the 44-7's are meant for scratching, but they do track well.

Are you unhappy with your Concordes? I'm just curious as to why you want to spend so much on needs if you don't scratch and are only using DVS? Typically you spend your money on needs for high fidelity or tracking, if software makes none of these an issues for you, you may be able to go for a cheaper pair.

Thank you for your fast reply spike12!

Well, as I said they are different from each other, I bought them second hand and in different time, one is a Concorde Pro with Pro S shell, the other is DJ S.

Which ones do you recommend?

Hi guys,

What are my options then, given I don't scratch?

Thank you!

44-7s are nicer to records. Concords are good and loud when using real records (house djs like them) but they chew the records up more.
Some people focus on their needles and buy new kinds when they come out, they probly have a current favorite but I just grab a new pair of 44-7 status' once in a while and I'm good.

Thank you! 44-7 it is!

Even though you don't scratch. The m-447s have a high output and they don't wear your records like concordes do.

If I were to go concordes my first choice would be the serato needle, Q-berts although made for scratching are really durable and have an excellent output. The blue Dj Concorde is like the jack of all trades, a little more affordable. And the pro s is the entry level Concorde. For me, as a scratcher I would go for pinks, seratos and Q berts. But That's me

Look you can still use the above scratching cartridges because remeber at the end of the day you're just tracking a signal. Scratching cartridges are more durable and have a high output. Realistically you'll be fine with most higher end ortofons and of course the shure. Most of its marketing anyway to be honest.

So go m-447, seratos or q-berts. They would be my primary options. My secondary options would be pinks or blues

This question a couple of years ago would've gotten s ton of responses. It amazes me how quickly things change. Guess we are swamped with the controller market. There's nothing better than talking shop about records and needles. I miss it

Just get some m447's. I have the Q Bert Concorde's as well as just bought the Shure M447's, I like the M447's better. The tracking is out of this world good.

Just be weary the shures are longer and springier than the concordes, which are shorter and stubbier. So just be weary of that. They are a little easier to break. Just dont be super heavy handed

Thanks guys for the recommendations, I've bought the M44-7, I've installed it already but I have some questions regarding the installation and turntable setup, should I open a new post?

post here if you want ill try to answer the question

I've installed them on the original Technics headshell that came with MK2, but I've put the washers and the nuts on the bottom side of the cartridge instead of the shell, which is the opposite of the instructions from Shure, is it ok?

Also, I've followed the instructions from Shure for weight and tonearm height, for standard dj it says 3 grams and tonearm height of 4-5, I'm using 4.

I hope it is all ok.

regarding screws and washers, shouldnt make too much of a difference, you can always go back and re-assemble if you want

regarding weight, keep in mind that the companies will always be on the conservative side when it comes to recommending weight. I guess there is no right or wrong answer. When I play out I use full weight, when i practice, it may be full weight or just off.

These videos should help regarding the setup:
Watchwww.youtube.com
Watchwww.youtube.com
Watchwww.youtube.com
Watchwww.youtube.com

I use 2.5 grams for 45s and 3 for 12s

No facts about why, just guessing what's good I guess.

Usually 45 have deeper grooves and better sound. I do the same.

Is it common for a needle to skip if the vinyl is dirty somehow?

I'm using 3 grams, tonearm height 0 (it seems to be straight and parallel) and 0 anti-skating, but both my turntables are skipping somewhere in the middle of the vinyl.

Any other tips?

yes, or it could also be warped

try different vinyl, some of mine skip bad some don't. depends on the quality of the pressing.