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MM Cartridge Recommendation

Hello Everyone, 
Over the past year I've been slowly building up my first system and have just recently upgraded my turntable to a Clearaudio Concept w/ Satisfy Carbon arm.  

My current total system is as follows:
- Belles Aria [Integrated w/ MM phono] 
- B&W 705 [original series from 2004 stand mounts w/ matching stands]
- Clearaudio Concept w/ Satisfy Carbon tonearm 
- Ortofon 2M Black MM cartridge 

Overall I've been very happy with my system especially working within a reasonable budget.  
The Clearaudio has also been a great upgrade from my original entry level [U-Turn Orbit] turntable. 
I bought it used with the 2M Black already mounted, and it is very smooth/neutral sounding with a lot of detail. 
However, at times I find it almost too neutral.

Would anyone have recommendations on another MM cartridge to pair with my existing system?
I'm still trying to determine if I may like another sound better [perhaps more warmth or even just comparison for a different sound] as I explore and still learn what sounds I like. 

I know many people prefer MC, however at this time I do not want to add a MC phono preamp to my system.   
I'd consider HOMC [ie Hana cartridge] but I'm not sure if they would work within my exiting Belles Aria MM system?

My budget is ~$800. 
My preference is to buy new however would consider an easily accessible used [I just don't want to have to search for some obscure hard to find cartridge].  

Also please keep in mind that I am still new to this hobby so am by no means an expert in cartridge setup & alignment. 

Any advice or feedback is really appreciated! 

Thanks! 

 

dsjs4
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,003 posts
 
Looking at the specs of the Aria, it has 9.54db of gain through the line stage and 33db for the phono stage. That means a total of around 42db.

The Ortofon Black is 5mv. The Hana high-outputs are 2mv. IMHO, a little too low to work well. Maybe around 3.5mv or higher, but it all depends on how loud you listen.

I have a Black in my stable of carts and really enjoy it. Audio Technica makes some killer carts also.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
You have a good cartridge with nice stylus profile if it’s not worn out (you said it was purchased used).

Cartridge reproduce what’s on the record, are you sure your source is good enough? Before you will buy another cartridge find some reference records (good mastering and good pressing). Some records are boring as hell, especially digitally remastered reissues and some new stuff. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,017 posts
 
the black is super neutral as is the Aria…….A more “ romantic” cartridge like a wood body Grado might be a change you would like… IF your Black is mint, it still has significant value. You might also try a Hagerman phono stage, they are about $1k.

have fun
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,908 posts
 
Nagaoka MP500 or Audio Technica VM760ML are both fast and articulate, and slightly warmer than the Black so you won’t lose too much detail and air. Either will sound more full bodied and musical with the AT the more "neutral" of the pair.
dsjs4 OP
18 posts
 
Thanks for all the advice so far! 

Just for a little more info and to reply to some previous comments: 
  • I mainly listen to jazz, blues, folk & rock 
  • The majority of my albums are AAA [most are Analogue Production pressings as they seem to be very high quality and I've been trying my best to avoid digitally remastered]
  • Per the seller, the 2M Black has about 150hrs ; I can't validate this but it does seem to be in good shape 

And yes I agree, the Aria is already quite neutral but I really do love it's sound.  Just thought I might try "warming" it up through a new cartridge.  

Again I'm still learning what my ears like....so a lot of this is exploring new sounds and options.  [Hence one of the reasons I don't want to jump into MC and new phono stages at this time].  
More to discover