This video is comparing 7 different moving magnet cartridges in a sound test. Unlike my previous video where I compare 5 phono cartridges under $150, I was told that the best quality sound of any record occurs at, or near, the edge of the record because the outer edge moves at a higher speed than the inner part of a record. Just like how an old reel to reel tape produces better sound quality at higher reel speeds, the same goes for vinyl records.

The cartridges I am testing are:

1. Shure M91-ED with original (0.2×0.7)mil special elliptical tip. (0:26)
2. Shure M44-7 with Pfanstiehl stylus (0.6)mil conical tip. (1:53)
3. Audio Technica AT-100E with original (0.3×0.7)mil bonded elliptical tip. (3:23)
4. Shure ME97HE with original N97HE stylus, hyper elliptical tip. (4:53)
5. Audio Technica AT-11E with original (0.4×0.7)mil elliptical tip. (6:23)
6. Audio Technica PB-11E using stylus from the AT-11E. (7:54)
7. Audio Technica VS220E using stylus from the AT-11E. (9:24)

The song I am using to test is called Stemin’ Hot by The Reddings. It’s one of the tracks that I am willing to wear out by playing over and over again to do these sound tests.

*The Shure M44-7 was not using proper tracking force. Factory ranges from 1.5-3g, but the replacement stylus calls for 3g. So sound is slightly distorted due to lack of tracking force.

Hope you will find this video interesting. Please like and subscribe, and comment on which one you like the most!