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Help with MC Cartridge Recommendation to Swap from Ortofon 2M Black MM

I'd like to dip my feet into the MC world.  What would be a good introduction as I am going from an Ortofon 2M Black MM?  

Here's my setup

Manley Chinook tube phono preamp
Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated
PSB Imagine T2 loudspeakers

I'd like to stay south of $1k.  I listen to all sorts of music, but on vinyl it would be in this order:

Jazz 50%
Rock 40%
Folk/Other 10%

I've never had a MC so I don't know where to start.  Thanks all!!!
128x128jbhiller
raymonda
855 posts
 
I don't know if it is a match for your arm but, if it is, a modified Denon dl 103 is inexpensive and can compete with much more expensive cartridges.

I've done them with ebony bodies and naked with a 3mm carbon fiber top plate. Potting them with epoxy is also a nice next level mod, too. My favorite was a naked, carbon fiber top plate and potted. 

I sold it because a fellow audio nut wanted it. I'll make another one for myself but he is one lucky dog.

If you are crafty, have a good eye and a steady hand you can get yourself a screaming deal.

tablejockey
3,919 posts
 
jbhiller-

if going a little bit north of your budget is doable, consider the Audio Technica ART 9. You have all the gear for superb sound.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pani-new-art-9-up-and-running?highlight=art%2B9

There just doesn’t seem to be ANY users of this cart with a negative review, including those who have carts twice the price. 

Yours ears will thank you for going over budget by $100.

http://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9.html





noromance's avatar
noromance
9,845 posts
 
AT-ART9. 
tooblue
1,934 posts
 

the Shelter 501 would be my choice and the cheapest moving coil cartridge I could live with in my system, mine sounded fantastic with the Chinook which a friend of mine owns and allowed me to borrow while I was trying as many phono stages I could before replacing my Audible Illusions 3B with the John Curl phono boards. I just bought a new 501 to rat hole, from 2 Juki on ebay and his price was $800.00 for a series 1. have also bought a Shelter 901 series 1 new and a ZYX Universe new from him in the last 3 years. The Denon 103 series are very good also but not of the level of the Shelter it is really special.




tooblue
1,934 posts
 
Would love to hear from someone who has lived with the Shelter 501 and the ART9 and get their view, Have heard nothing but good things about that cart but have not heard it (ART9) myself.
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