Classic Ortofon Cartridges: The MC2000 MK II or the MC3000 MK II?

@neonknight the manual of MC5000 says it uses the unique aluminium oxide housing material originally introduced in MC3000. It continues: "Aluminium oxide can be formed into a ceramic substance by sintering at a temperature of 1600 Celsius to become as hard as porcelain. The articularly hard properties of the material may be better understood when you consider that on the Moh scale, diamond has a hardness factor of 10. On the same scale, aluminium oxide, ruby and sapphire have a hardness factor of almost 9". The idea is that any resonances appear at frequencies far above the audible range.

Oh that would be very cool indeed!

Well, now I'm at work but give me a few hours and when I get home I take a picture and put it in view.

@best-groove  

Oh that would be very cool indeed! In my searching I never found a reference to sintered aluminum for this cartridge, the best I could do is what Ortofon called black sapphire. The searches for information regarding the Ortofon X000 series cartridges always brought up a legacy page that showed all the Ortofon cartridges but none ever talked about body material. 

https://www.ortofon.com/ortofon-%C2%B4000-series-p-690

If you have any more in depth info you could share regarding the MC 3000 MK II I would love the be able to read it. Please don't read this as me doubting you, I just would like to acquaint myself with all the facts and info I can find on the cartridge as I do enjoy it.  I can see myself acquiring a 7500 also, although the MC2000 is getting rare enough, and the cantilever fragile enough that it might be tough to find a good specimen. 

If the body were aluminum I don’t think anyone could tighten a head shell bolt that tight to break those mounting tabs as they are quite thick.

I have some reviews and tests in the magazines of the time and they claimed that this "sintered aluminum" hard as ceramic but it does not have a ceramic body because otherwise it would have cost a lot more..
If you want I can also show you the owner's manual where it is written what the body is made of ... I am a reliable person and I do not like to write saloon talk.

@edgewear  

Oh I think I crossed that bridge awhile ago. I only use one audio system and have taken over the living room as my audio room. My patient wife is fine with this, but if I were to try to install another audio system in a different room I suspect she would bury my body in a shallow grave in the back yard. 

My primary table is a SOTA Cosmos Eclipse with SME V and Transfiguration Audio Proteus. For a person of modest means as myself this should be an end game table. I then came across a Well Tempered Reference with an Ikeda 9 Kawami cartridge on our local Craigs List for a great price so I scooped it up. The Ikeda is not well suited for this arm so I installed a ZYX 4D that I have on it. I then came across a Dynavector DV505 arm on Canuckmart and had to have it. I have a cartridge and arm now, but no table for it. I fixed that by buying a Scheu Audio Das Lauftwerk No 2 from a dealer here on Audiogon. So what is an extra cartridge or two when you own more tables than makes any kind of sense? LOL!

I have a few cartridges I am interested in, perhaps one of the classic stone body Kiseki, the MC7500, one of the Shinon, and maybe a Gold Bug. Thats the list for now, although I have seen an Audio Tekne that peaks my interest too. 

@best-groove

That is interesting, and to be honest its difficult to find out what the body is made out of. Ortofon just calls it black sapphire. However I did locate this bit of info regarding developed by an Ortofon dealer in Australia I believe.

"MC 5000

The black ceramic body, sintered at approximately 1,200 degrees Celsius, is a rigid structure that eliminates resonances in the audible range.

Mounted on a sapphire cantilever, Ortofon’s Nude Replicant diamond is cut to match the sapphire which cut the record groove as closely as possible.

MC 5000 is a highly accurate, analytical and neutral transducer.

All available information is retrieved from the grooves and music is crisply reproduced with palpable presence that converts your living room into a concert hall.

A reference-grade audio system is required to reveal these qualities.

Because output is relatively low, a high-performance MC transformer or MC preamplifier should be used. Recommended load: 20 – 100 Ohms.


MC 3000 Mk II

Housed in the same body as MC 5000, this cartridge also employs the same Nude Replicant diamond, but mounted on a conical aluminium cantilever.

MC 3000 Mk II has a strong sonic resemblance to MC 5000, with a milder, gentler, more laid-back style, while maintaining the integrity, power and authority of complex orchestral works.

The listening room is experienced as an integrated part of the concert hall.

