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Clearaudio Virtuoso Ebony Wood or Ortofon 2M Black Cartridge?

First post here, but I've been lurking and soaking up the knowledge. Thank you all for sharing your opinions.
I recently purchased a new turntable after a long absence. I bought a Marantz TT-15S1 which comes with a Clearaudio Virtuoso Ebony Wood cartridge.


 A friend of mine would really like that cartridge from me and is willing to buy me the under $900 cartridge of my choice in trade for the Virtuoso. He recommended the Ortofon 2M Black, and in doing some research it seems like a great cart, but how would it compare to the Virtuoso?


 I should mention that my listening is mainly Rock (70's, 80's, 90's 00's) with some Jazz here and there. (Sometimes fairly aggressive hard rock / metal as well).
 While I know that the Virtuoso is an excellent cartridge I've heard it described as "soft" sounding. I've also heard the Black described as "aggressive" sounding which might better line up well with my source material(?) I've also heard that the black is harder to "dial in"


 I have not yet set up the Marantz so I'd like to pick a cart quickly and get that bad boy playing.
Anyone have experience with this table and both (or either) cart?
Or general takeaways on the differences between these 2 with any table?
Is any possible advantage of the black worth any added trouble in setup?
Thanks for your help!


shayatin
shayatin OP
4 posts
 

this is so odd to me....the Virtuoso wood is 900 dollars...why doesn't your friend just get his own? He probably could get a discount and pick it up cheaper.

Well he is trying to "help us both out" by guiding me to the Black, which of course he could buy me for less than he could buy himself the Virtuoso (though he really is a close friend so I dont think he is trying to take advantage).

There has been no negotiation beyond the Black and for the purposes of this conversation I'm just trying to get opinions on whether I would be better served by the Black.
.

gshepardbuster's avatar
gshepardbuster
620 posts
 
I had the Marantz with the Virtuoso and it's a good combo.  I only had the Virtuoso cart with that table so don't know how the Black would be with it.  But the Black is excellent on either arm of my now Vpi Signature.  I too like rock and the 2m Black is head banger friendly!
shayatin OP
4 posts
 

I had the Marantz with the Virtuoso and it's a good combo. ... I too like rock and the 2m Black is head banger friendly!


Thank you so much for the response this was just what I was hoping for. Since you had the Marantz with the Virtuoso and you like the heavy stuff how was that combo for heavy rock? Did it sound "Soft"? That's really the only thing I'm afraid of with the Virtuoso.

I may PM you for more information if thats cool

Thanks!

gshepardbuster's avatar
gshepardbuster
620 posts
 
One of my first records on the Marantz was Queensryche Empire, it rocked out!  The bass guitar kicked ass!  Not soft, not hard, a touch warmer than the Black.  Pm if you like.  
ochremoon
48 posts
 
The 2M Black is more clinical. It depends on the rest of the chain and your personal preferences. I prefer more body and warmth, so would stick with the Virtuoso, in my system, but YMMV.
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