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Sensible upgrade from Denon DL160

Hi all,

I'm looking for an upgrade from my DL160 Cart running on a Rega P25 (With Groovetracer mods) hooked up to a lehmman Black Cube.

I'm happy with the overall sound, I guess where I see weaknesses is vocals can sound metalic and bass feels a little flabby at times. My musical interests are varied, mainly rock (new stuff) and jazz (old stuff). I like the overall warmth of the denon sound just looking to refine it I guess.

any suggestions greatly appreciated - $500-$700 tops and I'm willing to look 2nd hand

thanks!
jpearce1b
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
08-03-09: Rauliruegas
Dear Johnnyb53: I know that you are an advocate to the 150MLX that is a good cartridge, well as good as the AT is IMHO that Ortofon M20FL Super Axel advise is something that is worth that you hear even the very low price Andante P-76 is a "contender".
Well, sure Raul, but not everybody has the time or patience to scour the world for a 20-30 yr-old new-old-stock model. Something affordable and readily available today that is a noticeable upgrade over the DL-160 is, I think, a legitimate alternative.

Another upgrade might be the new Ortofon 2M series. I came across a review that compared the 2M Blue favorably to the M20FL Super. I'd think the 2M Black or Bronze would be an instant and significant upgrade as well.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
Dear Johnny: I see. Well you can find both: the Ortofon and the Andante right now here:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Ortofon-M-20-FL-M20FL-Super-Tonabnehmer-NOS_W0QQitemZ260318612620QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPlattenspielerzubehör?hash=item3c9c32cc8c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65:1|66:2|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1253551030&/Sumiko-Andante-P-76-New-Phono-

both NOS.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
at150xl one of the best mm's period.
jpearce1b OP
12 posts
 
much food for thought, thanks to all. hadn't thought mm carts would be suggested so looks like i have some more research to do!
robdoorack
63 posts
 
"Bass feels a little flabby at times" is a pretty good description of the Black Cube. The thing is almost a PRaT filter. I can't think of a worse choice for reproducing rock music.
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