As with MC 5000, the low output requires a high-performance MC transformer or MC preamplifier with a recommended load of approximately 50 Ohms. The actual load, is, as always, a question of personal preference. A lower value will allow the sonic image to snap into sharper focus, while a higher value will have the opposite effect."

If the body were aluminum I don't think anyone could tighten a head shell bolt that tight to break those mounting tabs as they are quite thick. 

Glad you dig vintage cartridges (even if yours is re-tipped) for everyday use. I hope you can find a NOS samples of what you’re looking for. People who are into sound are well aware how good those high-end carts from the ’80s and ’90s really are (straight from the box).

I was unaware that the Ortofon bodies were fragile in any way.

@neonknight   it is sintered aluminum, it is very hard but also fragile especially if you tighten the screws very hard.
The 3000Mk2 version entered the market in 1990 and has been in production for over 11 years.

@neonknight a word of caution about that ’for the fun of it’ attitude, as this has a tendency to get out of control. I’ve got over 40 now and have been telling myself at least 20 times this will be the final one. Of course it’s ridiculous, as my wife keeps reminding me. In my defense I try to point out that a cartridge collection is perhaps not more silly than having a shoe collection. Luckily she can take a joke. 

Raul is right about the ’ceramic’ body of the Ortofon. On my MC5000 one of those protruberances on the side has broken off like a piece of porcelain. The cartridge came to me that way, so I don't know how much force had caused it, but it's fragile. It's one of the reasons I got it very cheap, the other having been retipped with Namiki sapphire cantilever. I still use it as my 'go too' cartridge, but I bought it just to find out if these '000' models were really that good and if my system could handle the low output. The answer to both questions was 'yes', which started the search for MC2000 and MC7500. So have fun!

@rauliruegas

I was unaware that the Ortofon bodies were fragile in any way. They look to be a high temperature fired ceramic body from what I can tell. Are the tabs for holding the bolts and nuts known for fracturing? I don't wrench my bolts down super tight, I just snug them up till they are firm, but never over torqued. 

This cartridge was not purchased to be one of my best cartridges, but rather a daily driver that I can put hours on when listening to records in a more casual setting. So i can burn up the diamond and not worry about having to send it off for a new stone. The problem with having my other cartridges is that a level of performance is set, and a cartridge like the Audio Technica OC9 II or III is not going to satisfy. The cartridge I am going to want to listen to needs to be a quality unit, but one that can still be had at a reasonable price. These X000 series of cartridges really do not command a price tag on par with their level of performance. Of course the caveat is can your analog system effectively deal with the low output voltages. My phono stage has no issue running a MC3000 MK II, so its a solid choice for what I need. For fun, I will keep an eye out for a MC7500 also. My Transfiguration, Ikeda, and ZYX are long term keepers. But for the fun of it I would like to own the 7500 and perhaps one of the classic stone body Kiseki cartridges. 

Dear @neonknight  : Good that you like it. The MC3000 was not really up to the task after been a MC2000 owner but the MK2 that you own is really good.
Take care with the fragility of the cartridge body.

R.

So the MC3000 MK II arrived earlier this week, and I had a chance to install it last night and fine tune the alignment this morning. I have old eyes, and I find that natural light coming through the window is the morning is great for aligning cartridges. 

The first thing I did was inspect the cantilever, and it does appear to be an OEM one that is straight and has no issues, with only a diamond replacement done. The body itself is in nice condition, with no signs of abuse, I did get a stylus guard but no other packaging, but since this is going to be a daily driver cartridge I can live without those other pieces. 

I will say I am very pleased with this cartridge. It is well balanced in terms of tone, excellent detail, dynamically expressive, and easy to listen to. I cannot think of anything I would fault it for. The lower output voltage is not an issue for me as the Ortofon E-03 phono stage has plenty of gain and a low noise floor. Just a lovely performing cartridge all around, and it certainly supports the argument that high performance analog playback for cartridges was achieved awhile ago. The original MC3000 was released in 1988, I am not sure when the MK II was produced. 

I think I will now keep an eye out for a MC7500. But I am going to enjoy using this cartridge as a daily driver. Whenever the time comes it will get a new diamond as the aluminum cantilever is in perfect shape. What would really be fun is to find one with a damaged or replaced cantilever and fit it with a boron replacement and see what the differences are. I guess simple things would keep me entertained. 

