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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
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,437 posts
 
oops--I almost forgot...

Roksan Radius 5 turntable and Nima unipivot arm. 
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
3,917 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
9,838 posts
 
AT-ART9. 
tooblue
1,933 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.




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