I'm a long time Ortofon MC user, and fan. I've strayed a few times to other brands, only to come back to the Ortofon sound. Most recently I tried a Soundsmith Zephyr II. I wanted to get something with more output (less noise). I liked it OK.... it was very clean & clear... but boring. After over a year on my table, I popped my old MC-30 SuperII back into my arm and got a shot of adrenaline! My very old MC was much more engaging than the Zephyr (but not as resolving). Then I tried a Quintet Black (very nice) and now I have a Cadenza Blue (very VERY nice!) I am totally happy with my 30+ year old Sota Sapphire TT with the Cadenza Blue cart, into a Parasound JC3+.
Going from MM to MC
I have a linn table with an akito2 arm I just replaced the preamp with a rogue rp7 and bought a pro ject phono box DS3B phono preamp. I am also going to get new phono cable from linn with the xlr ends on it. Right now I have an adikt on my table. I want to go to MC to get better detail and seperation. I have been researching Cartridges and have narrowed it down to 3 the linn Krystal the lyra delso or the ortofon quintet S black. My Lin repair person is trying to get me to go with the linn but I have herd the other 2 have better sound any advice.where to go or even a different one all together and why thank you Michael.