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Want to upgrade my cartridge from 2m blue to black

My first post here on the forums and I needed an honest opinion. I have a cheap music hall mmf 2.2 turntable with 2m blue installed. I like the sound but was wondering if I can get better details from upgrading to a black cartridge on my basic turntable. Would it be worth it? I’m definitely an analog lover but am budget constrained. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
tubelvr1
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I did recommeded a much better turntables if he would consider it with $1200-1500 budget (not with $700 budget), those turntables are brand new Technics direct drive. If you think an upgrade from one belt drive to another belt drive (actually just a different version of the same turntable) was so noticeable for you then you have to try a decent direct drive and if your ears are so sensible to turntable (not to a cartridge or stylus profile) you must be blown away by the Technics. But using a mediocre cartridge on any good turntable is a perversion.
big_greg
6,670 posts
 
I recently acquired a JVC  QL-Y66F direct drive table with a Stanton 981 HZ cartridge for $545. Much better table than the music hall 2.2. Music hall 5.X tables are often available with a decent cart for around $500. I just sold one for a little less than that. 
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
That Stanton is a very good cartridge.  Enjoy
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
@chakster 

I was just curious on that Astatic mf300, not going to buy it.

But I did buy the mf100 so hope it lives up to your recommendation!

😬😬😬
big_greg
6,670 posts
 
@tzh21y Yes, I immediately fell in love with the sound of it.The turntable body is a bit resonant, I'm going to try some internal damping to see if that helps. From what I've read, it's impossible to find a replacement stylus for that cartridge, other than some 3rd party options. I will enjoy it while it lasts. 
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