Where next with my system?

[RobbieGong]

My recommendation without reserve would be the Ortofon 2M Black - flagship of the 2M series for good reason.

Not an mc I know, but it has often been said to be as good as plenty of mc's out there until you start 'spending'.

Really opened my eyes this cart did and I rate it highly - deserves it's rep' as arguably 'the' best mm out there.

An excellent classy performer.

Only downside is, it is very set up critical and very fussy about vta which is where it's sweet spot is found and best dialled in if possible, carefully on the fly.

It likes a slightly negative rake.

A deck / system with easy vta adjust is essential in my experience but once you've found that sweet spot - oh Yeah !!

[karma67]

as a member too of the ortofon owners club i totally agree with robbie

[kininigin]

I have heard lots of good things about the 2MB but am not sure if it is the right cart for me! The impression i get is that it's very detailed and maybe slightly edging to the brighter side of things?? I may have got that completely wrong of course.

I do like detail but not in an 'look at me' kinda way. I listen to alot of beat/rhythm driven music so something which handles bass really well is important to me! Something which sounds 'chunky and solid' can party but also to the delicate thing with an open soundstage is what i would be looking for if i go the cartridge route.

Also how would it stand up against what i have now? I paid £60 for the SC35C. Would i really get that much improvement spending £400 or so on the 2MB? I simply don't know where the Shure stands in the pecking order!

[RobbieGong]

The 2MB most certainly has a detailed presentation but I didn't find it bright.

Look into the meaty and musical Denon 103.
Been around for a long time and has big following which says something.
Marco knows these inside out and there'll be loads of advice here to get the best out of it.

You'll also have loads of change left from your £500

Oh! and if you didn't like it which I think you will, it'll sell as easy as kebabs do on a Friday \ Saturday night

[kininigin]

The 2MB most certainly has a detailed presentation but I didn't find it bright.

Look into the meaty and musical Denon 103.
Been around for a long time and has big following which says something.
Marco knows these inside out and there'll be loads of advice here to get the best out of it.

You'll also have loads of change left from your £500

Oh! and if you didn't like it which I think you will, it'll sell as easy as kebabs do on a Friday \ Saturday night

Yes the Denon has been on the radar for awhile and sounds like the sort of thing i would like. I would need a sut or headamp though and not sure how much a decent one would be.

I have also considered a Jico SAS for the Shure which may be a relatively cheap option but maybe not the jump up in quality i want.

Then there is the upgraded croft option, which is tempting! Basically i want the biggest sppv i can get as that is what most of my system is based on

[Jazid]

The only thing that is bugging is the digital side which i'm finding a touch bright and forward compared to my tt but yeah wanting to take it up a notch really.

If this is the problem then I don't think cartridge change will help, you are happy there, stay that way!
Beresford DACs, (I've not heard one) have a reputation for being on the brighter end of things so maybe a new DAC or transport might help?

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

[paulf-2007]

I was thinking the same thing, why talk about carts if you are happy with the tt side of things.

[Edward]

Darren

I'm guess your Korus server was made by Gary (Gazjam). Highly suggest you have a chat with him to see what he suggests on improving the digital side of things which you say is a bit bright. I've found that quite a lot of useful improved SQ can be gained by improving the server side of things as well as trying out different DACs. But of course Gazjam is the expert on these things.

[kininigin]

If this is the problem then I don't think cartridge change will help, you are happy there, stay that way!
Beresford DACs, (I've not heard one) have a reputation for being on the brighter end of things so maybe a new DAC or transport might help?

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

I wouldn't say it's a problem as such, i've been using the Bushmaster for a few years happily enough but am just aware of it's slight brightness when listening to music! I probably listen to more records than anything digital, hence the cart talk! Yes i'm happy with what i've got but if i can improve on what i've got then i'll look into it!

No idea what dacs are about nowadays, any suggestions on that front?

[kininigin]

Darren

I'm guess your Korus server was made by Gary (Gazjam). Highly suggest you have a chat with him to see what he suggests on improving the digital side of things which you say is a bit bright. I've found that quite a lot of useful improved SQ can be gained by improving the server side of things as well as trying out different DACs. But of course Gazjam is the expert on these things.

Yes it was Gary and a good shout. Only ever used Beresford Dacs so maybe trying something else just to see what else is out there is worth a shot?