New cartridge for Technics SL1500C

Hi everyone!

So, my vinyl journey is about to take another step, as I'm looking to replace the stock Ortofon 2M Red that came with my SL1500C.

After reading a lot on the topic and since my goal is to improve overall sound quality but, above all, to reduce surface noise and distortion, I'm considering one of the following three:

- AT VM95ML
- AT VM540ML
- AT VM740ML

My favourite one is the 740ML but I'm not sure if the Technics' arm is good/compatible with it. What's your take on this? And, obviously, would you suggest any other cartridges up to ~300€?

My current amp is the Rega IO and speakers are the Quad Z-2.

Thank you all in advance!

 

VM95ML and done. The differences between the three are minimal (see the specs) so it depends on your system and how good your ears are. I use the VM95ML on my 1210GR plugged straight into the phono input on my receiver.

 

I got the Technics overhang gauge incoming, is it worth it to get the VM95ML with the HS10 headshell already assembled?

 

That's up to you as to the worth of it. It's very easy to mount that cartridge (two screws, no nuts required) onto the Technics headshell. That said, I wanted a second headshell so I bought my original pre-mounted.

 

Normally the 95 series comes mounted on the HS6 headshell. If you are not experienced in mounting cartridges it might be easier for you to get it pre-mounted. You'll still have to use the overhang gauge to align it though.

The 95ML is the best match for a Technics tonearm out of the 3 you listed.

 

You're right, it's the HS6, the name on Amazon is incorrect.

 

Oh man, if you've never had a micro-line stylus, get one. It'll impress you, guaranteed. Detail and silence. The VM95 is a better compliance match for the 1500C tonearm than the 540/740. Plus the VM95 have captive nuts so if you wind up mounting the cartridge to the head shell it's a lot less of a hassle.
I have a 1500C and not that long ago I compared the VM95ML to the VM95SH and had fun doing so. The sonic differences between the two stylus shapes surprised me. They're both excellent, but in different ways. If you want to bore yourself reading my ramblings about the comparison, you can- Audio Technica VM95ML vs. VM95SH, generically
I'm excited for you to get a better cartridge (assuming you're using the 2M Red that came with the 1500c?) as the 1500C is a very capable tt and shows it's merit as you upgrade around it.
Were you having issues with your auto-lift and/or cue lever? Did you get that sorted out?

 

AT VM95ML
Probably the best deal ever. Excellent sound, excellent tracking and excellent price if you can get it on sale (I got mine at 120 euro / 140 usd)

 

I have my VM95SH successfully fitted to my Rega TT, will buy a ML stylus and try it on my 1200GR.
If you want inserted threads in 540ML you can choose rigB solid body.

 

Thank you, I'll read your comparison right away! So the 540ML would not be a good choice because of the Technics tonearm, right? Im the beginning, I was really eyeing that or the 740ML to be honest.

As for the Auto-Lift, I turned it off and that was it. No biggy.

EDIT: So, I've read your comparison and from the descritption, the SH sound seems more my thing... I am looking for that warmish/lush sound. That was one of the reasons I was eyeing the 540/740ML more, as from what I gathered the 95ML was the more neutral of the three and the other two were a bit more on the warmer side.

Where did you get yours from?

 

Local shop, got it in 2019.

 

I’m a VM95ML fan. Warm and punchy with spot-on mids and realistic tonality. No idea how it compares to the other two but it hangs in there nicely with my AT33PTG/II for day-to-day fun.

Maybe a bit better with the 220 pF of the Rega io as well?

 

I'm looking into getting a Denon PMA-1600NE soon as well.

 

Normally I like to see a lower capacitance value for any newer AT MM cart. However, since OP already has this built in preamp and seems pretty set on an AT, I'd tell them to give to a shot before doing anything else.

If they are not fully satisfied they can also purchase an external phono preamp with 100pf or less. Many choices on the market.