Grado Prestige Gold or Ortofon OM 30 Super


I have a trusty Systemdek 2x with the stock Profile arm and contemplating whether to get a Grado Gold or an Ortofon OM30. My setup leans towards the warm side of the musical spectrum and I listen almost exclusively to acoustic jazz (ocassionally some fusion): PS Audio 5.6 preamp, PS Audio Delta 100, Esoteric D500 Transport, Assemblage 2.0 DAC, and Mirage OM7 speakers; interconnects are Cardas Quadlink 5c's, Cardas Lightning Digital Cable and Kimber 8tc in double runs for biwire. Any recommendations out there would be appreciated.
gemini

Showing 1 response by jc2000

I use a Grado Reference Platinum on a Linn LP12. It's not perfect--probably a little too warm--but there is a sort of magic and involvement that I haven't heard with many other cartridges.

Another Ortofon worth considering would be the 500 series. I'm considering trying on my LP12. These are harder to come by, but they are supposed to be better than the OM series. I think the styli can be upgraded (say, getting a 520 to replace a 510 stylus) like you can with the OM series. Even better, they use closed mounting holes, which can make installation a lot easier.