2. analog
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Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge: BASS sounds 'muddy' The Reason?

Hey,

I just picked up a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC Turntable and have mixed feelings about the sound quality. The Bass is prominent and not ’tight’ (unlike my cd player) Some tracks sound good and others not so much.

My system consists of a pair of B&W 630’s, an old Denon 50 watt reciever (DRA-550) from the mid 80’s, a Marantz CD5004 cd player.

Also I’m probably going to be in the market for a new preamp/amp with a built in DAC soon. Would that solve the problem? Or do I need to upgrade the cartridge? If so please leave a link!

TIA



klimt
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Just to remind you guys that Ortofon 2M is pre-installed by Pro-Ject on nearly all their turntables/tonearms, so if their arm does not have VTA then a cartridge chosen by manufacturer must be perfect match even without VTA adjustment. User can only adjust Tracking Force and Anti-Skating (they must be the same for this cartridge), that's all. Tonearm is already parallel to the record surface. 

An entry level turntable and cartridge can't surpass proper digital setup, especially if the user get used to digital, not to analog. 



 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
+1 noromance! The Schiit Mani, along with a better cartridge (Denon 103R) would be a considerable upgrade! Along with better isolation of the TT. And don't forget the record weight (better coupling of the LP to the platter)!
chayro
3,023 posts
 
Is your cartridge even broken in yet?  it does take a little time.  Sit back, relax and play some records.  
klimt OP
220 posts
 
Thanks guys!

Please recommend a new cartridge upgrade via link!

I'm willing to spend up to $500

TIA
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
-It must be MM or MI cartridge, because you don’t have an appropriate MC phono stage or SUT or Headamp for use with LOMC (Low Output MC).

-It must be a cartridge with the most advanced stylus profile if you want deep bass and extended highs that you can compare to your digital rig. Advanced stylus life span is 1200 hrs (MicroLine), your conventional stylus life span is only 500 hrs (Elliptical) or 300 hrs (Conical).

-It must be a cartridge with the best possible cantilever, something comparable to very expensive Boron, it is very rare Beryllium!

-And it must be a cartridge with MID compliance to match your tonearm properly.

Thanks guys!

Please recommend a new cartridge upgrade via link!

I’m willing to spend up to $500

@klimt
Ok, you asked for the links:

In my opinion this is the best you can get, read more about it.
Another mid compliance monster is here.

Higher compliance cartridges:
And alternative choice from my collection of Grace is this one.
If you want something very special try this.


google it and you will easily find what other people think about those cartridges, nothing can beat them at this price, none of the modern MM/MI cartridges can be even close to those 4










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