DJ cartridges

[pk]

Nice pair of Ortofons in the Cash Converters on Kilburn High Road, going cheap!!

 

[tarannau]

Not all cartridges reproduce the music the same. For instance my cartridges are shure M-44G which have a very low tracking weight (1.5g) and are less suited to scratching. They reproduce vocal better than say a shure M-447 which has a more enhanced treble and bass range and track heavier (3g) and are better suited for scratching.

When I can reserve the cash I'm going to invest in a mounted set of M-447s to take with me when I play out.

I'd just stick with the Gs if I were you - much better midrange by far than the 447s. And still more than enough bass weight to embarrass Stantons.

To be honest, I have a hard enough job making the Gs jump, let alone the 447s. If you're not scratching using shoulders and thinking of entering the DMC champs then I'd be surprised if you gain an advantage. And the extra wear and tear on records is a concern with the 7's.

 

[murdok]

My recommendation

With regard to scratch needles I was watching a DMC DVD and saw a couple of guys using ortofon scratch needles and in the middle of their competition sets had the needle slipping all over the shop. Everyone seemed to be using the M447's and had no problems at all. I thought it ironic that ortofon were sponsoring the event and their product managed to screw up the chances of a couple of guys.Myself I use 447's when playing out cos loud, no skipping and built like tanks.
Recommendation-wise I've got a pair of AL500s Mk1 which are fantastic, so the Mk3 would be my recommendation for anyone wanting to purchase (not too expensive to replace the needle reguarly if worried about wear/regular use).

 

[speed-it-up]

I find concorde style cartridges a bit flimsy and would go for stantons or sures