I need to make it clear, so that my statements/requests are not misinterpreted: I am looking for a reasonable quality cartridge for occasional playback. The turntable's main purpose is intended to be for decorative use(it happens to match my listening room wood and color themes and is just plain pretty IMO). I am far too lazy to change records every few minutes and keep them clean as is needed to have a reasonable noise floor. Sad, but true. -Chris(confessed CD addict)