I'm looking to archive some vinyl reggae records to my computer using a stanton str8-80 turntable, however, I want to purchase a high-end hifi cartrige with a budget of $75-125. What is a the best type of cartridge for this job and type of music (reggae). So far one cartridge comes to mind and its the Shure M97-XE, which is about $90.00. I'm interested in hearing some of your opinions and recommendations.

Thanks, looking foward to your replies.

I'm looking to archive some vinyl reggae records to my computer using a
stanton str8-80 turntable, however, I want to purchase a high-end hifi
cartrige with a budget of $75-125. What is a the best type of cartridge for
this job and type of music (reggae). So far one cartridge comes to mind and
its the Shure M97-XE, which is about $90.00. I'm interested in hearing some
of your opinions and recommendations.

In the argot of the audiophile, "high-end" usually connotes a higher price than
$75-125. In this crowd, the high end is usually considered as beginning with
the Shure V15VxMR (about twice your upper limit) and heading for the
stratosphere thereafter. $1000 is considered low midprice. I am not making this
up.

Back to the real world. Look at some of the Grado cartrdges in your price
range. Also take a look at what you will be using to preamplify the cartridge;
if it's a $40 preamp, prepare to shell out a couple hundred bucks on a decent
unit.

All that said, it might be cheaper to go buy the material on CD, if it's
available, or pay a professional to do the job rather than invest in the
hardware.

Peace,
Paul

I'm looking to archive some vinyl reggae records to my computer using a
stanton str8-80 turntable, however, I want to purchase a high-end hifi
cartrige with a budget of $75-125. What is a the best type of cartridge for
this job and type of music (reggae). So far one cartridge comes to mind and
its the Shure M97-XE, which is about $90.00. I'm interested in hearing some
of your opinions and recommendations.

In the argot of the audiophile, "high-end" usually connotes a higher price than
$75-125. In this crowd, the high end is usually considered as beginning with
the Shure V15VxMR (about twice your upper limit) and heading for the
stratosphere thereafter. $1000 is considered low midprice. I am not making this
up.

Back to the real world. Look at some of the Grado cartrdges in your price
range. Also take a look at what you will be using to preamplify the cartridge;
if it's a $40 preamp, prepare to shell out a couple hundred bucks on a decent
unit.

All that said, it might be cheaper to go buy the material on CD, if it's
available, or pay a professional to do the job rather than invest in the
hardware.

Peace,
Paul