Cartridge Question

the goldring does have a warm character, and the output would be fine with the rogue....that said, the ortofon is a fine cartridge too.

Mofimadness - I had it professionally set-up by the shop's owner, so I am going to make the assumption that it was done correctly. (hopefully anyway). He alluded to the difference in sound quality when I picked it up, without being overly specific, as he really wanted me to draw my own conclusions.

I tried to isolate it with some brass (Miles Davis), and sax (Coleman Hawkins). However, it really came out when I switched to an original copy of Stevie Ray Vaughn lp, playing the track "Lenny." The guitar's high notes instantly revealed the distortion point. Before then, I had never heard this on my Thiels.

Although the tube amp was warmed up for 30 minutes prior, things never changed for the next couple of hours. I never realized that cartridges needed a break-in time, so thanks for the heads up. I was beginning to wonder if I should have just gone with a pre-amp first.

Jaybo- You are 100% correct. The Goldring is much warmer, but the output was lacking to the point that I had to turn the volume to a minimum of 50 percent, just to "really hear" the music.

Thanks to both of you for your thoughts.

The radical cut stylus on the black is very, very sensitive to correct VTA, azimuth and horizontal alignment. Check these extremely carefully, check a second, then a third time. I bet that you can get it to sound much better. You may also want to play with tracking force and anti-skate, as well.

The Ortofon 2M Blue is a wonderful cartridge and sounds fuller and richer than the Black or Bronze which are both more detailed.

I agree with Viridian and would add that if the same guy who told you that you needed a different cartridge because of the output level being too low on the Goldring, has done the setup;I would recheck it.
Get a decent protractor and a digital scale(this can be bought online for less than $30.00[not made for audiophile use])and check it yourself.
This is the level of the hobby that requires your participation and is some of the most interesting parts.
I would also use a vernier caliper (cheap at harbour freight)and make changes to the VTA until you like what you hear. Make very small changes and record your caliper readings.
This is assuming that you can make VTA adjustments with your arm.
Keep rechecking the overhang after each VTA adjustment.

By engaging yourself and learning to set up the cartridge,you will have a much better understanding and will become a better listener.

You will find yourself going to other audiophile homes and wondering if their VTA is too high or too low as you listen.

Personally I like line contact/shibata styli.They are always more detailed and revealing.What Transnova is saying about the Blue having more body and sounding richer is probably due to hearing the Black with incorrect VTA. They are definitely more sensitive.
Sounds like you have a nice system,enjoy it.