Nagaoka MP500 or Audio Technica VM760ML are both fast and articulate, and slightly warmer than the Black so you won’t lose too much detail and air. Either will sound more full bodied and musical with the AT the more "neutral" of the pair.
MM Cartridge Recommendation
Hello Everyone,
Over the past year I've been slowly building up my first system and have just recently upgraded my turntable to a Clearaudio Concept w/ Satisfy Carbon arm.
My current total system is as follows:
- Belles Aria [Integrated w/ MM phono]
- B&W 705 [original series from 2004 stand mounts w/ matching stands]
- Clearaudio Concept w/ Satisfy Carbon tonearm
- Ortofon 2M Black MM cartridge
Overall I've been very happy with my system especially working within a reasonable budget.
The Clearaudio has also been a great upgrade from my original entry level [U-Turn Orbit] turntable.
I bought it used with the 2M Black already mounted, and it is very smooth/neutral sounding with a lot of detail.
However, at times I find it almost too neutral.
Would anyone have recommendations on another MM cartridge to pair with my existing system?
I'm still trying to determine if I may like another sound better [perhaps more warmth or even just comparison for a different sound] as I explore and still learn what sounds I like.
I know many people prefer MC, however at this time I do not want to add a MC phono preamp to my system.
I'd consider HOMC [ie Hana cartridge] but I'm not sure if they would work within my exiting Belles Aria MM system?
My budget is ~$800.
My preference is to buy new however would consider an easily accessible used [I just don't want to have to search for some obscure hard to find cartridge].
Also please keep in mind that I am still new to this hobby so am by no means an expert in cartridge setup & alignment.
Any advice or feedback is really appreciated!
Thanks!
Over the past year I've been slowly building up my first system and have just recently upgraded my turntable to a Clearaudio Concept w/ Satisfy Carbon arm.
My current total system is as follows:
- Belles Aria [Integrated w/ MM phono]
- B&W 705 [original series from 2004 stand mounts w/ matching stands]
- Clearaudio Concept w/ Satisfy Carbon tonearm
- Ortofon 2M Black MM cartridge
Overall I've been very happy with my system especially working within a reasonable budget.
The Clearaudio has also been a great upgrade from my original entry level [U-Turn Orbit] turntable.
I bought it used with the 2M Black already mounted, and it is very smooth/neutral sounding with a lot of detail.
However, at times I find it almost too neutral.
Would anyone have recommendations on another MM cartridge to pair with my existing system?
I'm still trying to determine if I may like another sound better [perhaps more warmth or even just comparison for a different sound] as I explore and still learn what sounds I like.
I know many people prefer MC, however at this time I do not want to add a MC phono preamp to my system.
I'd consider HOMC [ie Hana cartridge] but I'm not sure if they would work within my exiting Belles Aria MM system?
My budget is ~$800.
My preference is to buy new however would consider an easily accessible used [I just don't want to have to search for some obscure hard to find cartridge].
Also please keep in mind that I am still new to this hobby so am by no means an expert in cartridge setup & alignment.
Any advice or feedback is really appreciated!
Thanks!