2. pro-audio
  3. 164098-157374

Which Cartridge/TT to buy - Ortofon MM Black, Rega Exact, Rega Ania?

Hi, I want to buy a turntable and want help on which cartridge would work best for my music taste and if my setup can support these cartridges.

For Ortofon MM Black i'll probably add it on a Project Carbon Debut EVO
Rega Exact or Rega Ania I'll add it to a Rega Planar 2 or 3; will these 2 cartridges still sound good with the planar 2 and 3?

My amplifier is a Yamaha RN303 and KEF Q150 speakers, i'll get an external phono based on which turntable I get.

My music taste is mostly vocals and singing, artists like The Weeknd, Coldplay, Daniel Caesar, Ariana Grande

I want to know your opinion on these questions

Will the cartridges sound good on the turntables ill fit them to?
Which cartridge should I get based on my music preference?
Is my amplifier and speakers good enough to play the quality of the turntable and cartridge?
rogerrrr
rogerrrr OP
2 posts
 
thank you for your response millercarbon, I am new to vinyl music and am just learning everything, including jargons. 
Is full and warm the same thing?
I know warm leans towards the bass, lower sounds; is that why its seen as having more emotion and draws more engagement than neutral?
And does warm affect the higher sounds/treble/brightness? as I read warm is the opposite of brightness.

Is neutral sounding better than warm? or does it have less engagement and emotion?

deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
707 posts
 
I have a Rega Planar 6 with the Ania MC, using a Luxman Integrated (so it's somewhat similar in sound to your Yamaha.) It's a very nice match up and you are in the right ballpark. I had bookshelf KEF's and really enjoyed them, but I would say they were a bit bright. The trouble is, others will respond and say they aren't.
So to your question of what is meant by natural, warm, bright, you'll get a lot of answers, and I doubt you'll find someone with your exact setup to tell you what it will sound like. But overall, I'd say you'll be very happy either one. I would suggest however to avoid your own TT/Cart setup (Millercarbon, bless his heart, is a real hands-on guy) and just let the dealer set it up for you. That's one big reason I went with the Rega, it was all set up and ready to go for me. I'd rather listen to music then play with cartridge setup.  Hope this helps. 
jperry
2,430 posts
 
I agree with @deadhead1000

My suggestion is you go to a local dealer and get their advice as well as have them set up your turntable if it is your first turntable. If possible watch the setup so you can rebalance the tonearm, etc yourself if you need to do that.

Then take your new turntable home and play some records!

Also this thread may be something you want to read

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/new-cartridge-500-range
More to discover