Ortofon M-2000 MKiI

Forgot to add....MC 2000 MKII is matched with Ortofon T-2000 up-transformer and in good condition. Can have both for around $600 but need some information (anything) about it -ups, downs and whatever is in between.

Also can someone with exp. recommend reasonably priced arm that works well with this tricky cart?????
I know , it works well with its own UP-T and higher mass arms but I want to ask you....the analog junkies for your opinion.
(arm cost - up to $1000 new or used in perfect condition)

Thank you all .......analog lovers and cheers

Mariusz

Dear Mariusz: This one is a modified ( for higher output ) MC 2000 that I own and that till today is a reference performance cartridge ( specially in the high frequency range ) if you have the right Phonolinepreamp because its very very low output.

The MC 2000 MK2 has almost the same quality performance ( high one ) but with a higher output that still is a very low one, that's why they offer along its own step up transformer. At that price it is a bargain if the cartridge is in good operation condition.

These ones could be good choices for a tonearm:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1215319781

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1216398329

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1214317867

Now, for you can really achieve the real quality performance of that cartridge you need a good active high gain Phonolinepreamp ( wwith out using step up transformers that make a signal degradation. )

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Thank you for your inside-full and helpful respond. I have read number of your post and I value your opinion and advice.
So, maybe you could help me some more????? I have no data about this cart or loading preferences .....or if it needs retiping , what would that cost or who could help me with that? Also, I am not sure about my phonostage quality by this cartridge standards. Phonostage is Consonance Ref 40 tube (12AX7 X 2 and EZ80 ractfr. tube or 6V4 US tube).

Spects:
Input impenanse: 47k ohms MM, 5ohms ~400ohms MC
Input gain: 40db MM, 66db MM -10 times (57db MM - 5 times)
Signal noise: 80db MM, 70db MC
Harmonic distortion: 0.01% for 2v RMS at output

if it isn't strong enough for this cart, can T-2000 UP-T do the trick or will I loose - quality wise by placing it in the chain........and yes I agree, less is more IMO.

Please let me know what do you think

Regards
Mariusz