Nwatts, have you completed your upgrade on the TT cart? I have a Music Hall MMF-2.2 that I'd like to upgrade, and I'm seeking advice on replacing the Tracker cart.
Cartridge upgrade for Pro-Ject Debut 3/SB...
Hi I'm new to this forum, seems really great, read through lots of threads as research into what to get, but wanted to ask because I have a few specifics.
I recently bought the Pro-Ject Debut 3/SB, model with SpeedBox and the basic Pro-Ject MM phono stage built in- still fitted with standard Ortofon OM5E cart/stylus. It's connected to a JVC AV Amp/receiver that goes out to two three-way JBL bookshelf speakers. I'm loving getting into vinyl, but something is not giving me the punch I'm after. I have one record -TV on the Radio's Dear Science on 180-gram vinyl- that sounds positively phenomenal (to me anyway), totally blows the CD out of the game. But the rest of my records, a dozen or so new ones from classical to soft folk, to noise rock and all things pretentious in between, don't have the same kick. I've heard them on other systems sounding great, with a warmth and spacial awareness that feels really organic. One thing I do like about my current set up, though, is that it's not boomy at all. Muddy, pervasive bass frustrates me because I feel like I need to be constantly playing with the EQ.
One small problem I learnt through these forums is the issue of Inner groove distortion. It annoys the hell out of me, turning any high Ss into a mess on two of my favourite albums (and favourite songs, none the less!).
I've read nothing but contempt for the Ortofon OM5E, so this is where I ask for cartridge advice. I've given it about 20 hours of burn in time. I noticed a small change, but to be totally honest, I can't pin down exactly what other than feeling clearer, if less pleasant to listen to.
I've found a few alternatives that I could stretch my price bracket to:
Shure M97xE - read very mixed responses, great price though and promises the warm sound I think I like (I'm seriously the most vague person ever)
Ortofon 2M Red - I like the easy attachment promised, read that it is quite warm, but that it doesn't do much for inner groove distortion
Ortofon OM10 - nice and cheap, easily fitted into current cart, read it's a bit lifeless
I liked the sound of the Denon carts but my inbuilt stage is MM only.
If anyone has input on anything - carts, other suggestions on improving playback, etc. - I'd love to hear it. If you're still reading this far you are incredibly patient! I'm a total novice, so all help is appreciated!
Thank you
Nick
I recently bought the Pro-Ject Debut 3/SB, model with SpeedBox and the basic Pro-Ject MM phono stage built in- still fitted with standard Ortofon OM5E cart/stylus. It's connected to a JVC AV Amp/receiver that goes out to two three-way JBL bookshelf speakers. I'm loving getting into vinyl, but something is not giving me the punch I'm after. I have one record -TV on the Radio's Dear Science on 180-gram vinyl- that sounds positively phenomenal (to me anyway), totally blows the CD out of the game. But the rest of my records, a dozen or so new ones from classical to soft folk, to noise rock and all things pretentious in between, don't have the same kick. I've heard them on other systems sounding great, with a warmth and spacial awareness that feels really organic. One thing I do like about my current set up, though, is that it's not boomy at all. Muddy, pervasive bass frustrates me because I feel like I need to be constantly playing with the EQ.
One small problem I learnt through these forums is the issue of Inner groove distortion. It annoys the hell out of me, turning any high Ss into a mess on two of my favourite albums (and favourite songs, none the less!).
I've read nothing but contempt for the Ortofon OM5E, so this is where I ask for cartridge advice. I've given it about 20 hours of burn in time. I noticed a small change, but to be totally honest, I can't pin down exactly what other than feeling clearer, if less pleasant to listen to.
I've found a few alternatives that I could stretch my price bracket to:
Shure M97xE - read very mixed responses, great price though and promises the warm sound I think I like (I'm seriously the most vague person ever)
Ortofon 2M Red - I like the easy attachment promised, read that it is quite warm, but that it doesn't do much for inner groove distortion
Ortofon OM10 - nice and cheap, easily fitted into current cart, read it's a bit lifeless
I liked the sound of the Denon carts but my inbuilt stage is MM only.
If anyone has input on anything - carts, other suggestions on improving playback, etc. - I'd love to hear it. If you're still reading this far you are incredibly patient! I'm a total novice, so all help is appreciated!
Thank you
Nick
7 responses Add your response
