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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
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Some of the best carts in the world have an “unprotected cantilever”. Just use a bit more caution. Minor issue if even that. Like any subject in the HiFi world, you will get a million opinions. You’ll have to try somethings for yourself and see where you land. A replaceable styli is a nice feature of some MM carts, but shouldn’t be a deal killer alone.

@geof3

If you’re talking about VdH, Lyra and a few Dynavector (with unprotected cantilevers) when you think they are "some of the best in the world" I want to admit that all those cartridges are LOMC (not MM or MI). 

But the OP asked for MM at $800, and user replaceable stylus is a MUST HAVE for MM at that price.

Yes, "it shouldn’t be a deal killer alone", if someone can spend for example $14 000 they could buy this Coreless Straight-Flux Cartridge, and each time they will have to ship it back to the manufacturer for stylus/cantilever replacement just for another $2000+.

Here is the review for Seiryu (Blue Dragon).

Interesting that $14k Seiryu (Blue Dragon) Coreless straight-flux cartridge was designed by Hiromu Meguro, former design assistant of the GRACE F-8 cartridge and principal designer of F-9 cartridge, when he was with Shinagawa Musen Co. Ltd (Japan) in the 70s.



cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
For a warmer sound, try the Nagaoka 300 or 500.  I have one.  I think it would sound beautiful with almost all systems.
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear @dsjs4 : Yes that Clearaudio is made by AT under Clearaudio specs not under AT ones and yes it has not owner stylus replacement and this is far away to be a disadvantage but the other way around:

in any stylus replacement cartridge design the whole part that hold the cantilever/stylus is way resonant against the cartridge with no moving replacement stylus part. So you can have higher cartridge signal degradation with that with the fixed design.

One of the best cartridges in the past were the B&O MMC 1/2 great MI performers that had fixed stylus design, was not at random  designers decision.

Repeat, it's an advantage and is a characteristic that shares with LOMC designs.

I like Nagaoka too but looking to your audio system items my vote still goes for Clearaudio.

R.
audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie
376 posts
 
I have experience with running the both the Ortofon 2M Black and the AT VM760SLC the Aria integrated phono stage. The Ortofon will defintely be the warmer of the two. I found the AT to be a tad too bright for my tastes at times. 

I have since upgraded to a Herron VTPH-1 phono stage which seems to have tamed some of the brightness of the AT but still retains lots of air and detail. 

I sold the Ortofon becuase it is not very forgiving with vinyl that is in less than prestine condition. For me, it tended to bring out all of the imperfections, ticks, and pops. 

mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Raul, 

Years ago I had a Clearaudio cartridge that was highly reviewed and thought of. Can't remember the model. I liked it but it was a little incisive sounding in the higher freq. Dare I say just a smidgen bright? No adjustments I did would correct this. Does Clearaudio carts still have this quality? I still believe they have high quality components though.
Cheers,
Tim
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