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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
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
HOMCs should not be an option. You have a fine phono section. There are many fine MM cartridges out there. The problem is getting one you will like significantly more than the 2M Black for $800 is IMHO not likely. My favorite in that price range is the Goldring 1042, followed by the AT VM760SLC. My favorite MM price no option is the Clearaudio Charisma at $2000. My favorite moving Iron cartridge is...I really don't know. I've owned Grado's and they are great once you get to $1500 or so. I have a Soundsmith Voice but its turntable is on some bench in Minnesota being built and I have not heard it yet. It is also one of their more expensive cartridges but I understand their less expensive cartridges are still very good. You have the Othello at $400 then the Carmen at $1000. Nothing in between. 

If I might make a suggestion? You may want to wait a little longer and save for a significant improvement, something in the $1500 to $2000 dollar range Like the Soundsmith Zephyr or Aida, The Grado Ref 2 or the Clearaudio Charisma. 
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,211 posts
 
Up your budget a little and buy the Soundsmith Carmen II. You can thank me later…

Oz
geof3
1,129 posts
 
The Clearaudio Maestro V2 is a fantastic MM cart that can be had used for less than your budget. It was the top dog for ClearAudio before the Charisma came out. I disagree on the HOMC comment above, there are some good ones. The Sumiko Blue #2 is an excellent overall cart when setup well. I used one for a bit while my Lyra cart was being rebuilt. Frankly, I was quite satisfied with the sound for the price point. It was overall very nice. In terms of the MM carts, I tried the entire Ortofon line and to me they were ok. Landed on the Meastro and for an MM gives my Lyra a good run for the (too much) money. The Lyra is a great cart, pulls every bit of detail, speed and nuance out of the vinyl. It can be a bit analytical on some recordings though, and requires very careful setup. The Maestro is just smooth, silky and clean. I really love its sound. It requires nailing the setup as well, but isn’t as finicky as the Lyra.
anthonya
126 posts
 
I think it's more different with the low gain coil than direct cartridge coupling. it will pull out more low level detail and bigger size  sound + stage. clarity and energy much better as well. 


its painful to burn in the cables and cart though to get it to perform better than the high gains and shibata /lc is always need much more accurate and ideal  setup, tonearm quality becomes also more important . very easy to sound worse than MM... I had been to and fro of this for quite a bit.. at least that's my conclusion now. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Practically any cartridge with unprotected cantilever like ClearAudio is awful, such cantilever is so easy to damage. This is the worst design ever, because normally most of the cartridges in the past 50 years have been designed properly with cantilever located UNDER the cartridge body, not in front of it! When you’re looking for a cartridge for everyday use take in count practical side of it (if you don’t want to pay twice).

Also an advice for MM cartridge is more valid from people who actually own or tried many of them, not just a few modern carts.

Never buy an MM cartridge without user replaceable stylus!

The benefit of MM is USER REPLACEABLE stylus, not a factory replaceable stylus which cost like an MC service.

If you want an MM or MI look for those with detachable styli that you can buy separately and install yourself when it's time to change the stylus. 

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