Thanks @bigbillquad for starting this thread, and I believe it's also good to note (from you experienced folks here) what carts "don't" work well. I'll be diving into this special realm of Quad wonderland soon and trying out an AT-VM740ML (ML= MicroLine.) My only concern with being a QUAD LP newbie is not having the experience to KNOW what it should sound like when it's working right!
Experience is GOLDEN.
i'm really interested to see how you get along with the VM740ML for CD-4! comparing the specs, the 740 looks to be a potentially souped-up 440ML with better stated frequency response.. although pretty much everything else about them looks to be the same, so maybe not.. the recc'd tracking force of the 740's 2g vs the 440's 1.4g is a curious thing, i've read conflicting reports over the years, too much tracking force wears discs, too little knackers them.. hmm! fun times ahead for the Pupster!