|
|
Post by brubacca on Mar 10, 2018 9:31:57 GMT -5
Hello all. Somehow I have lost a channel on my Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge. I had been contemplating changing this anyway. I really never got along with the 2M Blue. Any recommendations for inexpensive cartridges that sound good? I have a VPI Traveler. I am really looking for something not as analytical as the Ortofon. Don't really have any money saved up for this so it needs to be inexpensive. I see audiobill has a Grado Silver, maybe you can help me out? |
|
|
|
Post by mshump on Mar 10, 2018 10:55:22 GMT -5
I have the Ortofon blue on my Project turntable also. It is a decent cartridge but a little underwhelming IMO. I had an older Technics TT with the Grado red and was very happy with its sound, the silver is a step above the red. The older Project TT and Grado cartridges don't get along to well or the Grado red would be on it.
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by brubacca on Mar 10, 2018 12:59:59 GMT -5
I had really wanted to do a Dynavector 10x5 but every time I was close something else came up.
I figured a change of flavor would do me well. Grade and VPi go well together.
|
|
|
|
Post by novisnick on Mar 10, 2018 13:18:54 GMT -5
I got talked into spending $600 for a better cartridge, Ive never looked back and have thanked my dealer a few times. Spend a few more dollars and upgrade! Why deprive your VPI with anything less. I know money doesn’t grow on trees, I had to wait and save to afford the upgrade but it was/is well worthwhile!
|
|
stiehl11
Emo VIPs 
Give me available light!
Posts: 7,269
|
Post by stiehl11 on Mar 10, 2018 13:32:17 GMT -5
I'm running a Grado Gold on my TT. The improvement in sound was a big step up from the stock cart. While it did take some of the dynamics out, it smoothed out the sound along with better bass response. The Gold is just a Silver that meets higher specifications; other than that, they are exactly the same. So, my recommendation would be for the Silver if it fits better in your price range and Gold if you can swing it.
|
|
|
|
Post by brubacca on Mar 10, 2018 17:31:57 GMT -5
I got talked into spending $600 for a better cartridge, Ive never looked back and have thanked my dealer a few times. Spend a few more dollars and upgrade! Why deprive your VPI with anything less. I know money doesn’t grow on trees, I had to wait and save to afford the upgrade but it was/is well worthwhile! So better off to wait 6-8 months (with no vinyl) for 10x5? |
|
|
|
Post by novisnick on Mar 10, 2018 18:11:52 GMT -5
I got talked into spending $600 for a better cartridge, Ive never looked back and have thanked my dealer a few times. Spend a few more dollars and upgrade! Why deprive your VPI with anything less. I know money doesn’t grow on trees, I had to wait and save to afford the upgrade but it was/is well worthwhile! So better off to wait 6-8 months (with no vinyl) for 10x5? Im not familiar with that cartridge but if you’ve heard good things about it, YES Quality sound for a longer period beats the heck out Of lessor enjoyment. I was going fo the Rega RP 3 and im so happy I waited to I could purchase the RP 6 / Exact Ii matched and installed by a Rega authorized retailer. |
|
|
|
Post by brubacca on Mar 10, 2018 21:23:14 GMT -5
Dynavector 10x5...
Its a classic pairing with both Rega and VPI tables. Mosty with RP3 level table or in place of the Exact 2 on the RP6. I saw it spoken about a lot when evaluating Rega (and VPI).
If you go up from the 10x5 the recommendations are Dynavector 20x2 ($1,000) then Sumiko Blackbird ($1,250).
|
|
|
|
Post by jackfish on Mar 10, 2018 21:48:46 GMT -5
Ortofon Super OM-10 phono cartridge - $100, pull off the stylus and replace it with this: LP Gear Stylus 40 Shibata for Ortofon OM40 Super cartridge - $200
I know it's $100 more than you wanted but definitely worth it.
Otherwise, can't go wrong with a Nagaoka MP-110 for $125. Or the Audio-Technica AT7V phono cartridge from LP Gear for $188.
|
|