In a conversation with a Cartridge Rebuild Service, it was intimated that the Bulk of the Body albeit it Stream Lined/Reduced or Voluminous and with Bulk will effect the presentation of the Cartridge.
Also the Cantilever Length was made known to have an impact on the presentation.
These are the wonderful experiments only a few get to compare, and the choices of ownership are a result of the choices of the Design Teams.

Following the Wonderful Work of a Design Team, mere mortals as myself have the pleasure of interfering with the the VTA , Azimuth and Stylus Rake.
That not half as much fun, I like to discuss with a Builder there thoughts on methods to use on a Cartridge and make a 'Road Not Too Travelled' decision.

I am at present enforced to look for a Service to work on my Cadenza Black.     

Ortofon offers an interesting comparison to answer ’to have a body or not, that’s the question’: the A95 versus MC Anna. A95 has a titanium skeleton, while Anna has a voluptuous titanium body of more than twice the weight. Both (no)bodies were made with additive manufacturing technology (3D laser printing), both have the same boron cantilever and Replicant 100 stylus and they share several other design principles. The only significant other difference is that Anna has a non magnetic armature.

To what extend ’body versus no body’ is the main reason is open to debate, but the way they present music couldn’t be more different. The A95 is all about neutrality and speed, definitely belonging to the ’maximum information retrieval’ school. Anna seems more intent on creating tonal beauty above all else. More ’old school’ in a way that resembles their own SPU sound, albeit on a much higher level of refinement. It also reminds me of the Miyabi’s. Perhaps it’s a deliberate attempt on Ortofon’s part to reconcile the two ’schools’, to ’have their cake and eat it’. Whatever was the design brief, it makes for spellbinding listening.

Dear @best-groove : "   I use one of them without the body; the sound is much better without a body;  "

I did it with my Allaerts MC2 Finish Gold and you are rigth: betterquality performance.

VdH knew and knows about and that's why the Colibri is an open cartridge design. As almost anything in audio less is more and the best cartridge body is not cartridge body.

R.

VAS NY Inc now has a Video of a Needle Drop of a MC 7500.
Always contentious listening in this manner, but a rough outline of an  idea can be gathered for the performance, especially when compared to a few other Videos of Needle Drops on other MC Models.

Only hearing any Cartridge 'in the flesh' will be the best practice for a demonstration.

The Ortofon M20FL Super is a superb contender in the MM category.  And really "cheap" by any standard.  Was once discussed on the old MM thread.

It was with the Anna and A90 when the people turn his head for Ortofon.

It depends; in my country Ortofon in the 70s-80s 90s has always been appreciated for its products and sold a lot, even the x000 models.
With the early 2000s many brands took over the sales for hi-end models but Ortofon it survives well especially with models accessible to all.


I have two MC 30 as I wrote but I use one of them without the body; the sound is much better without a body; as it happened in the 80's when I extracted the body of a Dynavector 10x4 the leap forward in terms of quality and freshness in the sound was immediately noticeable.
If it were possible and easy I would like to listen to all my cartridges without the body

Raul, it’s true that Ortofon always had a somewhat mundane reputation, at least here in the West. The book released for their 100th Anniversary describes in detail their professional heritage and they did their business accordingly. No brand mystique or fancy marketing tactics. Their record cutting lathes were equal if not superior to the Neumann lathes, but didn’t sell as well mostly resulting from licensing agreements and other business reasons. Their tonearms and SPU cartridges were also broadcasting industry standards, in direct competition with EMT. Again the EMT products were generally more succesful, perhaps because Ortofon never produced a dedicated turntable.

In the 70’s they became a household name for low priced MM cartridges, competing with companies like Grado. In the 80’s when digital took over, they managed to be very succesful in the DJ crowd. This market position probably didn’t sit well with a high end reputation, even when such products were just as much part of their portfolio (like the ’000’ series discussed here). The new management made the decision to put more emphasis on the expensive high end products, which has changed the reputation amongst audiophiles. It has to be said that the situation in Japan was very different, where they had always been one of the most highly regarded European brands, especially for the SPU cartridges.

Dear @best-groove : The MC-30 manufacturer spec was 0.08mv but each sample was tested in its main specs that is what you received in the card certification. The MC 20 spec was even lower 0.07mv

Something that I can’t explain is why ( from 1948. ) in those years Ortofon was not a very well regarded cartridge designer/manufacturer by the " high-end " market even its great contributions in the cartridge development and not only LOMC cartridge bu MM/MI too.
Seems to me that almost no one but only a few audiophiles as you or edgewear and some other gentlemans gave and give the real credit that Ortofon deserves in the cartridge market.

