Schroeder Model 2 for Technics + Ortofon 2M Black

Hi Tom,
Thanks for the valuable info. I think, perhaps with a little tinkering, the Model 2 just might work.

The plate I bought for fitting a Rega (which is a tonearm that you rightly pointed out as having very little VTA available) lowers the arm slightly in relation to the plinth. This is done because the stock Technics tonearm is set in a recess below the level of the plinth. The platter is quite short and that is why the Rega compatible plate I bought is also recessed. The Model 2 looks like there is quite a bit of VTA to play with- correct?

Yes, you are right- my question regarding the VTA was two-fold. I also have to clear the dust cover. I have seen a couple of DPS turntables on the 'net and I think the lid clearance issue should be OK.

You don't happen to know the diameter of the Model 2's foot that screws to the arm board?

As for the Ortofon 2M Black, it's stats are as follows-

Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force 80 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral 22 µm/mN
Stylus type Nude Shibata
Stylus tip radius r/R 6/50 µm
Tracking force range 1,4-1,7g (14-17 mN)
Tracking force, recommended 1,5 g (15 mN)
Tracking angle 20°
Internal impedance, DC resistance 1,2 kOhm
Internal inductance 630 mH
Recommended load resistance 47 kOhm
Recommended load capacitance 150-300 pF
Cartridge weight 7,2 g

Does this give more of a clue toward if it would be a suitable match for the Schroeder Model 2?

Cheers- Dean.

@DSA

is this actual how the Model 2 looks like?

Mine looks like the DPS with the counterweight like shown on the No.2 on your page. I got mine from a friend. I was talking with Mr. Schröder on the phone after I got it and he knew the specific arm and also said its a No. 2...but as I said it's unlike the Model 2 on your page.

maybe there are different versions?

Hi Xronx, Thom_mackris said exactly that. The new (er) Model 2s have the mount from the DPS, but the rest is the same as the Model 2 on Thom_mackris's web page. Well, at least that's how I see it.

Dsa,

I can't guess how well your cart will mate up with a Model 2, and frankly neither can anyone who hasn't actually heard them paired together. The numbers do not tell that story, they can only warn of a gross mismatch, which this probably wouldn't be.

OTOH, I'll echo the words of the owners above. The Model 2 is a very fine tonearm, the best I've heard (with several carts) anywhere near its price point. Schroeders are something of an art to set up and optimize, but when it's done well they tend to bring real musicality from a wide variety of cartridges while often helping ameliorate a cartridge's weaknesses. In particular, if a cartridge has any tendency to be edgy or rough sounding, a Schroeder's excellent resonance damping will often help "tame" it. The Reference is a champion in this regard, but it's little brother has more than a little of that capability.

Hi Folks,

Doug says it best - that compliance numbers and effective mass can tell you of a gross mismatch, but other than that, it becomes a plug it in and try it out sort of thing.

I'd guess that your cartridge would be a mismatch for even a Rega (est. 10.5 gm. eff. mass), and a slightly worse match for a 12 gm. tonearm. It won't hurt the cartridge to listen however, as long as you respect its tracking force range.

As far as what a current Model-2 looks like, I haven't seen one in about a year. Being the craftsman that he his, Frank will make minor cosmetic changes from time to time. An example of this is the knurling pattern on the anti-skate and tracking force fine adjustment knobs on the Reference.

Over time, minor improvements will creep into his designs - like the single bolt mountng collar used on both the DPS and more recently the Model-2. From memory,the mounting collar is about 1.75" in diameter. I could be off by quite a bit however, as I last handled one about a year ago.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier