Good cartridges for less than $100???

amirm

Banned
Apr 2, 2010
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Seattle, WA
I see folks talk about expensive cartridges but are there good buys in under $100? I have 30+ year old Technics linear tracking turntable that I was thinking of lighting up and see if it works. If it does, what would be a good cartridge to put on it? The one that is there is a random one I bought for $30 back then. My son had the machine for a few years so not sure what state it is in now.

The Wiki says it accepts "P-mount/T4P." Not sure what the heck that is but I thought I mention it :).

Appreciate any advice.
 

ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
May 6, 2010
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ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
May 6, 2010
6,774
1,198
580
Boston, MA
Wouldn't it be fun if your linear-tracking Technics is the one I started with as a teenager? Do you mind posting a picture? Is it the one with the plastic flip-top, the SL-10? With the characteristic red LED showing the arm's position?
 

asiufy

Industry Expert/VIP Donor
Jul 8, 2011
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almaaudio.com
Amir,

Is $100 too much? The Ortofon 2M Red is shockingly good, and $100...
I agree with ack, anything below will sound horrible.
 

amirm

Banned
Apr 2, 2010
15,813
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Seattle, WA
Wouldn't it be fun if your linear-tracking Technics is the one I started with as a teenager? Do you mind posting a picture? Is it the one with the plastic flip-top, the SL-10? With the characteristic red LED showing the arm's position?
It may be. I am not home but will post the picture in a couple of days.
 

amirm

Banned
Apr 2, 2010
15,813
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Seattle, WA
Amir,

Is $100 too much? The Ortofon 2M Red is shockingly good, and $100...
I agree with ack, anything below will sound horrible.
$100 would be fine. Would this be compatible with my turntable and make it sound decent???
 

Billy Shears

Well-Known Member
Jul 27, 2015
255
1
150
Amir,

Is $100 too much? The Ortofon 2M Red is shockingly good, and $100...
I agree with ack, anything below will sound horrible.

Second that whole hartedly. Just a shame its not an option for your Technics...
 

ack

VIP/Donor & WBF Founding Member
May 6, 2010
6,774
1,198
580
Boston, MA
The Ortofon is not a P-mount; Ortofon used to make one, OMP10, but it's been discontinued. I think the Needledoctor choices I linked to are your options.
 

asiufy

Industry Expert/VIP Donor
Jul 8, 2011
3,711
723
1,200
San Diego, CA
almaaudio.com
Oh crap, missed that part about the P-mount...
Out of the ones listed in Needledoctor, I'd skip the Audio Technicas, and pick the best Grado you can afford, but I'm not really familiar with these models...
 

amirm

Banned
Apr 2, 2010
15,813
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0
Seattle, WA
Thanks guys. When I get home I will verify what type of mount it has and go from there. Much appreciated.
 

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