When every one talks about: ZYX or Koetsu or Dynavector, Clearaudio, Lyra, etc, etc..but not Ortofon down there,.

It was with the Anna and A90 when the people turn his head for Ortofon.

I can’t remember, from its top designs, any Ortofon with a bad sound or " so so " performance. Its quality level always up to the task and a challenge for any other top cartridge out there.

R.

Thanks for the reply Raul.
I've been tempted to get MC30, but always settled for others, like MC20, MC20 super, and SL15/20 due to the budget I had.
On my system, MC20 super sounds better than MC20 and SL cartridges. SPUs sound a bit smoother, but I cannot really tell my SPU gold ref and Silver Meister MKii are noticeably better than MC20 super.
Currently I am using SPUs, MC20 super, Denon DL103R, DL303, and AT150mlx. I like them all, but I will try MC30 some time in the near future.

later of ZYX fame.

I am aware that before Zyx he worked for Monster Cable with the Alpha and Genesis series ... I do not remember if it is always the same designer of the Ortofon Mc 20 30 etc. etc.

The original MC30 was also a very low output device at 0.1mV (my sample is even lower at 0,09mV)

also my two MC 30s ... one 0.09 the other 0.092/0,093mV but I knew an owner that the output was 0.085mV.

The MC30 was Ortofon's highest achievement before the arrival of MC2000, introducing some important innovations as mentioned by Raul. It was a real statement product that initially came in a luxury leather attaché case, complete with test record. In the Ortofon 100th Anniversary book it is mentioned that the MC20 which preceeded the MC30 was (co)designed by a young Japanese designer. The story goes that this individual was none other than Nakatsuka San, later of ZYX fame. Small world indeed!

The original MC30 was also a very low output device at 0.1mV (my sample is even lower at 0,09mV) and was probably as difficult to operate in the 70's as the MC2000 was in the 80's. All subsequent versions of MC30 (mk2, Super, Supreme) had higher output to make it more managable, just like subsequent models in the '000' series, but none sounded as good as the original version.

To my ears the original MC30, original MC2000 and MC7500 were the best Ortofon cartridges of the 20th century, until in this century new owners started a new phase of ultra high end designs with models like MC Anna and the A90 and A95 Anniversary models. These are extremily good systems, but their sonic priorities are more geared towards maximum information retrieval, consistent with what high end audio is all about these days.

Dear @ihcho : ""  compared to other LoMC Ortofon cartridges, like MC20, SL15, SL20? I've used them with MCA-76, T-20 and T-30, and they all sound fantastic, but never had a chance to use MCx000s.
I used MC100 briefly, but it was not as good as others.  ""

There is no comparison with the cartridges you name it. I still own the MC-10 and the 20 this one is pretty decent cartridge even today. I owned the MC200 and after 30 days I sold it.

Your T30 is way better than what we can imagine where its frequency range goes from 4hz to 200K  !.

In those old times the MC-30 was the top of the line till appeared the 2000. I bought a demo sample ( at very good price. ) and I think that even today is good cartridge.

Btw, if I remember the first time that Ortofon used in its cartridge designs the patented WRD ( damping suspension that still today continue to use. ) ) was with the MC-30. You can read somewhere in the net this about the critical/important Ortofon design issue:

""    which selectively damps resonances in the mechanical system and consists of two layers of special rubber with a platinum disc between them. At low frequencies the two rubber bearings enable the cantilever to make wide movements, while at higher frequencies the platinum disc acts as a sort of brake, progressively damping the movements with increases in frequency, so that at very high frequencies only the front rubber bearing is working ""

R.

Yes, to expensive at 1K in those times when the Ortofon top of the line set you back only 0.6K but additional to that 1K you need to buy the T2000 for other 1K.

R.

@rauliruegas 
When in college I worked part time in an audio store. We were an Ortofon dealer and the owner was a fan of the MC2000. We always had one in the store, but very very few were sold. It was too expensive for most customers. But I got to hear it back then, and have always knew of it's pedigree. 

I have owned the A90 and it's a nice cartridge. But I suspect I will like the voicing of the X000 cartridges, I have plans to acquire a 7500 whenever an opportunity arises. 

