2M Black. whats next ?

[RobbieGong]

I agree that it's a cracking cart Mr Gong, when set up absolutely spot on +/- 0.

The IQ3 is just as good (if not better) with about 1/10th the hassle

I hear ya Mike and totally respect that as you've had and heard the Black on song. These things are obviously subjective as I've read a fair bit about the 2M Black / IQ3 and as is with these things, where some have preferred the IQ3 others have preferred the Black Your comments and as expressed re: the Black and whole set up thing did make me chuckle cause I related totally to all of it - brilliant !

[ChrisKemp]

I had the 2M Black for 6 months. Loved it! Tried the Quintet Black and liked the 2M Black better (tighter bass). Then I took another route: London Decca Super Gold! Another league and I would pay a great deal more to get a MC to play music like my Decca.

[RobbieGong]

I had the 2M Black for 6 months. Loved it! Tried the Quintet Black and liked the 2M Black better (tighter bass). Then I took another route: London Decca Super Gold! Another league and I would pay a great deal more to get a MC to play music like my Decca.

Nice one Chris - Decca Super Gold sounds like a corker Btw - what does a beauty like that cost (sorry if I've missed earlier in the thread)

[walpurgis]

I would pay a great deal more to get a MC to play music like my Decca.

I used various Deccas for years as well as using many MCs. I have a selection of ZYX MC cartridges now (amongst others) and the ZYX R100 H2 has great similarities to the Deccas. No shortage of impact, speed and detail, that's for sure.

[hifi_dave]

London/Decca retails at £827.

[walpurgis]

London/Decca retails at £827.

Well what do you know? The ZYX R100 H2 is £820.

[doom2112]

Buy a Dynavector 20X2 load it around 100 Ohm
Or a benz Ace L loaded over 470 ohm ,i cant hear the difference between 470 to 1000 ohm.
But dont go under 470.
Another very good cheaper value Cartridge is Denon DL-301 loaded 470-1000 ohm.
the denon DL-301 is a better cartridge than the DL-103 that many uses,better stylus and better tracking and about the same caracter in sound.
All these are perfect with REGA or audiomods arms,you cany fail.
I have not had the 2M black but AT-150 and it´s the closest one to 2M Black says some rewievers
You will never go back to MM.
Trust me.

[The Barbarian]

I never realised those 2M would suit a low mass arm looking at the spec..

[walpurgis]

You will never go back to MM.
Trust me.

I still do go back to MM (well, induced magnet to be exact). I enjoy using my ADC cartridges when it suits me.

[ChrisKemp]

If your 2M Black sounded too hifi or analythical, I would say something was not right. The 2M Bronze can be a little too hifi, but not the shibata Black. It's much more refined, varmer but detailed and much more dynamic. I loved mine. My upgrade from the 2M Black?.....

I bought a London Decca Super Gold with DeccaPod from Divine Audio. And everything got better! And the dynamics! O boy! To be dynamic a cartridge must be able to play the silent parts with insight and depth. Only then can a cart show true dynamics! Get a London Decca! You will never miss a MC