"bt" wrote in message
news:bt-2157AB.08244603062006@localhost...
I'm using an 80s-vintage Harmon Kardon T-45 turntable, which now has a
same-vintage Grado M+ cartridge. The amp is an NAD 713 receiver, the
speakers PSB Image b-25's, with a PSB subwoofer next on my list of
additions.

Are there cartridges in the under $150 category that will significantly
upgrade the sound, or should I just seek out a replacement stylus for
the M+? The sound now is quite pleasant but a bit muffled seeming, so
more detail and dynamic range would be desirable, so long as the overall
"musical" quality isn't compromised. I listen to many kinds of
music--chamber, blues, opera, funk, pop, arty rock. I also can detect a
bit of hum with the turntable--I don't know whether the cart has
anything to do with that.

In that price category I'd take a look at Shure M-97
and Audio Technica offerings... particularly if the Grado
hum bothers you... (I hate hum...I know somethings wrong...
it shouldn't be there and I have to fix it before I can ever enjoy
the music...others can listen right through moderate hum with
no problem.)

Anyway I will warn you...that getting good deep bass out of vinyl is one of
the biggest challenges. I was satisfied for years with a cart that wasn't
a good match for my arm and didn't notice until I got a subwoofer
and my TT together.

Have you ever tried a test record like Hi-Fi News to see what your
arm/cart resonance is? Might be worth a look before going for a new
cart that may or may not work well with a sub.

Oh...and ignore the howling monkees.... they're just frustrated cuz they
know there isn't a hope in their hell of figuring out how to get good
sound out of vinyl.

ScottW