Inexpensive phono cartridge: suggestions needed please

[Roadster25]

Gentlemen,

I have just bought an old Systemdek IIX turntable fitted with a Rega RB250 arm to go in the second system. It's fitted with a rather ancient Linn K9 cartridge, which I assume is past its best and needs replacing with another MM cart. The question is what to get?

It seems that cheap cartridge reviews are pretty few and far between, and I can't imagine being able to hear any on demo near home.

As it's not in the main system, I'm looking to keep expenditure fairly low, ideally no more than about £80. Initial thoughts are a Rega Bias 2 or an Ortofon 2M Red. Does anybody have any experience of either of these?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Roadster25

[kingston12]

I have got an Ortofon 2M Blue which I am very happy with, but I have heard mixed reports on the Red.

I was recommended to try a Nagaoka MP-110 which I think comes in at about £80, so that might be worth a shout if you are after a warmer sounding cartridge.

[telecat]

The K9 used to be able to take an Audio technica replacement styli. I believe the AT95E was the one that fitted. Otherwise a AT95E would be a good replacement at £35. I would not go for the "Finger" style Ortofon's they never sound that good to me.

[chazola]

Audio Technica as mentioned make good quality and affordable MM carts, Ortofons I've heard have sounded quite harsh imho. You've got a good arm there so I'd treat it to a decent cart. I upgraded from a AT110E MM to a high-output Denon MC which was about £90 a few years back, and it was a big improvement over the budget cart.

[telecat]

the AT110 is a really good cartridge but it's over £100 now. If you were going down the Linn route the eplacement for the K9 is the Adikt at £400 it would be a superb match to the Tonearm and Turntable however the Goldring 1042 on which the Adikt is based is cheaper at £250ish.