Audio Technica Cartridges - Please Rate

[Saket]

Hello FM,

We have some discussions on Shure and Ortofon cartridges. Not much details is available for audiotechnica on our forum I guess. Can someone please rate some of the entry to mid level AudioTechnica cartridges under 10k?
There must be a lot of experienced members having AudioTechnica as a part of their vinyl set-up.
So Please share your experiences.

Thanks & regards,
Saket

 

[sughosh]

I used an AT-3482P for a couple of years. Sounded decent while I had it, but after upgrading the Ortofon OMP-10 I've never felt like going back to it again. The sound is definitely thin in comparison - The OMP-10 has way better bass response.

That's the extent of my experience with AT unfortunately. The one AT cart I've heard a lot of folks speak very highly about is the AT 440mla. Never tried it myself (a little steep at 170$ - more than double what I paid for the OMP-10, and of course no P-mount so automatically ruled out for me), but I've seen on various forums that it's one of the most recommended carts particularly for inner groove tracking

 

[anilva]

I have a AT 440 MLa cartridge in my collection. It is a Micro Line (ML) tip and excellent for tracking inner groves. The performance and frequency range is simply terrific. Has a slightly sharper sound but is in a class of it's own. One of the most highly rated, high performance, value for money cartridges in the world along with Denon DL-103.

I am considering buying another one for my other TTs.

Cheers.

 

[arindamcc]

For 10k budget you can use AT-120E. Excellent cartridge better than ortofon 2M Red.

 

[Shivam]

I have used Audio Technica AT936 on a Dual turntable and then on a ProJect Debut III turntable with excellent results.

I find this Audio Technica AT936 also better than 2M Red and far better than OM5e. (I am even providing this cartridge to anyone who buys my ProJect turntable).

 

[Saket]

@ Shivam: Your ProJect offer is tempting. I am sure it will be picked up soon. What's the retail price of AT936 in India and source?

 

[Shivam]

@ Shivam: Your ProJect offer is tempting. I am sure it will be picked up soon. What's the retail price of AT936 in India and source?

No idea about the price. It was a gift to me and so I am giving away as a gift.

I had heard another Audio Technica cartridge on a Technics turntable, couple of months back and it sounded very good on that too. I don't remember the exact model but remember that it was MM.

 

[reubensm]

I used to have a new Audio Technica AT90cd magnetic cartridge which is an entry level p-mount MM cartridge with diamond stylus. It is currently doing duty on my brother's Technics SLBD20B TT. Fantastic cart for the price I paid $15 in the United States from Amazon.com. When connected to a NAD 3020A amp, the results are pure bliss. However its a bit bright with striking highs and deep lows. Ideal for someone who's not a pure audiophile but loves to make a killer impression with punchy music.

 

[the engine]

Stay away from the OC9MLs ....unless you like piercing treble. It can strip wallpaper off !

 

[Saket]

Hello,

I decided to go Shure way. Just received my shipment of M-44-7 Cart. Will couple up with my system tonight to see the results.
Anyway, nice replies & recommendations on this thread from generous people willing to share their experiences. Will let you guys know my experience of this cart.

Thanks & regards,
Saket.

 

[jls001]

Hello,

I decided to go Shure way. Just received my shipment of M-44-7 Cart. Will couple up with my system tonight to see the results.
Anyway, nice replies & recommendations on this thread from generous people willing to share their experiences. Will let you guys know my experience of this cart.

Thanks & regards,
Saket.

It would be nice to hear how you like the Turntablist cartridge. My first ever cart was an M44-7 too.

 

[sachu888]

It would be nice to hear how you like the Turntablist cartridge. My first ever cart was an M44-7 too.

Its a good budget cart especially for bollywood records.Its output is one of the highest.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[Saket]

I put it on. Some obvious things that were expected did happen. The bass was pumped up. Treble is more crisp & clear & so is mid range. I like the sound quality.
Another good thing that has happened is that because of the high output of the cart, my volume pot on the amp has been turned down to about 9 o'clock position from the previous 12 o'clock.
Overall I am quite happy with it.
Regards,
Saket.

 

[the engine]

I haven't heard a shure since I was a kid. All the mainstream in the UK seems to be ortofon , goldring , and a few denons ....especially with technics owners.I'd love anyone to describe the sonic character of the shure carts. Then I might try one. Just as a guide to my opinion , I would describe ortofons as very correct sounding but they can sound a little sterile and CD like. Goldrings have a little more punch but not as detailed and denons are lovely and vibrant with good vocals but a little soft round the note edges.Can you describe the shures to me in those terms ?? Not easy I know.lol.

 

[Saket]

I haven't heard a shure since I was a kid. All the mainstream in the UK seems to be ortofon , goldring , and a few denons ....especially with technics owners.I'd love anyone to describe the sonic character of the shure carts. Then I might try one. Just as a guide to my opinion , I would describe ortofons as very correct sounding but they can sound a little sterile and CD like. Goldrings have a little more punch but not as detailed and denons are lovely and vibrant with good vocals but a little soft round the note edges.Can you describe the shures to me in those terms ?? Not easy I know.lol.

