Alternatives for a Ortofon 2M Back

[Clive197]

I am thinking of buying a Ortofon 2M Black as a back-up to my Cadenza Bronze. While I like the sound of Ortofons, I have little experience of MC cartridges at this price point other than than the Denon 103R in stock condition. I am nervous about buying the Denon and then getting it modded as suggested by Marco, so would welcome any comments or suggestions.

Clive

[Wakefield Turntables]

You could try picking up a re-tipped keotsu black for £1K+, if you dont want to spend that then I can recommend the 103 and the 103r, you dont have to do the mods as Marco suggested. You could do them yourself as new bodies for the 103 are advertised on eBay every day so that would take care of the "re-body". If your bothered about price then try 2Juki on ebay as he seems to have some of the lowest prices around or, like me, you could drop lucky and see if a AOSer has one spare that they want to sell. Alternatively, you could save your money for a little longer and buy a Cadenza black. They seems to be coming down in price quite markedly. Ultimately it depends on how big your wallet is;)

[synsei]

I am thinking of buying a Ortofon 2M Black as a back-up to my Cadenza Bronze. While I like the sound of Ortofons, I have little experience of MC cartridges at this price point other than than the Denon 103R in stock condition. I am nervous about buying the Denon and then getting it modded as suggested by Marco, so would welcome any comments or suggestions.

Clive

I'm pretty sure the 2M Black is a MM design Clive ;)

[Wakefield Turntables]

I'm pretty sure the 2M Black is a MM design Clive ;)

It is!

[loo]

For the second time in as many days I would recommend a nagaoka mp200 , maybe not the clinical fine detail of the 2m black ( which frankly may show up your bronze) but a lot more boogie factor and about £200 cheaper.
Paul

[Clive197]

I'm pretty sure the 2M Black is a MM design Clive ;)

I know that, my phono stage is capable of using MM/MC cartridges.

[Clive197]

You could try picking up a re-tipped keotsu black for £1K+, if you dont want to spend that then I can recommend the 103 and the 103r, you dont have to do the mods as Marco suggested. You could do them yourself as new bodies for the 103 are advertised on eBay every day so that would take care of the "re-body". If your bothered about price then try 2Juki on ebay as he seems to have some of the lowest prices around or, like me, you could drop lucky and see if a AOSer has one spare that they want to sell. Alternatively, you could save your money for a little longer and buy a Cadenza black. They seems to be coming down in price quite markedly. Ultimately it depends on how big your wallet is;)

Having posted previously my rather negative experience with the Denon and my feelings about a spherical stylus, I don't think just changing the body is going to be enough.

Buying a Cadenza Black, even at the price I pay, would hardly be a back-up to a Bronze. The Black is a great cartridge but I preferred the warmth of the Bronze when auditioning cartridges.

I was not planning on spending anywhere near a £1000+ on a back-up cartridge, so I suspect the Koetsu Black is a non-starter.

Clive

[Audioman]

Having posted previously my rather negative experience with the Denon and my feelings about a spherical stylus, I don't think just changing the body is going to be enough.

Buying a Cadenza Black, even at the price I pay, would hardly be a back-up to a Bronze. The Black is a great cartridge but I preferred the warmth of the Bronze when auditioning cartridges.

I was not planning on spending anywhere near a £1000+ on a back-up cartridge, so I suspect the Koetsu Black is a non-starter.

Clive

How about an AT33EV - under £300 from 2Juki.

[julesd68]

I think the Garrott P77i at around £300 delivered (from Australia) is a great buy. Effortless presentation similar to my old Nagaoka MP50 but just a touch more dynamic and extended at the top end ...

http://www.decibelhifi.com.au/garrott-p77i-with-microscanner-ii-stylus/

[NRG]

What do you mean 'as a backup'? Something as a temporary stand in? If so I'd go for something like the Ortofon Vivo Red or the Blue if feeling flush.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Having posted previously my rather negative experience with the Denon and my feelings about a spherical stylus, I don't think just changing the body is going to be enough.

Buying a Cadenza Black, even at the price I pay, would hardly be a back-up to a Bronze. The Black is a great cartridge but I preferred the warmth of the Bronze when auditioning cartridges.

I was not planning on spending anywhere near a £1000+ on a back-up cartridge, so I suspect the Koetsu Black is a non-starter.

Clive

No worries, these were only my thoughts. What's your budget?

[Idlewithnodrive]

The Ortofon Rondo Red would be my choice here.

A cross between the slight warmth of your Bronze and the analytical detail of the Black.

Tis a LOMC though, so would ideally need 100 ohm or so loading.

Can find one new for about £350 :thumbsup: