I've got a technics 1200mk2 and I'm not mixing or scratching. What would be a good stylus for just listening to records? I'd like to spend no more than $50 so top of the line is obviously out of question. Any ideas?

A lot of guys like the Shure M97ex on Technics 1200s.

But it's $90, not $50. By no means top-of the line, however, and a good value.

IMO these are the best current offerings for $50 or less:

AT95E at lpgear.com for $50
AT71E at lpgear.com for $40
AT92E at garage-a-records.com for $32. It is p-mount but comes with a standard mount adapter.

A lot of guys like the Shure M97ex on Technics 1200s.

But it's $90, not $50. By no means top-of the line, however, and a good value.

The m97xE sells at Amazon for $67.

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-High-Performance-Magnetic-Cartridge/dp/B00006I5SB/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1198721650&sr=8-1

If you absolutely must stay under your $50 budget, a Grado Black shipped from The Needle Doctor will run you just under that.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Grado-Black-Prestige-Series-Phono-Cartridges?sc=2&category=374

The m97xE sells at Amazon for $67.

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-High-Performance-Magnetic-Cartridge/dp/B00006I5SB/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1198721650&sr=8-1

If you absolutely must stay under your $50 budget, a Grado Black shipped from The Needle Doctor will run you just under that.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Grado-Black-Prestige-Series-Phono-Cartridges?sc=2&category=374

67 and free shipping is doable

I got a Grado Black for my SL-1400 from LPGear at 40.00 and free shipping. Sounds nice and no hum and fast shipping:)

I have two ATxxE carts and they both sound very nice. Mostly neutral, the difference in cost brought out more highs and more bass. Seems that's the way it goes with AT's. The more you spend, the better the definition, detail and fuller the bass and higher the highs. I would not buy a non "E" model as that denotes an elliptical stylus and that's a must for good clean sound off modern or late model vinyl.

A entry-level AT cart is good enough for starters. If you've got the extra cash go for the Shure, it's a "sleeper" :)

I myself use a AT 440MLa on my SL-1600mk2.

Depends on what sound you are looking for.
The Shure is supposed to be nice.
Personally , I'm into the AT's right now currently using an At120e and I bought two NIB AT125LC from that auction site for $50. Deals are around if you have an idea what you want.

You might like a Stanton 500 they are not as "neutral" as the AT's or shures but they really get the job done with style.

Somebody wrote a couple of days ago that Best Buy had AT311 cartridges for something like $18.95. that is a great deal. I have 2 and they are pretty good

Hi,

The Audio-Technica AT 95E will make music on this turntable for low bucks. It tracks nicely and sounds well. I like the Stanton 500 with the elliptical stylus when they can be found. It tracks well and is cheap ($35 or so).

I've run 680 II EL (link below), run a 680 HiFi on a Dual on the parlor (really nice performance; huge improvement from low-end Ortofon that was on it) and have run 681EEEs. The 6801 II EL, I had on an auld AR and it delivered really fine performance. They're from a discontinued line but they're not so long out of production you need to worry about aged-related performance degradation.

http://www.djhardwares.com/st680eliica.html

Peter

You might like a Stanton 500 they are not as "neutral" as the AT's or shures but they really get the job done with style.

big fan of the budget at95e /at110e here...
at110e has slightly softer suspension compliance wise..and a bit more resolution in the highest treble...plus a 'silkier' midrange once run in...
the at95e gives a bolder sound with chunkier bass lines and a quite nice midrange...
treble is more than decent too if you have the patience to align it well though not as extended ambience wise compared to the at110e...
but the difference isn't huge..acousitc recordings on either sound good..
that final tweak on the protractor and downforce gauge can unlock a sound that seems much more expensive than its humble price would suggest..
both have a slightly different emphasis in tone...but either will delight at the price