> > I have some Stanton 500 cartridges on my SL1200's. I'm thinking of getting > me a nice new set..... what are you guys using or what would you recommend?? >
i dont like stanton needles much, the 500's imo is one of the worst needles ever, almost all my friends have them. my biggest complaint about stanton needles are they dont track for jack! i have a pair of "trackmasters" and they are IMO "the worst tracking needle ever". you have to have the lightest hand to even cue and they cost as much as ortofon's. i really like shure needles for the price the m35s are pretty good, they track nice, they sound good, don't over wear the record and the price is right. the m44g is also nice; tracks very well, scratchs, stays in the groove, etc. ortofon needles are nice but they cost alot and then the replacement tip cost a lot also and if you use them a lot you need to replace the tips. these would be my choice if i was rich! i have the same problem with my trackmasters tips $85 for two replacements. i can buy all new shure m35's ($65 for a pair) for that the tips for those are $20 a peice. another thing to think about is wheather you want spherical or eliptical tips. spherical wear the records faster but are better for scratching and surface noise and eliptical wear less but don't track as well and pick more surface noise. i would also look into how much the replacement tips cost and factor that in my decision. scotto lansing, mi plaztikjezuz.com
