A while back I suffered an unfortunate incedent involving falling asleep during the second side of ELP's Trilogy.

The unfortunate thing being the part where the needle jumped out of the runout groove and let itself drag on the label for a few hours before I woke up.

So now I'm wondering what sort of cheap(under $50) replacement cartridge/needle setup I should look for?

Am I completely wasting my time or are there any decent offerings at that price range?

This is going on a Sony PS-LX350H or something, so not a a super hifi turntable but it works and has standard 1/2" mounting holes for the cartridge.

TIA

 Peace,

Josh

first of all that's why i recommend semi automatic turntables.  Second, to answer your question, you will do better if you up your budget to $100 or so.  Check out the offerings from needledoctor.com and others.