18 pages of praise here:

Audio Technica VM540ML. I love it!!!

 

I can understand. The VM540ML is great, but capacitance loading can be an issue for some phono stage owners. Ortofon is not an issue nor is Grado.

 

Use under 200pF cables, no big deal. My cables are 110pF

 

Plus the phono stage capacitance. Super easy to be over 200pf.

 

Goldring E3.

 

Ok to use VM540ML at 200pF from what I read. Most newer phono-stages are 100pF now. Use 100pF or less 3 foot cables. As posted above 18 pages of satisfied users.

 

Posters phono-stage is 100pF input. I have 3 foot cables at 48.6pF total. Perhaps I swap out my 110pF cables.

 

Goldring E3 Less than $200, wonderful!

 

VM95ML. Or, if you can cough up an extra $50, and your tonearm’s effective mass and your system’s capacitance plays well with it, the VM540ML which I think sounds better. You just cannot beat an Audio Technica ML for the money if you’re only buying new. They’re high end carts in the budget price range.

I will never go back to any of the simpler stylus shapes after getting my first ML, the VM95. It cut down on distortion so much, that any distortion I hear now is baked into the record whether it be from wear or mastering or recording.

 

Physics is physics.

 

I read somewhere the 95ml stylus can be fitted on the E3. It is an AT95 body afterall. Maybe a little surgery..not sure. The 95ml stylus does fit on the old AT95 body as well. It actually sounds really good. Just have to adjust overhang.