Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Advice from Axiom Owners Need Cartridge help

My dad is thinking of getting a Stanton Turntable and he wants a better cartridge. I really like the Shure M97xE but its a little pricey. Do you guys know anything about the sound quality of their DJ line? Like the M35X or the M44G? These are a little more in the price range, but they seem to be DJ oriented. I don't know if that makes any difference. I'm more worried about sound quality and tracking force. Any help from you vinyl geeks is appreciated...

Somewhat sideways, but have you checked out the availability of Ortofon in your area? I've had very good results from mine and the price was excellent.

Well, I'm gonna be no help. I have the Stanton STR8-30, but I sprung for the M97xE. I'm glad I did.

I haven't looked into it, but I will.

Jack, I thought you were around before the turntable was invented?

Maybe I will just take a chance on a DJ cartridge.

Sheesh!

player8,

As you go up in price in the Shures and Grados, you get lower tracking force and generally better tracking of dynamics in the inner grooves, especially high frequencies---BUT, to get those benefits, you have to have a tonearm with very low bearing friction and low mass. That usually means a separate custom arm, which is expensive.

The M97xe is excellent, a good compromise, very close to the V15 series, and would suit the Stanton tonearm better. If the lower-priced Shures have the damped tracking brush, they'd be decent. The latter really helps tracking warped vinyl. I would not spend a lot on a high-end cartridge unless you have a custom tonearm.

Regards,

Alan,

Thanks for the advice. I will do a little more research and see what I find.

Jack,

I'm sorry, didn't mean to offend.

LOL! No offense taken, or assumed. I laughed at your comment. I don't mind being, nor am I ashamed to be, the age I am. After all, I don't have any control over it, so it's not my fault. It also beats the alternative. My little smiley was tongue in cheek. I just enjoy playing the Rodney Dangerfield role around here. "I don't get no respect."