drewvandal Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 I've got a pretty solid set of speakers / receiver (B&W CM8R's & a Music Fidelity M3i) and I know my turntable (Denon 300F) is the weakest link in the chain. I just bought a house and won't have the money for a new table / phono pre-amp etc, for a while so I'd like to get a new cartridge in the mean time. Curious as to what people on here suggest. EDIT : My budget is <200 and I have been looking into the Ortofon 2M Red Phono Cartridge I appreciate any help D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papercup Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 whats your budget? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drewvandal Posted December 27, 2015 Author Share Posted December 27, 2015 whats your budget? Apologies - Just edited the post, <$200 for this preferably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 My suggestion in that range will always be the AT120E. Very good cartridge, and sounds really good. Stylus on it can be upgraded to higher end AT ones down the line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drewvandal Posted December 27, 2015 Author Share Posted December 27, 2015 My suggestion in that range will always be the AT120E. Very good cartridge, and sounds really good. Stylus on it can be upgraded to higher end AT ones down the line. Do you think I would be able to hear an obvious difference from the stock cartridge / stylus? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 Do you think I would be able to hear an obvious difference from the stock cartridge / stylus? What does it come with, the 95E? If so, yeah, it will sound better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youspinmeround Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 2m blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted December 27, 2015 Share Posted December 27, 2015 I'd suggest another step up in the Audio Technica range, the AT440MLa. It uses up all your budget, but it's a classic cart. Scratch that, just saw that the 440MLb is discounted to $180. This is an upgraded version, worth every penny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jameshays Posted December 29, 2015 Share Posted December 29, 2015 I'd suggest another step up in the Audio Technica range, the AT440MLa. It uses up all your budget, but it's a classic cart. Scratch that, just saw that the 440MLb is discounted to $180. This is an upgraded version, worth every penny. I have a 440mlb on the way (merry Christmas to me) and currently have a 95e. Very anxious to hear the difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smwalsh6 Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 I have a 440mlb and love it. Inner groove distortion is non existent with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drewvandal Posted December 30, 2015 Author Share Posted December 30, 2015 Local hi-fi company HIGHLY recommended the Ortofon 2M Blue. Anyone else have this / have any opinions on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Different sound signature, but still good, especially if they can sell it to you for under $200. If it was me though I'd probably choose the 440, a more balanced sound to my ears (the 2M can be too strong on the highs and too thin on the mids). Tommy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 Different sound signature, but still good, especially if they can sell it to you for under $200. If it was me though I'd probably choose the 440, a more balanced sound to my ears (the 2M can be too strong on the highs and too thin on the mids). The Ortofon sound like a lot of brands is quite particular and you either like it or you don't, I'm with Slinch though the AT sound is a lot more neutral and balanced. The only other one I would suggest would be Grado but again this is a particular sound signature and one I myself like, Grado's though have a reputation for IGD which is down to user error when aligning them and nothing to do with the carts themselves but mud does stick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 30, 2015 Share Posted December 30, 2015 The Ortofon sound like a lot of brands is quite particular and you either like it or you don't, I'm with Slinch though the AT sound is a lot more neutral and balanced. The only other one I would suggest would be Grado but again this is a particular sound signature and one I myself like, Grado's though have a reputation for IGD which is down to user error when aligning them and nothing to do with the carts themselves but mud does stick I quite enjoy the Grado sound, but they can be a pain to get set up correctly. The AT is much more forgiving, and does really really well for IGD. I'd go for an AT if you have never set-up a cartridge before. I'd see if your local shop can let you listen to a few things on a set-up similar to yours, and you can see which sound you like the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donlombardo Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 I have an Ortofon OM20 cartridge/needle, how does it compare to the 2M Blue? Both sound and quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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