Cartridge Budget

[jimbones]

There are guides out there that provide recommended budgets for cables as a percentage of your total system cost. My question is: Is there a  guideline for cartridge budget as a percentage of turntable cost? For example I own a VPI Classic 2 (original arm). What should my budget be for a cartridge?

[Folsom]

Try an Audio-Technica AT-VM95C. (if the stylus wiggles put a little clay or something is the corners of it, wipe off excess when you put it back on)

No joke. Ignore everything you read and think you know, just give one a listen.

[S Clark]

I've heard lower end Grado sound good, but overall I think you have to spend a few bucks to get better performance from a cartridge.  There are some nice sounding options starting around $400... all according to my ears. 

[jimbones]

OK so it sounds like I am good. I have a Dynavector 20X2L ($1200) so it sounds like I budgeted enough.

[rollo]

    Better cartridges cost more money. If your TT spins at the correct speed and the arm can handle it then it is up to the owner what to spend. The budget thing IMHO is for conversation only.

charles