MM Cartridge less clinical sounding than a 2m black?

[Zoidburg]

Hi folks,

I've had my 2m black on for a good few weeks now and whilst I can appreciate that it is a fabulous cart (certainly head an shoulders above anything I've had before) I am beginning to think sometimes that its not quite what I want in terms of sound. Its very clinical and digital like at times and I think maybe I would favour something slightly less so, something with a touch more warmth to it.

So if I was looking to change cartridge again what should I be considering.........? I don't mind buying 2nd hand, though can only spend what I sell the 2MB for (£280 ish??) and has to be MM only due to my phono stage.

I hear mention of Nagoakas but have never listened to one, I liked my Goldring 2500 a lot and part of me wishes I had just replaced the stylus on it now rather than going down the 2MB route

But anyway id appreciate any ideas you guys have before I decide where / if I go to next.

cheers

Ben

[hifi_dave]

The 2M range are a bit thin sounding, so the Nagaoka and Goldring models you mention, with their more full bodied tone, might well suit.

Others to consider are the Rega Exact and some of the vintage models which Marco mentions from time to time.

[aniki]

The 2M range are a bit thin sounding

Accurate sounding; I would say.

[Marco]

Accurate sounding; I would say.

Sorry, I beg to differ. That is if we're talking about 'accurate', in terms of what real instruments and voices sound like, as opposed to how they are purported to do on paper...

Dave's spot on about the 2M range: it's all rather sterile and hi-fi sounding.

Ben, go for a Nagaoka, or as Peter says, an AN, and you won't look back. Or if you fancy going the vintage route, then track down a Shure M55E, and fit a Jico SAS stylus to it.. Btw, how did you get on with that SMR-Tech record clamp? You never did say.....

Marco.

[RobbieGong]

Sorry, I beg to differ. That is if we're talking about 'accurate', in terms of what real instruments and voices sound like, as opposed to how they are purported to do on paper...

Dave's spot on about the 2M range: it's all rather sterile and hi-fi sounding.

Ben, go for a Nagaoka, or as Peter says, an AN, and you won't look back. Or if you fancy going the vintage route, then track down a Shure M55E, and fit a Jico SAS stylus to it.. Btw, how did you get on with that SMR-Tech record clamp? You never did say.....

Marco.

I beg to differ too and for fear of going round in circles. Had the Blue but my experience of the Black in particular was definately not sterile when set up properly. What I mean by properly is when it's stylus profile is comfortably and correctly set for want of better discriptive. I also found its accuracy and presentation of texture timbre and vocals first rate as expressed in an abundance of places on the net, customers, reviews, forums and so on. It is well known that set up is critical with the Black otherwise it will display negatives traits such as harshness, clinical etc . It doesn't help IME that it can be a PITA to set up and get right. Again, each user will have their own experience. I know the ones I've had with it and why.

[Zoidburg]

Sorry, I beg to differ. That is if we're talking about 'accurate', in terms of what real instruments and voices sound like, as opposed to how they are purported to do on paper...

Dave's spot on about the 2M range: it's all rather sterile and hi-fi sounding.

Ben, go for a Nagaoka, or as Peter says, an AN, and you won't look back. Or if you fancy going the vintage route, then track down a Shure M55E, and fit a Jico SAS stylus to it.. Btw, how did you get on with that SMR-Tech record clamp? You never did say.....

Marco.

Hi Marco,

Thanks for the imput mate, im going to have a good read up on the Nags and the AN's this evening ( the nags seems to be a bit more prevelent on the 2nd hand market i think so that may sway it)

As for the SRM clamp I have to be honest and say i cant tell any real difference with it on or off.

[CageyH]

The AT150MLX or a Nagaoka MP-150 or MP-200
The MP-150 I have for sale would probably do the trick and leave you cash to spend on Vinyl.

Another option is the SAE1000 in either E or LT flavours. A nice sounding HOMC.

[worrasf]

If you can find one I'd suggest a Reson Reca - a Goldring that's been tweaked. I had one - sounded very nice (likely nicest of all my MM's apart from my AKG P8ES supernova) but in the end the finer clarity and detail of "going MC" won me over
Steve

[petrat]

I'd recommend the Audio Note IQ2 or 3.
I had the IQ3 at the same time as a 2M Black, and kept the AN. Better tone, body, and integration, but still had all of the detail of the Black, without throwing it in your face in that clinical / etched way. Wish I still had it ... super mm cartridge.

[Idlewithnodrive]

I'd recommend the Audio Note IQ2 or 3.
I had the IQ3 at the same time as a 2M Black, and kept the AN. Better tone, body, and integration, but still had all of the detail of the Black, without throwing it in your face in that clinical / etched way. Wish I still had it ... super mm cartridge.

Exactly what I did