cartridge for a pioneer PL-15R

[daniel7y]

hi all!

recently picked up a fully functional pl-15r in great condition (for a nice price too!). as far as i know it's an updated automatic version of the pl-12d.

i prefer this over my pro-ject debut deck... which i assume most people would disagree with. it just feels much more sturdy and is nicer to look at (in my opinion). the auto return is handy for me too. i do plan on replacing the cartridge on my pro-ject as well, at some stage. the pioneer is for a second system.

anyway, i want to replace the cartridge on it. i don't know whats on it at the moment , it doesn't have any markings. what i want from a cartridge is good bass, good tracking, and ability to 'hide' surface noise from records in less than pristine condition. i don't know if thats possible, but i have heard some decks play scratched records much nicer than other (more finely tuned i'm guessing) decks where you can hear all the noise in the grooves.

i don't want to spend too much. maybe $100, or $150. how is the shure m447 cartridge... seems like a fairly standard and proven choice??

cheers
dan