Most Musical AND Refined vintage cartridges

[XV-1]

Can you still buy Audio Technica AT-25’s new?, Do you know of any MM cartridge that “kills” the MP-50 that is available new for sale now?

No, the AT-25 is long gone.

I am back using MC's - a lot more enjoyable imo.

 

[Lynnot]

You may consider strain gauge and/ or optical as an alternative. I love my strain gauge.

 

[Lynnot]

Supex inside. It's a plug and play replacement for a SPU GT.

 

[Juiced]

Great thread!

DENON DL-311LC
Accuphase AC-3

I'm always on the lookout for great vintage carts.

 

[SoundMann]

I am happy to report that the Shelter 201 has been performing above and beyond my rather high expectations, and has proven to be an optimal match for my new MS 101MKII tonearm (with 8.5g Nagoaka style headshell).

 

[Lynnot]

Vintage ADC TRX-1, TRX-2 and TRX-3 are nice too.

 

[gosngege]

I has been looking for a vintage cartridge that is warmer, smoother and more forgiving than my current cartridge, a very transparent and revealing (but not overly bright) Signet TK7e.

This cartridge must also be musically involving, with nothing that will overtly detract from its engagement.

I believe that the original Koetsu Black, classic Ortofon SPU series, and several of the top stereo cartridges made up to 1965 produced the general type of sound I am looking for, but I also require an unfailing level of high frequency purity and refinement that most vintage (and modern) cartridges fail to possess (my ears are very sensitive to it).

If I had the money, there are a few top end cartridges that may suffice (I like the Air Tight Opus). But I am very poor these days, and would like to find a used cartridge that gives me this level of "musical" refinement for under $500.

I have been looking at the Supex SD 801/901 series, but don't know if they can deliver enough of the above requirements to significantly better my Signet, which is about as good as a vintage MM cartridge that I have heard, despite being rather unforgiving of less than perfect recordings.

Hi, I've got an unopened EMT TSD15 from sometime ago prob 70 or 80s, I'm looking to sell if thats something youre interested in lmk

 

[Lynnot]

SPU Classic G/T:



Second generation, with build-in SUT and a plain spherical needle.
Acquried new old stock, built some 40 years ago and sounds marvellous.

Best regards, Tony