‘Cheap’ mm

[Latteman]

I always like to keep a cheap mm around for testing when I’m in vinyl diy mode- currently experimenting with tonearms- but why do they sound so good- currently got an Osawa os102 playing- I believe it’s a conical stylus- so so suspension and sounds bloody wonderful
The same with an ADC mm- if I swap in my Stilton Mp200 or Benz silver each costing much much more than the cheap mm I don’t hear a proportional rise in sound quality- ? Makes me think the tonearm is not up to a better’ cartridge hence my new diy project.
Anyone got any mm recommendations

[Fretless]

Anything Grado.

[savvypaul]

The answer might end up depending on tonearm mass...

[Vinyl-ant]

Audio technica vm95en and vm95ml.
Or for abit over 200 quid the vm540ml is a no brainer
My dad uses a vm95 en on one of my arms, i have used much more expensive carts on mine. Dynavectors, Vm760slc, vm750sh, at33sa ect. The 540 is no slouch, the 95ml is a little sweetie.

I have some other stuff kicking around, jvc z1 which are easy to get new stylus for, at 440mlb, empire 999 se, a couple of grado black, 2m blue (dont like that very much) at f7 moving coil if you want to borrow something

[Vinyl-ant]

Thinking on, fetch the deck over and i can set something up in it for you

[TheMarlin]

My favourite cheap MM is a Goldring Elektra.
You can pick them up very cheaply on eBay (no cheap ones there at the moment). I’ve paid £20 for an unused cart and stylus.

This cart was actually designed for Goldring by Nagoaka, and consequently sounds very similar to the Nagoaka MP110. The stylus is elliptical. The Goldring Elan is the exact same cartridge with a conical stylus.

The Elektra sounds better, but not much in it.

These are very sweet sounding carts. I’ve used them in systems I’ve built for my friend and for my niece. I always have a spare or two in my parts box.

Will hunt down an Osawa and give it a go

[Lindsayt]

Anything Grado.

Grado are one of those audio companies that I admire and like.

Family owned. Relies on listening to develop their products. Relatively no-nonsense.

I'm sure I read somewhere, someone saying that they'd tried moving iron cartridge(s) and been delighted with the results?

[TheMarlin]

I have 2 vintage Grado Signature cartridges in use. Don't need to look further.

[Latteman]

That’s better- modified the tonearm- carbon tube, AT head-shell non detachable, litz rewire (fracking awful stuff to work with).
With Benz cartridge it’s a step above the cheap mm- result

[Latteman]

I love your arm rest Peter - an upside down cable clip