Dear @neonknight : The A95 is better than the 90 and I agree with you about but these cartridges not only were designed for the 90 and 95 Ortofon anniversary as limited edition where some Ortofon collectors are and were really happy with.

But those designs were and are an Ortofon departure in overall design and specially in the cartridge body shape and the way they builded that body material used.

Normally Ortofon shows something new in its anniversary designs.

The 7500 is too a limited edition by the 75 anniversary and really good performer. For you this is the one to go if you want a different top Ortofon cartridge with out all the deals you have to do with the MC2000: extreme high compliance, extreme output level and higher weigth that the desired for its compliance.

About the MC2000 almost no body cares on it ( at least in Agon. ) and several audiophiles not even knew of that model till several years ago I brought here as an owner of that model and after that some gentlemans started to be interested/curiosity on it to confirm if what I posted about was a reality . @lewm is a very well regarded Agoner and confirmed it in this thread.

Miss I my MC2000? not really I owned for years and enjoy it at its best, so I move on.

Btw, this humble AT today cartridge not only could be a challenge for your top cartridges at very good price point that you can get for your today and future casual listening sessions:

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-coil/at-art9xa

R.

This cartridge was purchased to be used as a daily player for more casual listening sessions. I listen to a lot of vinyl, and while I enjoy my digital rig its really the turntables that get played more. I need a cartridge that I can use up and not worry about the hours it accumulates. My other cartridges are pretty decent, a Transfiguration Audio Proteus, a ZYX 4D, and Ikeda 9 Kawami, and indirectly they set the bar for the sound quality needed from the casual cartridge.

I had obtained an Ortofon MC200 to try in this application, and it sounds quite respectable, but its not where I need it to be. I could have bought a new Audio Technica OC9 series, maybe an Ortofon Quintet, but in the end when the hours are done on those carts they become throw aways. Also, they trail my main cartridges in terms of SQ by a fair amount, so they would not be something you look forward to listening to, but rather also rans.

So this is my attempt to have a good sounding casual cartridge. The acquisition price was a bit higher than a TOTL OC9 cartridge, but I am thinking its worth the difference. We shall see. My ZYX is getting up there in hours and I need to plan for a diamond replacement for it. I don’t need the MC3000 MK II to vie for the best sounding cartridge spot in my collection, I just need it to be competent.

chakster, you are probably  confused with my Sony XL 44 l. This
one got boron cantilever + nude Shibata from Axel. Lew got MC
2000 without box and headshell and the one I still own is complete
with box and (titanium?) headshell. 

Thanks lewm for your response.
Somehow, the majority of cartridges I've used so far are Ortofons MC cartridges, including very low output MC20, SL15, SL20, and MC20 super, and SPUs (Gold ref, Silver Meister MKii, and mono). I like them all. But I've never had a chance to try those 4 digit cartridges. Maybe they cost much more than I could afford to, but I just wonder how much better they could be compared to SPUs. 

@nandric re-cantilevered by Axel, isn’t it ?
Or it was Lewm’s sample re-cantilevered by Axel ?
I forgot.

I have one MC 2000 for sell. As on ckaster's picture with the box
and headshell. 

@neonknight 
You are correct about Mutech. The RM-Kanda has the same body as Transfiguration Orpheus. Both brands aim for a combination of highest possible output and lowest possible impedance and seem to share some design principles as well. Coincidentally, both share the same stylus protector as My Sonic Lab, further evidence of these 'tight' relationships....

With the original MC2000 Ortofon boldly aimed at the state of the art in analog music reproduction, just when 'perfect sound forever' was taking over the music industry. They definitely succeeded, but it was considered too impractical in use due to its peculiar combination of extreme low output and extreme high compliance in a rather big and heavy aluminum body.

One could argue that the subsequent '000' series was an attempt to bring that performance plateau to a more managable package of less extreme and less contradictory specs. In my opinion they didn't quite succeed with MC2000mk2, MC3000(mk2) and MC5000, but of course they're still very good systems. I have little doubt you will be able to enjoy MC3000mk2.

In my opinion Ortofon did reach the MC2000's level of neutrality and refinement with the 75th Anniversary MC7500. Which of the two is preferable might be system dependent, but it's a close (personal) call.

