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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
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. 

aberyclark
1,361 posts
 
The 2m Bronze stylus may give you a bit more "musical" character. The Bronze and Black share the same cartridge. 
knotscott's avatar
knotscott
994 posts
 
I didn’t find the Nagaoka MP carts anymore difficult to setup than any other cart. The MP500 weighs about 8 grams. The line contact stylus is more sensitive to VTA and alignment than conicals and ellipticals in general, but that’s more the nature of the LC profile than having the Nagaoka logo. They do seem to take a while to break in fully.  Either way, it’s a well rewarded endeavor.

I put a Nagaoka JN-P500 stylus on an MP150 body... its not the recommended upgrade, and not quite at the level of a true MP500, but it’s sounds like I’ve wanted all my previous carts to sound. Lush midrange clarity with lots of separation, and a huge soundstage. Treble is very refined, and detail is clean, precise, and very pleasing. Bass is dynamic and natural sounding, and micro dynamics are fast and explosive. No glaring flaws. Most importantly, it’s a very intriguing easy to listen to cart that sucks you into the performance.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Find yourself a GRACE cartridge (F9 or F8C) with broken stylus for cheap ($200) and send it to SoundSmith for rebuild or buy his new styli for Grace F9.  

Grace cartridges are excellent and Peter specialized in Grace service for ages.

I prefer original Grace F14 and LEVEL II models, but those are very expensive and extremely rare, you can read my latest posts here.
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