Anyone using an MC cartridge?

I'm curious to find out if anyone here uses an MC cartridge, or for that matter any high-end cartridge on their turntable when sampling.
I've just scored a Technics SL-1300mk2 for a very nice price, its basically the same setup as a 1200, same tonearm etc. After a little internet research, i've decided to pair it with the much applauded Denon DL-160 MC cart, as its a perfect match to the techs arm.

Anyone use this cart? Does anyone here spend crazy audiophile money on carts? I'm ineterested to see if anyone uses an MC cart, as i see alot of people on here saying a good cart is more important than the table, but they still mention DJ carts. Any other recommendations welcome.

I've been thinking of doing the same thing myself. I need to do some serious research before dropping some $$$ though.

Adrian,

if you don't wanna risk spending mad money, i think the Denon DL-160 might be the way to go, i've yet to read or hear someone who disliked it, especially combined with a technics arm. Its also high output, so it can be used with an MM phono input. Apparently they were going for 100 bucks and lower a few months back, but now the price has gone back up to 150-170.

You got any options yet? I was originally considering the audio technica at440ml MM cart, until i read alot of complaints about the exaggerated highs. I'm currently using an Ortofon Super OM 30, its nice but the emphasis seems to be on the treble and theres low bass, i'm after something more neutral.
In the MM market, the Ortofon 2M range is supposed to real nice, with a really powerful low end.

On the same note, has anyone here ever spent mad dough on a platter mat?
I've yet to try that myself, but a thick mat of good material can make a vast difference to seperation, soundstage and especially noise floor (or so i've read). Theres even some made of copper and glass!
It isolates the record from any rumble and ringing from the platter and motor.
Are people generally just using DJ slipmats? Even the stock tech rubber mat makes a difference to sound quality over a slipmat.

I have a Stanton T80 'table. I want to upgrade the cart. so I can archive my vinyl. So I want a good cartridge. I've recorded some vinyl to CD already and I noticed that the recordings sound a bit too much on the low end.

I am going to be checking out some audiophile forums and reviews.

As for the slip mats. I'm also looking at that.

I might just buy a whole new table. Either Rega, Music Hall, Sota or Pro-Ject.

sweet, the Rega p3-24 seems to get rave reviews, i just hate the idea of shelling out 500 quid for a bit of MDF. the stanton you've got is supposed to be a pretty good table in comparison to other 'DJ' decks. You should get a sl-1200/1210 and upgrade the arm to a Rega one, or even better SME arm, seems to be the way to go at the mo., loadsa upgrade options down the road.

I would kill for a Linn LP-12 or Technics SP-10 though.