A turntable cartridge upgrade that won’t break the bank
Q. I have an AudioTechnica AT-LP120-USB turntable and would like to upgrade the cartridge. My budget is $100-$200. I am finding that my price range has relatively slim pickings and the cartridges in this segment are largely ignored by reviewers. As I look around, most of the recommended cartridges are budget models under $100, or step-up models selling for well over $200.
— M.S., Milwaukee
A. I strongly recommend the Goldring E3, which sells for $169. Goldring is an acclaimed British brand that caters to the vinyl record lover. The brand has added several new models over the past few years, and the E Series, specifically the E3, has made perhaps the biggest stir.
The Goldring E3 is a moving-magnet cartridge with a replaceable stylus, so when the needle wears out you can justplug in a new one. It is designed to be easy to mount and align on your turntable, no small consideration since installing and mounting a cartridge properly is an awkwardtask.
I have had the pleasure of reviewing the E3 myself, and it delivers the warm, smooth sound vinyl in general and Goldring in particular are known for. This easy listenability is combined with a lively, dynamic sound, strongly reproduced dynamics, great transparency and precisely rendered detail that really digs into the emotions of the music and the performers. It is my favorite cartridge under $200 right now. See the Goldring E3 at goldringusa.com.
Q. I remember your comments about Panasonic plasma TVs in your columna few years back. I know they were discontinued a few years ago. I have a 50-inch plasma Panasonic TV which I bought new in 2004. I LOVE it! Unfortunately I am moving soon into a small house and cannot take it with me. I have never ever had any problems with it and the picture quality is just as I bought it 18 years ago. Could you give me some advice about what I could do with the TV? I don’t want to trash it given it cost $7,749 all the way back in 2004!
—V.C., San Carlos, California
A. Unfortunately the high price of your old TV reflects the rarity of plasma and flatpanel television technology back in 2004, and not a spectacularly good television. Backthen most HDTVs were rear-projection models that took up a lot of space and a TV that you could hang on the wall was a tremendous luxury. It is not worth much in these days of 4K TVs, maybe not even $100. I suggest donating it to a charity thatcould really appreciate it and getting a receipt for a tax deduction.