Overhang for Ortofon 2M Bronze on Rega RB301

I'm strongly considering a 2M Black for my P5. I just had a couple questions. How are these carts with surface noise? I play alot of rock records that are less than audiophile. Also it appears a spacer isn't necessary for this? Lastly would it be ok with my Fisher 400 and Forte II speakers. I appreciate any feedback very much.

Thank you

I think the I think the Black would be overkill, especially if you are running it through the 400's phono stage. In fact, if that's what you're doing, the P5 is overkill, too -- though that's my kind of overkill!

I would go with the Bronze. You can always upgrade to the Black stylus anytime.

The 2M is a very resolving series of cartridges and it has plenty of high frequency detail. I think it would balance nicely with the rest of your system.

As far as surface noise, however, the 2M doesn't perform as well as some low-output moving coils in the same price range but it is state of the art in terms of moving magnets. Again, if you're using the Fisher's built-in phono stage, a low-output MC isn't an option anyway.

No spacer necessary -- unless you have a thick aftermarket mat or something. The entire 2M series was designed around the Rega tonearm family from the RB250/251 on up.

Thanks Ekobesky,

I actually went ahead and placed an order with my dealer, I figured $500 was a pretty good deal. I will be running it through the Fisher for the time being, but am planning on ordering a Bottlehead Seduction kit soon. I've been told that it would be a sufficient upgrade over the Fisher. I'm glad to hear that I won't need a spacer. Do you have any idea how the surface noise would compare with the Denon DL-160 I was using?

I would say surface noise performance will be at least comparable to, but quite possibly better than, the DL-160. That's extrapolating from my experience with the Denon vs the 2M Blue.

Alignment will be critical since the 2M Black has a fine profile stylus. Spend some extra time. You can rough it in very easily. Just look at Ortofon's publicity photos of the 2M mounted on a Rega arm. There's also a little star-shaped dot that should be centered right where the third screw would be in a Rega three-point cartridge mount.

I think you'll be well satisfied with the Black overall, and the stylus should last a good long time with proper care. I wouldn't be surprised if you attained 1000+ hours with gentle use. So, in those terms, it represents a good value as well.

Ekobesky,

Your post makes me feel much better. I had no problem with noise with the Denon, if its about the same than I will be very happy. I am going to have my dealer install it, so hopefully he knows what he's doing. Hes an old dude that has been at it for a while. I have faith in him. I just wish he would be getting the cart in sooner. From the P1/Denon combo to the P5/2M Black, I am super excited at the new sound possibility.

One more question, will it be a problem if I take the stylus off kind of often? I was thinking it may be a good idea to take it off when I'm gone for the weekend to keep my roommate from trashing it during one of his late night parties. Its either that or bring the table down to my room. He ruined my Denon and I will not let him do me in again.

Thanks so much!
-Clipper