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A new needle for B&O RX2 turntable or get a new TT

My local hifi store says the MMC5 needle(least expensive needle for the Bang&Olufsen)only has "a couple hours left on it", and suggests that I could get a new, better needle for it, but that I would do better by getting rid of the Rx2 altogether and getting another TT. But,the needle dealer says the Rx2 is worth putting a $900 needle on it (MMC1, the best). I am thinking of the MMC2 ($350) or the MMC3 ($230) needles. QUESTION...can I spend that kind of money and have something that sounds great? Or, is it wasted money? I like the auto cue and return on the RX2 and a new needle is still cheaper than a new/used TT/needle. Any one happy with the sound of their RX2 (with MMC2 or MMC3) compared to other TT options? SYSTEM: I have System Audio SA2k monitor speakers (completely awesome after auditioning for 1 year, My buddy and I each picked them after two days of blinded rotation/listening vs Thiel 2.3 vs Sonus Faber Grand Pianos thru Rotel seperates), Rotel 200wpc, Sunfire Sym Ref Preamp. Cost/value is very important. Thanks very much....I have lots of classic old vinyl to play!
phantom309
sall4's avatar
sall4
21 posts
 
I have an old RX2 with the same problem; the MMC4 that it came with is discontinued. I bought the MMC5 and for my money and time spent with a turntable, it has been a good value. Vinyl has lower on my priority list, however, so I would say it depends how much you will use it. Another brand makes some sense because you may use any brand (or price range) of cartridge and may also upgrade parts, as in the case of the Rega. I have been hesitant to upgrade my B&O as I am relatively happy with it. I wouldn't invest the big bucks in a high-dollar cartridge as the B&O dealer suggests, as the turntable is worth less than the cartridge and you will never be able to sell it for close to your investment should you decide to get rid of it.
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
I used to have the B&O Beogram 3000, which used the same type of cartridge. (I used the MMC 3, btw). Here are my thoughts on the matter:

PRO:
B&O turntables are at the peak of the mid-fi turntables.
They are easy to use, tweak free, and produce a nice sound.
Also the cartridges they use, while a bit on the expensive side, are light enough and small enough, that they will not ruin your record collection, assuming you do a decent job of cleaning both your records and your stylus.
(I know this, because I used mine for about 10 years or so, then put away my table for CDs and did not get back to vinyl for another 15 years or so. The old vinyl still sounds great through my new table.)

CON:
B&O turntables are not really in the high end class, IMHO.
They do not image or soundstage well enough, and their frequency response is somewhat limited.
(I found out what a true turntable could do when I upgraded to a Basis 1400, with Rega RB300 arm and a Benz Micro Glider II cartridge.)

My opinion is that you need to make up your mind as to how much you want out of your turntable. If you are making CDs your primary source, and only want to play a few records now and then, it probably makes sense to pick up a MMC 2 (or MMC 3) cartridge. (I think the MMC 1 is way too expensive for what you are getting.)

If on the other hand, you want to really make the plunge into vinyl, then sell the B&O and get a used Rega P3, or a something similar. (A used VPI scout would probably be even better.) Of course this would mean spending twice what a MMC 2 cartridge would cost.

Good Luck!
phantom309 OP
1 posts
 
Happy New Year! Thanks for your inputs, all of you, very helpful. CDs are primary, and I have 200 LPs that I pull in waves when I am going to sit. Most of it is '50s-'60s European and American classical, Frank, Nat King Cole, Kingston Trio, Louis A., E Power Biggs, and an incredible recording of the 1812. I will check out pricing on a Rega P3 (is that the table and the arm? with a needle being the variable? which needle?)
Thanks again, this is great help, Audiogoners.
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