I admire you for that you tried to descibe the audio quality of various carts....yes its difficult. I have not tried many cartridges so I might not offer the best answer to your question but will share my bit of experience with you. The previous cart on my technics had nothing written on it, so I dont know which make it was.(Soon I am coming with this question on our forum with the cart's pic) but when I changed to Shure & more specifically M44-7, I noticed the following:

1. The volume had gone up significantly so I had to turn down my amp's volume pot.
2. THere was more power in the vocals & the bass was more thumping. I guess mid-range improved significantly.
3. One imp thing that I noticed that even after aligning the old cart. much, there was some tracking error in the inner tracks of some particular discs which then used to sound muddy. But this cart tracks things better in the inner side. SOund is clear with crisp treble...not harsh to my ears at all.
4. Hardly have heard a skip since I shifted to M44-7.
5. SOunds better with my older mono records too.

I am sorry that I can be of this much help to you only but I am sure there will be responses from experienced people which may settle your query better.

Thanks & regards,
Saket

 

[sachu888]

I admire you for that you tried to descibe the audio quality of various carts....yes its difficult. I have not tried many cartridges so I might not offer the best answer to your question but will share my bit of experience with you. The previous cart on my technics had nothing written on it, so I dont know which make it was.(Soon I am coming with this question on our forum with the cart's pic) but when I changed to Shure & more specifically M44-7, I noticed the following:

1. The volume had gone up significantly so I had to turn down my amp's volume pot.
2. THere was more power in the vocals & the bass was more thumping. I guess mid-range improved significantly.
3. One imp thing that I noticed that even after aligning the old cart. much, there was some tracking error in the inner tracks of some particular discs which then used to sound muddy. But this cart tracks things better in the inner side. SOund is clear with crisp treble...not harsh to my ears at all.
4. Hardly have heard a skip since I shifted to M44-7.
5. SOunds better with my older mono records too.

I am sorry that I can be of this much help to you only but I am sure there will be responses from experienced people which may settle your query better.

Thanks & regards,As I s
Saket

Hi Saket,
M-44 is a good cart.
1.It has a output of 9.5mv which is almost double than normal MM carts.Shure-M97xe,Ortofon Om series, etc having utput of 4Mv.
2.It was designed for Djs,so you get more Bass and Treble(Club type)
3.Because it has a conical tip,but you lose some details.
4.As it was designed for Djs so it doesn't skip.Tracking force is 1.5 to 3 grams,which is also double than normal MM.
Overall its a good cart.Your next upgrade should be M97xe/Ortofon Super OM series.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[Saket]

Hi Saket,
M-44 is a good cart.
1.It has a output of 9.5mv which is almost double than normal MM carts.Shure-M97xe,Ortofon Om series, etc having utput of 4Mv.
2.It was designed for Djs,so you get more Bass and Treble(Club type)
3.Because it has a conical tip,but you lose some details.
4.As it was designed for Djs so it doesn't skip.Tracking force is 1.5 to 3 grams,which is also double than normal MM.
Overall its a good cart.Your next upgrade should be M97xe/Ortofon Super OM series.

Regards,
Sachin

Thanks Sachin for the details. Would like to ask if I change the stylus (in future) from N44 which is supplied with M44-7 to some other compatible ones, which ones should i look into?

Thanks & regards,
Saket

 

[sachu888]

Thanks Sachin for the details. Would like to ask if I change the stylus (in future) from N44 which is supplied with M44-7 to some other compatible ones, which ones should i look into?

Thanks & regards,
Saket

Stylus costs almost same as cart.You can buy a different cart and can keep m44 mounted on another headshell for older records.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[Saket]

Stylus costs almost same as cart.You can buy a total cart and can keep m44 mounted on another headshell for older records.

Regards,
Sachin

Your idea of keeping a separate headshell mounted with a cart is good enough for selective records, but I would tend to disagree with your point that stylus costs almost as much as the cart. The stylus N44-7 for M44 Cart is around 1900 INR while the cart (with stylus) is 4900 INR. I am not aware if cartridges come without the stylus, & even if they do, there will be significant difference (4900-1900=3000).
Please let me know if I have missed out something.

Regards,
Saket

 

[sachu888]

Your idea of keeping a separate headshell mounted with a cart is good enough for selective records, but I would tend to disagree with your point that stylus costs almost as much as the cart. The stylus N44-7 for M44 Cart is around 1900 INR while the cart (with stylus) is 4900 INR. I am not aware if cartridges come without the stylus, & even if they do, there will be significant difference (4900-1900=3000).
Please let me know if I have missed out something.

Regards,
Saket

Hi Saket,
Yes you are right.Shure have reduced their stylus prices.It was $ 70,some sites still having it @ $75
Shure N97xE Replacement Stylus. Worlds Largest Selection of Needles. 1-800-229-0644.
BTW: M97xe is much cheaper at Amazon
Amazon.com: Shure M97xE High-Performance Magnetic Phono Cartridge: Electronics

EDIT: M44 is also available @ $53 at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Shure-M44-7-Standard-Turntable-Cartridge/dp/B00008W2LW
Regards,
Sachin