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Need New MM Cartridge Recommendation

Hello All!

I need a recommendation on a new moving magnet phono cartridge. 

Here's my system:

Roksan Radius 5 (I think MK1 or 2) turntable 
Creek Evolution 100A integrated amplifier with Creek Sequel MM board
PSB Imagine T2 loudspeakers 

The Roksan came with a Roksan Corus Black MM cartridge, which was likely a Goldring manufactured cart.  It was great!  The stylus broke off after about 8 years use. 

I was wondering about the following but am open to all recommendations: 

Clearaudio Maestro (yikes! It's $1200)
Ortofon 2m Black
Goldring carts similar to Corus
Audio Technica AT150MLX

Any insight and recommendations will be super appreciated!

PS:   Sequel 40 mk2 MM Phono pre-amp is the device specifically suited for most types of Moving Magnet cartridges, with an output between 3.5 to 5mV and a matching impedance of 47k Ohms.
jbhiller
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
464 posts
 
After 72 hours with the Ortofon 2m Black, here are my initial thoughts.

This is a great cartridge.  It's got power and dynamics galore.  There is, however, a noticeable increase in surface noise, as compared to my Roksan Corus Black (previous cart it replaced).  The Roksan (made by Goldring to Roksan's specs) was quite a cart and so is this one.  The Roksan may have had a bit more finesse with detail and making certain jazz records sound holographic.  

That said, the Ortofon is terrific.  There is great tight bass with slam.  The cartridge feels like it wants me to have a party.  Very fun listen, not fatiguing or overly bright.  It has also been forgiving on records that the Roksan cast to the side as thin or not well produced.  

I guess you could say that it could have more detail, yet it makes up for that in terms of putting forth one cohesive presentation of sound throughout the spectrum.  Nothing is missing.  

I haven't had a chance to play more than 10-12 albums on it.  And I haven't pulled my speakers out into the room for true critical listening position.  I'm going to run her in a bit and post a formal review.  

Make no mistake though--this is a fantastic cartridge.  I'd be curious to see if the $350-$400 Audio Technica could compete.  $750 is rich for a moving magnet.  I'm enjoying it so I won't over think it. 



fleib
1,124 posts
 

There is no single cartridge which is best.  It doesn't matter which sounds like live music on someone else's system, it's going on your system and you have to live with it. 

I think it would be more helpful to describe impressions - the sound of a cart.

chakster's avatar
chakster
2,482 posts
 
@rauliruegas

The other recomendation on Victor is a waist of time because SAS stylus replacement are no longer in production from 3 month

Do you like SAS or prefer the original stylus of Victor X1II or XIIE ? I think the best is to find NOS Victor. It was you who said earlier that SAS made with specific price tag in mind when Victor is more complicated design made to be the best in competition between companies in the golden age of analog and MM design. It was not a big problem for me to find NOS original Victor X1II (with original stylus) and later another lightly used X1IIE.

I don’t care about SAS since it was on my Technics 205c mk4. The original technics mk4 stylus was much better.

There are plenty of new design with similar Micro Ridge stylus profile available today but who cares? Pretty much detailed sound but somehow boring compared to some vintage eliptical, shibata or line contact models.

In most cases SAS replacement looks ugly on nice vintage cartridges that never been designed to wear sas on them.

p.s. Now i remember your post about Ortofom M20FL when you clearly explained that M20E (eliptical) is your choice over M20FL (fine line). So why the most advanced profile is not always mean the best? So why bother with SAS aka Micro Ridge? 
fleib
1,124 posts
 

How can someone evaluate a MM phono cartridge when they're stuck at 100Kohm load, then add capacitance to roll off the extreme high end?

Some 4-ch carts were designed for 100K, but the ignorance level is great regarding specific loading recommendations. The M20FLSuper happens to be a cart with nice potential and with a sweet, natural high end.  It must have high inductance (I forget exactly) because the original came with 200pF caps attached to the rear of the cart. This was used to fill in a severe treble dip, which made it sound like it was playing next door.

Rather than run it at 100K and add capacitance, wouldn't a better strategy might be to add as little capacitance as possible and find the ideal resistance?  For me,  53K and around 150pF total was great. The cart has a natural and seductive high end and is slightly distant with big bass. Listenability is high with lots of records.  I wouldn't trade one for the E stylus. 

The SAS was a great replacement for many carts. Where else can you get a boron/MR for peanuts?  It's the cantilever, not the tip which excites the generator. What kind of cantilever does the Technics have?  Good luck finding original Technics stylus. Perhaps you should contact Namiki and see what's available, minimum order etc.  I sent my Genesis 1000 to Soundsmith and he insisted on using the original boron tube cantilever with a micro type tip. Any extra glue wears off and it looks and sounds like the original.  Still my favorite cart. I'll have to put it up against an ART7 or 9.

rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear chakster: I will answer you in the MM thread. IMHO the subject belongs there and not here. 

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
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