Thanks, @chakster - I'm looking at the AT carts and trying to find an entry-level/budget MicroLine; would that be the VM540ML? That one is a bit more than I'd like to spend (not sure if there are cheaper options?), but if it constitutes a major upgrade from the M44-7 and offers high value for the price, I'd probably go for it. |
One other question for you, @absolutlahmi - do you have any tips for aligning this cartridge on the SL-1200? Do you use the Technics overhang gauge or another method? |
@absolutlahmi Did you end up finding a cartridge that you're happy with? I'm in a similar position, looking to upgrade the M44-7 on my MK2. |
@chakster Thank you for confirming re the AT microline- I'm definitely leaning in that direction. I'm also curious about some of the Ortofon carts such as the 2M Red or Blue- do you have any experience with those or thoughts on the general sound signature of Ortofon carts vs that of AT? As expressed in the original post by @absolutlahmi, I'm also partial to the M44-7's "big sound", and I particularly like the exaggerated low-end as I listen to a lot of bass-oriented electronic music, along with more abstract/atmospheric sounds along the lines of Boards of Canada and Autechre. So, ideally, I'd love to find a cartridge that can extract more nuance and detail, but also bear out some of the "oomf" of a cartridge like the M44-7. I get the impression that the high-end, audiophile-oriented carts strive for a neutral/balanced sound that is as "unopinionated" as possible- and while I'd love to get even more detail from my records, I'm also interested in a bit of color in the form of boldness in the low-end. I'd say my price point maxes out at around $250-300, so I'm not sure which cart might offer the best bang for the buck with respect to the type of sound I'm after, but I'd greatly appreciate any further thoughts or feedback- thanks! |
Ok, thanks @chakster - I've read very conflicting accounts of the 2M Blue; some say it has great bass and others that it's non-existent. I'll stay away from the Red. Re the Stanton and Pickering carts you mentioned: those would both need to be purchased second-hand, as they're no longer manufactured, correct? Also, how would you say the AT microlines sound in the bass department? More neutral than the Stanton or Pickering? I'm partial to buying something new (from the manufacturer) but would consider other options to find the "right" cart. |
@absolutlahmi Thanks so much for posting your feedback on the VM540ML- that's great to hear you're pleased with the purchase; congrats! I've spent countless hours reading about various cartridges on forums and review sites, but your feedback in particular as an SL1200/M44-7 owner is especially valuable. I've also been leaning in that direction, due in no small part to the feedback here. Here are a few questions for you, if you don't mind: first, do you have any recommendations as far as cartridge alignment, VTF, anti-skate and tonearm height w/ the VM540ML? Did you use an alignment protractor? I have an overhang gauge for the SL1200, which I've used to align the M44-7. Lastly, I've read many comments about the "brightness" of the VM540ML, which is sometimes described as excessive- how has your experience been in this regard? Thanks again for the phenomenally helpful feedback.
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@chakster Thanks for the reply- to be clear, in referencing reviews/comments mentioning "brightness" in the VM540ML sound, these are not (as far as I know) unique to M44-7 users, but rather reflective of a recurring sentiment I encountered in a variety of sources. As with everything else, determining and/or relying upon the credibility of a given reviewer/pundit/self-described "audiophile" is a dubious exercise, so I typically go the route of reading as much as I can stomach, from as many seemingly reputable sources as possible, and noting any common trends or patterns of feedback. I don't doubt the overall quality of sound from a cartridge like the VM540ML is far superior to that of the M44-7 (just like the quality of a photo from a proper DSLR is vastly superior to that from a phone), but any "reviews" of such devices will always be riddled with the implicit bias/range of preferences inherent in a given individual (just as I will readily admit to having a bias towards a more bass-heavy or bass "colored" sound- or to having a preference for images from a Nikon over a Canon SLR :) (Yes, I work in photography, hence the analogy.) |
Thanks again for the feedback @absolutlahmi & @chakster - I've actually gone ahead and placed an order for the VM540ML as something of a Christmas gift for myself- I can't wait to set it up. I realize terms such as "brightness" are rather murky/arbitrary, but it's helpful to hear your feedback on the sound, particularly as someone coming from the M44-7. I think my next upgrade will be a new phono stage- I currently have a Cambridge Audio Azur 551p, which I purchased 5+ years ago- it seems to do the job, but I frankly haven't had anything else against which to compare, so I have no idea how its performance/sound would compare to that of another (i.e. better) phono stage. I'm not sure if either of you would have any recommendations for a (budget-friendly) phono stage to pair with the VM540ML? |
Thanks @absolutlahmi - I'm very excited to experience the VM540ML! And thanks again for your extremely helpful feedback, along with that from @chakster. And that's a good call on the Schiit Mani- I actually recently purchased the Magni 3+ heaphone amp for late night vinyl listening on headphones, and it's pretty great. |
@chakster Thank you for the details- the JLTi sounds like a very impressive unit. In my case, given that something like the Rega might not constitute much of an upgrade from my current Cambridge Audio, I suppose a case could be made for saving up and buying something like the JLTi. I certainly don't want to spend $300-500 on a unit that would only offer a meager improvement over my current phono stage. |
@chakster Are you referring to the Schiit Mani? As for the unit you linked, that looks nice but way beyond what I'd be willing to spend. I've read many good things about the Rega Phono series as well- not sure if you have any thoughts on those? |
