Cartridge for my new VPI Prime
 

Just ordered a VPI Prime and I need to get a proper cartridge for it. Sharing my signal chain; the cartridge is the missing piece:

Turntable: VPI Prime
Phono Stage / Preamp: McIntosh C1100
Power amp: McIntosh MC452
Speakers: Revel Salon 2

I'd like something to get started with. I am very much still a n00b when it comes to turntables and all of their moving parts so I don't want to go too high end until I know better what I like. I'd prefer to go with a MC cartridge since the rest of my chain should be well set up for it. I'm considering a few options. Budget, for now, is up to $1,000

• Ortofon Quintet (Blue or Bronze--possibly Black)
• Sumiko Blue Point Special EVO III

Ivan suggested Grado cartridges; but, I can't find any MC carts from them in this price range.

Anyone else have suggestions?

Hana Shibata

+1

b

Dynavector Karat 17D3.

+2
I have the low output version. It is a great cartridge for the price.

Just ordered a VPI Prime and I need to get a proper cartridge for it. Sharing my signal chain; the cartridge is the missing piece:

Turntable: VPI Prime
Phono Stage / Preamp: McIntosh C1100
Power amp: McIntosh MC452
Speakers: Revel Salon 2

I'd like something to get started with. I am very much still a n00b when it comes to turntables and all of their moving parts so I don't want to go too high end until I know better what I like. I'd prefer to go with a MC cartridge since the rest of my chain should be well set up for it. I'm considering a few options. Budget, for now, is up to $1,000


Grado are all moving iron cartridges.Do not dismiss this technology!
I have had 3 of them and enjoyed them all.
Having had good analog for 41 years I would strongly recommend Ivan’s advice.
You will get a great Grado for $1000 which will knock your socks off.
Even the $300 platinum is really good.
Check the reviews.
Grado will sound great with the Salons and Macs.
Hope you have a lot of analog fun.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I'm going to spend a bit of time reading today and make a decision. :)

Just sharing some of my notes here--I found this comparison by Michael Fremer on the Hana Shibata vs. the Ortofon Quintet Black S:

https://www.analogplanet.com/content...black-s-mc-999

He did level-matched recordings of the same track played with both cartridges and I had a definite preference for the recording that turned out to be the Ortofon. I'm also fairly new to setup and the article mentions that the Ortofon is easier to setup for someone with less experience.

Not done digging around yet.

I purchased an Audio Technica ART9 for about $1,200 USD

It is simply outstanding!

Cartridge for my new VPI Prime
 

I’ve been really pleased with my Shelter 501 MKII.Attachment 56087