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Ortofon 2M Bronze vs. Grado Reference platinum

Yes...I read all the threads about this issue in the forum history...

I have the Rega Planar 3 TT + Rega Elicit Amp. I love both.
My amazing Nottingham Analogue Tracer 1 cartridge died and is no longer available.
I bought the Grado Reference platinum. I know I'm not suppose to judge it before 20 hours of listening passed but I tend to think it lacks the detailed sound of the Nottingham Analogue cartridge. I'm considering the Ortofon 2M Bronze but I fear it would sound too cold for me.
There is a notion where I live that for the budget of a 400$ you have to chose between the high details of the Ontofon Bronze and the warmth of the Grado reference platinum. You can't have both.

Questions:
1. How on earth am I supposed to judge something if I can't hear it before I buy it.
2. Somebody suggested a third option : Ortofon Rondo Red MC cartridge but I'm not sure my beloved Rega Elicit MC input is good enough to fit the Rondo MC (It can support MC cartridges by setting on-board dip switches) ... Any thoughts ? Would this be a lipstick on a pig ?
3 Any ideas for other MM options within the area of 400$ ?
triskadecaphobic

Showing 1 response by triskadecaphobic

triskadecaphobic OP
81 posts
 
I'm impressed by the complexity of how people here describe sound. I still need to catch up...
Until then, can you please explain the term "musical". If the blue is more "musical" does it mean it's warmer and more resonant ?
I'll tell you what I miss in the Grado and this way we might figure out what I need:
My ultimate test for sound and what determines if any component is good for me (personally) is when I play Barbra Streisand's "Memory"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78Ruh0ewBVo.
When I played it with the Nottingham Analogue Tracer 1 cartridge it was extremely detailed (I could here amazing overtones and vibes in Streisand's voice) but at the same time it was mellow and non aggressive. My fear with the bronze is that for details I'll have to sacrifice softness which eventually leads to ear fatigue,in my case.
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