@lewm your opposite preference made me listen to both systems again in various set ups. As I like both cartridges best with classical music, I picked a record that brings out the dynamic power of the orchestra extremely well: Prokofiev's Symphony no. 6 by Walter Weller and the LPO on Decca SXL 6777. One of those great Kingsway Hall recordings by Kenneth Wilkinson.

You're absolutely correct about one thing: there was not the slightest hint of the edginess I mentioned before, so memory was playing tricks on me. Perhaps that memory was the result of playing too many US Columbia pressings that give every cartridge (more than) a hint of edginess.
Playing this Decca recording the MC7500 sounds almost too polite through the T3000, but it dynamically 'wakes up' through the Boulder phono amp and that is the 'winning' combination here. With the MC2000 it's exactly the other way around, with more power and bass slam through the T3000. I'm completely at a loss to explain......

@lewm 

I believe Mutech had a relationship with Transfiguration and is at least a source for refurbishing them.

Well I am the owner of a MC3000 MK II. Should have it in 4 or 5 days and we will see how it works out. I have an OEM Dynavector head shell with Furtech silver litz wires waiting for it. 

Curious to hear how this works out as the MC3000 MK II has the most varied opinion about it of the X000 series of cartridges. Guess we will see. 

For the record, I meant to write "fine cartridge", not "find cartridge" in my summary of the 7500.

My impression of the two cartridges, 2000 vs 7500 is just the opposite of yours, in two different tonearms on two different systems. I found the 2000 to be more lush and a bit more dynamic, in the best possible ways. Goes to show ya..... something.

Neon, I have a longstanding interest in the Transfiguration cartridges. It was a great loss when that company went out of business, but given the nearly incestuous relationships among Japanese cartridge manufacturers, it may well be the case that the top line Transfigurations live on, under another name.

Lewm, I was exaggerating as well in order to make the distinction. The MC7500 is every bit as neutral as MC2000, but the stylus profile demands more attention to bring it out. It's thrown out of neutral more easily so to speak. What gives it a (positive) edge over MC2000 is the ability to deliver greater dynamic contrasts, but this might very well be system dependent.

I also have the Rohmann and it's interesting to compare it to MC7500. Same cantilever and stylus, but different coils and different body material. While the Rohmann is a really nice cartridge, the MC7500 is in another league. It confirms that cantilever material and stylus profile do not determine sound quality any more than other parts like coils and body material do.

edgewear, I never found the MC7500 to sound "edgy" or harsh at all.  In fact, I would characterize it as remarkably neutral, almost to a fault, which is to say that if anything it fell a bit short on bringing out the drama and contrasts put into the music by the musicians.  But as in most cases where one tries to describe an aural impression, what I just wrote is an exaggeration.  It's a very find cartridge, in my opinion.

Sure, otherwise I would have sold it a long time ago. photo

Do you like it? 

 read about it HERE

I own that too.

After 7500 series there was Erik Rohmann model, read about it HERE 

I had in the early 80's the MC 2000 with its sut which I have been using for some time but when I was able to try the 3000 mk2 and its T3000 sut I preferred this in my chain and sold the MC 2000 and the sut; over time I also had the MC 5000 on test but I was not impressed by the sound and the value for money I still use the Mc 3000Mk2 in rotation with other cartridges today.

ihco, I don't know how Raul would answer your question about the 4-digit Ortofon cartridges, but from the MC2000 up to the MC7500, those were their flagship, "best", most expensive cartridges.  After the MC7500, they continued development but abandoned that 4-digit naming system.  Moreover, with each new high end model since then they have experimented with materials, method of production, shape of cartridge body, cantilever material, and stylus shape.  So in some sense the different models have little in common save to say they were all top of Ortofon line at one time or another.

@rauliruegas 

I have owned an A90 and a Winfeld, and enjoyed both cartridges. I am not as wild about the A90 as other cartridges, although it is a fine moving coil. The top end isn't as vibrant as I prefer, although it's remarkably free of colorations. 

I might give a MC3000 II a go for the interim, and keep my eyes open for a nice MC2000 or perhaps a 7500. 

To be honest I like my Ikeda 9 Kawami, but  one day it's going to need a restoration. When that time comes it would be nice to have a quality stand in for it. 

My other favorite is the Transfiguration cartridges, and I imagine one would sound nice on the Dynavector. I would also be interested to try the Audio Tekne. 

