Call any any 1200g users, what cartridges are you using on your decks?
A Nagaoka JT-1210, which is a (modified?) JT-80BK.
And also an Ortofon 2M Bronze.
1 Like
Ortofon 2m Black, standard version on one and Concorde on the other.
Both on GR2’s.
1 Like
I was thinking Ortofon M2 bronze or black, I do like microline over shibata.
1 Like
My thoughts exactly. I can wholly recommend the bronze.
I think the Nagaoka, despite being elliptical, is on par. Which makes me really want to try an MP-500 or the new MP-700 at some point.
2 Likes
RigB AT540ML (AT-LH11 Headshell) on a 1210GR2.
Not really compared to anything else yet but fancy giving an Ortofon Concorde music a go at some point.
1 Like
Dynavector DV10x5
Sumiko HS-12 headshell with Sumiko Moonstone MM cartridge on a 1200GR.
I’m not sure what the purpose of the thread is though. While matching a cart to an arm and deck is important, it’s somewhat less important than matching to the phono stage.
rigB LNR combined headshell/cartridge is an interesting option.
AT carts are good match for 1200 tonearm with great tracking but soundwise they all lack a bit of presence in the 2000-6000 hz freq range. Ortofon or Nagaoka for example do that better.
1 Like
My 1210GR came with an Ortofon Blue, and I don’t really have a point of comparison. I’ve gotten several recommendations for the AT VM540ML, and I’m pretty tempted to give it a try in time.
1 Like
Some great choices, I’m veering towards the Ortofon range.
Hana MC carts have been transformational for my 1200g’s sound. I was happily using the blue and recently upgraded to the red which I love. The Hana red has me in tears every single time, it’s an emotional experience like no other with the Technics deck. They take a long time to break in (think 50+ hours of play) and they require about 30min of playback to come on song from cold, but worth worth worth the wait.
1 Like
I may go for a GR or second hand G. Someone recommends heartily the Hana SL.
Hi
I have an Ortofon Cadenza Red.
Thanks
Mark
If you get a second hand GR and an after market linear power supply to replace the built-in one (some very basic soldering skills required) you can leapfrog past the GR2 for less money.
The GR2 has several minor improvements over the GR but the main one is the better low noise switch mode PSU. But an after market linear PSU from Timestep or MCrU will be even better still.
A lot of people flogged the GR and went to the GR2 so right now you can get the GR second hand plus a new PSU for a lot less than a new GR2 but with superior performance.
2 Likes
Decided on Ortofon 2m black, a change from my usual AT750sh.
Enjoy, i find mine a really good all rounder that has plenty of detail but delivers a rhythm. From memory needed a bit of running in and sounded less dynamic in this period, didn’t take long to come on song. I use an Ortofon headshell with it as well, bought and fitted separately.
1 Like
If you can find an GAE at an attractive price (not priced too much just because it’s a limited edition) that’s worth the premium over the G. The 1210 even comes with a good cartridge, although I imagine you’d keep your current Lyra.
There’s currently a Sl-1210GAE for sale in the Netherlands at what I think is a decent price. And perhaps you could even get some more off.
1 Like
I have to sell my P10 first. But thanks for that info. 
1 Like