Recomend Cartidge?

[SoundGuyDave]

I have a Music Hall MMF 2.1 that I got off ebay. I have been using it for a while but I feel I want to replace the cartidge now. Any recomendations under a 100 bucks?

[JohnMichael]

I have a Music Hall MMF 2.1 that I got off ebay. I have been using it for a while but I feel I want to replace the cartidge now. Any recomendations under a 100 bucks?

First what cartridge is on the table now? I forget what cartridge comes with that table but if it was the Ortofon OM5 the easiest thing would be getting an OM20 stylus. If it does not have the Ortofon the OM10 would be a good suggestion. Other suggestions would be the Grado Red, Audio Technica 440 ML or a Shure M97XE. If you do not have experience installing a cartridge I would try to find a local dealer that can sell and install the cartridge. The AT 440ML is a little tricky to set up because of the microline stylus. Anything else we can help you with let us know. Welcome.

[SoundGuyDave]

It came with a Goldring, and like I said, it came from ebay, so I don't know where it has been. I am not concerned with having anythign super hifi, I really just listen for fun. I listen to many styles of music, like rock, funk, jazz, etc. I guess I am more concerned with the stylus damaging the albums I have.

[gillsev]

I would vote for the Audio Technica AT440ML. That's what I just bought for my Denon DP 62L. I am very happy with the cartridge's amazing reproduction and trackability. A superlative performance that tracks the inner part of the groove bringing out such clarity in the higher frequency range. Mids are realistically smooth and natural. Bass is nice and full but not boomy or over-emphasized. It's really worth a lot more than its asking price regarding its performance. Check out its detailed description ...

http://www.lptunes.com/index.asp?Pag...ROD&ProdID=644

[rockecat]

I have a Music Hall MMF 2.1 that I got off ebay. I have been using it for a while but I feel I want to replace the cartidge now. Any recomendations under a 100 bucks?

The three I found to be a good deal are the AT440ml $89.95 , Stanton HI-FI 680 $69.95
and the Stanton 681EEEMKII $129.95 and if you dont have one a alignment protractor $1.00

[SoundGuyDave]

The three I found to be a good deal are the AT440ml $89.95 , Stanton HI-FI 680 $69.95
and the Stanton 681EEEMKII $129.95 and if you dont have one a alignment protractor $1.00

I saw that stanton 681 eeemkii. What is the point of that brush that is attached?

[JohnMichael]

For cartridge information two good sources are www.needeldoctor.com and www.amusicdirect.com.

[rockecat]

I saw that stanton 681 eeemkii. What is the point of that brush that is attached?

That is the lazy guy brush for those of us that don't clean are vinyl real well.
Here is another great source and they are very good about returning E-mail.

http://garage-a-records.com/index.php

[Glen B]

I saw that stanton 681 eeemkii. What is the point of that brush that is attached?

The brush helps to extend stylus life by cleaning dust/debris from the record groove prior to being tracked by the stylus and provide some damping when tracking warped records.

[SoundGuyDave]

Thats what I figured, I guess it is for people that don't clean their records. Right now, based on price and reviews, I am between the stanton 681, the grado red or the ortofon om 10 super. It would be nice to hear them first but such is life in the world of internet commerce.

[Glen B]

Thats what I figured, I guess it is for people that don't clean their records.

Not necessarily. Even if you are meticulous about cleaning your records, it is impossible to keep them absolutely dust-free. While in use, record surfaces will attract some dust, no matter how small the amount. The brush (er, Dynamic Stabilizer) on the high-end Shure cartridges as described above by BrandonH, also perform a similar function.

[Woochifer]

Compared to the Stanton, the Ortofon will give you a slightly leaner sound in the midrange, tighter bass, and a more extended high end. Generally speaking, Ortofon MM cartridges are more on the punchy side compared to comparable MMs from Stanton, Shure, Sumiko, and Grado. If you go with Ortofon, I would highly suggest that you go with the OM20 rather than the OM10 -- just a more detailed and well defined sound overall. J&R sells the OM20 for $130, and the OM10 for $70. IMO, the OM20 is worth the extra money because the cartridge defines the character of your vinyl playback and you'll live with it for at least two years before it's time for replacement. And if it's the same price as the Stanton 681, the Ortofon OM20 (and even the less expensive OM10) IMO is a better overall cartridge.

I've not listened to the Grado Red, but they are very well regarded for their full and neutral sound. The only drawback is that the Grados are susceptible to picking up hum and interference on certain tuntables (typically ones with unshielded motors). You might want to double check on other audio boards to see if your Music Hall turntable is one of the decks that has trouble with the Grados.

[BRANDONH]

I have a Music Hall MMF 2.1 that I got off ebay. I have been using it for a while but I feel I want to replace the cartidge now. Any recomendations under a 100 bucks?

This is a very good cartridge for under 100.00

http://www.kabusa.com/shurenow.htm#cartridge
79.95
Description:
M97xE High Performance Very Low Mass/Very High Accuracy Elliptical 0.2 x 0.7 mil diamond tip Standard 1/2 inch mount.

Shure’s exclusive viscous-damped Dynamic Stabilizer, which maintains a uniform distance between the cartridge and the record under difficult playing conditions, such as those caused by warped records, or mismatched tonearm mass. When such stabilization is not required, the stabilizer brush can be locked up into its detent position, which, under ideal playing conditions, can provide even better sound quality.

A die cast aluminum mounting block for secure, vibration-free attachment to the tonearm.

The SIDE-GUARD stylus protection system that helps prevent stylus damage if the cartridge accidentally slides across a record. This unique feature responds to side thrusts on the stylus by withdrawing the entire stylus cantilever and tip safely into the stylus housing before the cantilever can be damaged.

Accessories Included:

* Headshell Screwdriver
* Stylus cleaning brushUser Guide
* Mounting hardware
* Stylus guard

KAB also has a good selection of Ortofon
http://www.kabusa.com/ortofon.htm