If a Cantilever has been treated in a manner where it has damaged the Bobbin, with the earlier designs of Ortofon Cartridges, there is going to be a long search to get the support to repair the damage.
Even Ortofon will not guarantee the original parts are used, an updated compatible part might be substituted, and might not be to the Spec of the original design.

A Cartridge purchased with a Damaged Stylus will be a Wild Punt, as the Internal Damages will be a unknown.
A Inspection from a Third Party Rebuild Service might result in a rejection of the build as the Donor Cartridge is not suitable.

Many of Ortofons Internal Assemblies are in house designs, that are unique to their Brand and not items selected from a supply chain, as some other recommended Cartridges.
Ortofon does not share these assemblies freely.  

Again Caveat Emptor is the best guideline for such a purchase 

How are MCx000s compared to other LoMC Ortofon cartridges, like MC20, SL15, SL20? I've used them with MCA-76, T-20 and T-30, and they all sound fantastic, but never had a chance to use MCx000s.
I used MC100 briefly, but it was not as good as others.
 

Dear @neonknight  : I owned 3 MC2000 and owned/own/listened almost any Ortofon cartridge in my system, so certainly I like Ortofon designs.

""  It has to have the OEM cantilever. ""

Not really, it was not that aluminum cantilever what makes the real difference but the cartridge engine and suspension design . The MC2000 has an over 30cu on compliance and yes it's a really great cartridge tracker and along what I pointed out from this tracking abilities comes part of that very high quality performance.

In one of my samples I bended the cantilever  and time latter I decided to send to VdH to fix it.
I received it with boron cantilever and VdH stylus tip and as good as the original was/is the boron/Vdh  performs with better quality performance level with out loosing the original cartridge attributes.

So, you can buy it in almost whatever condition  ( about cantilever/stylus ) and you can send to Northwest or Expert stylus or Vdh to fix it.

My boron/Vdh was unique and probably the only one out there, I sold it. I'm not a collector but I owned and own a lot of cartridge just to know its " signature " quality level and obviously to enjoy MUSIC.

So, don't worry about that " original " word at least with the 2000.

 Now, the MK2 is a way different cartridge and there is no comparison but the 3000MK2 is something to listen and yes different than the MC2000 but not to different.

In the other side you can look for a second hand A90/A95 and you are " there " too with out be disturbing your self for that very low MC2000 output, its high weigth and very high compliance because you have to fix all these cartridge characteristics for the 2000 can shows it.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.

Dear lewm, the MC7500 has a tendency to sound a little edgy or bright in the wrong set up. I think this has mostly to do with that Ortoline stylus profile. So spot on azimuth and SRA are crucial, but I assume you have that covered.

It took some time to find it, but the LH 7500 headshell made a very positive contribution and so did the LW-1000S leadwires. You would  think 7N copper would be the best match to the 8N copper coils (8N copper lead wires are not offered by Ortofon or anyone else I think), but these silver wires contribute to a neutral balance comparable to MC2000.

It sounds very good in FR64S (all my cartridges do, even the high compliance MC2000), but even better in Audiocraft AC-4400. And perhaps contrary to what one might expect, it likes the phono amp (at 500 ohm loading) better than the Ortofon T3000, which is basically the same as the dedicated T7500. Hope that helps.

The packaging style of those classic Ortofon is amazing. I remember huge clear display case cut like a Replicant-100 diamond.

German Audio Markt is a great market place if you are in Europe, sometimes you must be in Germany, it’s better if you speak German too :) There are local market place in Denmark where I bought some amazing cartridges even though the site is not designed for international buyers at all (but sellers are nice). Superb stuff available not only from Europe, but from Russia as well where the audiophile scene is pretty strong (however, the problem sometimes is language barrier). You can find almost everything high-end in Russia nowadays, especially in Moscow or St.Petersburg (two biggest cities).

As I said earlier the most important is who’s the seller. You can’t personally communicate with Japanese auction sellers at all if they are not on ebay. In my opinion personal communication with the seller direct is HUGE benefit for the buyer! If you can communicate with the seller you can ask to declare lower value for custom control, because in most countries in this world, except USA, the import tax is huge and it’s not good to declare full value for an old rare and expensive cartridge to pay additional 30% import tax.

For security reason paypal is a must (best buyer’s protection from scam).