WTB: Budget (less than $100) Cartridge

I'm trying to help a friend put the finishing touches on a simple vinyl rig. She's got a Technics SL-1200 and we need to find her a cart. I've got a Mani2 I'm not using so that will be put into use.

So, specific needs:

1. Cart needs to play well with the stock medium mass SL-1200 arm
2. Cart needs to play well with Mani2 (likely best to stay MM, for cost purposes)
3. Less than $100
4. Needs to play well with not-perfect condition LPs (i.e., preference towards tracking and IGD performance over ultimate resolution)

Most of her music is on vinyl, so we'll tackle that first. Later I'm going to try to get her some way to stream spotify and lend her my old CDP.

Thanks!!

 

Check out the Ortofon cartridges with integrated headshells at KAB Electro Acoustics. They're designed specifically for the arm on the Technics SL-1200. They're plug and play. No alignment necessary.

For $99, you can get the Reloop Concorde Black cartridge: https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/

If your friend can swing $139, she can get the Reloop Concorde Black with the STY10 elliptical stylus: https://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/

The stylus is user replaceable, and if she ever wants to upgrade in the future, she can go all the way up to the STY40 stylus, which is really nice.

 

If there is interest in vintage carts I have a drawer full of old stantons and shures, most of which have new genuine styli. They will work great on a SL1200 arm. PM me

 

Sorry. It seems that the links don't work.

For the first cartridge, go to the site, click on the Phono Cartridges at the top, then click on Reloop/Ortofon DJ on the left side.

For the second cartridge, go to the site, click on Phono Cartridges at the top, then click on Ortofon Hi Fi on the left side.

 

I've got an unknown hours SAE 1000e HOMC that I'd sell for $100 shipped. It matches well with MM stages and medium mass arms. PM if interested.