Cartridge upgrade for PL-518 (also a pre amp recommendation)

A

amorax

New Member
Hey guys working on restoring and upgrading this PL-518 I picked up. Any recommendations for a cartridge I can pick up? Right now my budget for a cartridge is under 100 and I will also need a phono pre amp as well preferably under 100. I had read on some older posts but was pretty confused (I'm new to the hobby) thanks for anyone who can help!
 
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$100 for a cartridge doesn't buy what it used to. And your PL 518 likes a low side of medium mass cartridge. Why not find a nice Shure M75 body, and get a Jico ED stylus as those two sound so great together. Also, you know the AT-VM 95 family is so nice on your arm. Do bear in mind, the overhang is 49 mm. Preamp, someone will give you some nice advice on more knowledgeable than I.
 
amorax said:
Hey guys working on restoring and upgrading this PL-518 I picked up. Any recommendations for a cartridge I can pick up? Right now my budget for a cartridge is under 100 and I will also need a phono pre amp as well preferably under 100. I had read on some older posts but was pretty confused (I'm new to the hobby) thanks for anyone who can help!
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I also own a PL-518 of my own (a very fine, underrated turntable) which is direct drive, well built, reliable, and durable. This classic performs very well. I love mine. Welcome to AudioKarma, you are among friends, post well, wisely, and often. We're here to help, to be friendly, and a great place to hang out. Glad you're here. Keep us posted on how your Pioneer classic is coming along.
 
KentTeffeteller said:
I also own a PL-518 of my own (a very fine, underrated turntable) which is direct drive, well built, reliable, and durable. This classic performs very well. I love mine. Welcome to AudioKarma, you are among friends, post well, wisely, and often. We're here to help, to be friendly, and a great place to hang out. Glad you're here. Keep us posted on how your Pioneer classic is coming along.
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Thank you so much for the knowledge and the welcome! I would plan on upgrading to something over $100, but for right now I just want something to replace the current cartridge/ stylus on it which I believe needs to be changed
 
What cartridge is on the arm now?

Originally, the 518 had the Empire/Pioneer CE2000E cartridge. Very good even by today’s offerings.

DAB6CC77-84A8-49C6-8B5F-2FF8EDCF4F06.jpeg
 
You may not need to change the current cartridge, only the stylus. Please post the model of cartridge or a photo.

But if you want to go completely new, the AT-VM95E is a very effective solution for well under $100 - a very well-liked cartridge that would suit your arm. And it gives the scope to upgrade the stylus to quite exotic profiles at a later date.

For a phono pre-amp at under $100, I suggest the ART DJ Pre II.
 
The AT-VM95EN gets you into a full diamond shank nude elliptical for $119.

The popular and inexpensive AT-3600L (~$20) with an LP Gear ATN3600DLXVL vivid line stylus ($80) sounds wonderful leaves you with an excellent vivid line stylus for times when sound quality matters, plus a lesser, but pleasant sounding conical stylus for enjoyment of beater records and worry-free family use.
 
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For a cheap preamp, the ART DJ Pre is my default recommendation. I think those are around $60 now? Not sure. In any case, with the money left over, buy the best cartridge you can afford. The VM95EN is a good choice. If you have butterfingers or records records in less than ideal shape, I'd go for a cheaper cartridge like the VM95C or the AT3600/AT91 that was suggested upthread.
 
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thank you everyone for the help and advice so far! Here are pictures of the cartridge, I can't even tell if there's even a stylus in it maybe you guys who are more familiar can point out if everything looks good.
If I need to remove it and take clearer pictures please let me know!
 
I think you are better of changing cartridge. AT VM95E is inexpensive and nice upgrade.

Regards
Sachin
 
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Hi,

Attached below are two PDF documents that I created not too long ago about the PL-518 TT (I have one). One is a general overview of the tonearm and a list of carts that I own or have used on this TT. The other is a protractor.

Print out the protractor. Make sure it's to scale by measuring the 49mm (1.929in) dimension. Cut a hole in the middle spindle location and cut away the excess paper around the outside 12 inch diameter perimeter. Keep the diagonal line; it should be pointing to the tonearm center pivot point. Make sure you unplug your turntable before you use the protractor!
 

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