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Help with MC Cartridge Recommendation to Swap from Ortofon 2M Black MM

I'd like to dip my feet into the MC world.  What would be a good introduction as I am going from an Ortofon 2M Black MM?  

Here's my setup

Manley Chinook tube phono preamp
Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated
PSB Imagine T2 loudspeakers

I'd like to stay south of $1k.  I listen to all sorts of music, but on vinyl it would be in this order:

Jazz 50%
Rock 40%
Folk/Other 10%

I've never had a MC so I don't know where to start.  Thanks all!!!
jbhiller

Showing 4 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
4,029 posts
 
Late addition to my original post-

My ART 9 is going on 1 1/2 years and I STILL have WOW moments listening.

The ONLY cart that may better the ART 9 is the ART 7, which can only be purchased from an overseas vendor(Ebay) Its also a couple bucks less.

Lower output, so you need minimum  around 65-70db gain. 

tablejockey
4,029 posts
 
jbhiller-

if going a little bit north of your budget is doable, consider the Audio Technica ART 9. You have all the gear for superb sound.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pani-new-art-9-up-and-running?highlight=art%2B9

There just doesn’t seem to be ANY users of this cart with a negative review, including those who have carts twice the price. 

Yours ears will thank you for going over budget by $100.

http://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9.html





tablejockey
4,029 posts
 
dlcockrum-

I should qualify that by stating it's a couple hundred dollars LESS, otherwise similar construction except the ART 7 has a non permeable core vs the traditional magnetic of the ART 9. The difference DOES result in a subjectively more delicate, airy presentation which some may find nicer.

So YES, it may possibly be a better value.

tablejockey
4,029 posts
 
dlcockrum-
take a look at this one...
http://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART1000.html
I believe it retails somewhere between 5-8K. Now that's ludicrous! Especially since the magnitude of improvement doesn't  justify 5X cost of the ART 9!!!

Likely it does sound heavenly though. 

Sure wish I had the means for a system to handle such extravagance.
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