Tarheel Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 I'm looking for a backup cartridge in the $200-$500 range. Using a Clear Audio Virtuoso Wood at around $800 but its getting some miles on it. Have heard some good reviews on the Ortofon Black but it sells for around $750. I am using a Denon DP-1250 turn table with ADC arm. I prefer to stay with moving magnet. Any recommendations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr.pee1 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 The Ortofon black sometimes on Bay is a little over 500 , I just put a Sound smith Zypher on the classic 1 yesterday. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 I'm currently using an Ortofon 2M Blue, which I think is terrific for the money, and probably going to step up to an Ortofon 2M Bronze next. http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Moving-Magnet?sort1desc=F&sort1=Item_ONLINECUSTOMERPRICE 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldred Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 In my opinion this the best thing out there . I currently run a Signet TK5E...But if I needed a back up I would jump on this for $300.00 http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-AT150Sa-Phono-Cartridge?sc=2&category=363 George, 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 It all depends on if you have the proper combo. I use the tools at vinylengine.com to make sure the cartridge and tonearm actually work together and have proper resonance/compliance. If it doesn't your not getting the most out of your table. The forum members there are really helpful if you have any questions. https://www.vinylengine.com/tools.shtml https://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_resonance_evaluator.php 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarheel Posted February 17, 2017 Author Share Posted February 17, 2017 Was hoping someone had auditioned the Clearaudio Concept cartridge at $250. Some very good reviews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorjen Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 On 2/15/2017 at 7:53 PM, seti said: It all depends on if you have the proper combo. I use the tools at vinylengine.com to make sure the cartridge and tonearm actually work together and have proper resonance/compliance. If it doesn't your not getting the most out of your table. The forum members there are really helpful if you have any questions. https://www.vinylengine.com/tools.shtml https://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_resonance_evaluator.php +1. Love the Vinyl Engine tools and calculators. A good arm match is critical in most cases. Resonance in the 8-12 hz. sweet spot, 10 or so ideally. However I am using an Ortofon 2M Black on my Origin Live table with Silver arm and I LOVE IT! It is in the mid 7's and I have no problem. I am considering giving the Zephyr a try. It would put me right at 10hz. with my arm. That isn't why I want to try it, just sayin'. Picked up my 2M Black on AudioGon for $350.00 with 40 hours on it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 7 hours ago, jorjen said: +1. Love the Vinyl Engine tools and calculators. A good arm match is critical in most cases. Resonance in the 8-12 hz. sweet spot, 10 or so ideally. However I am using an Ortofon 2M Black on my Origin Live table with Silver arm and I LOVE IT! It is in the mid 7's and I have no problem. I am considering giving the Zephyr a try. It would put me right at 10hz. with my arm. That isn't why I want to try it, just sayin'. Picked up my 2M Black on AudioGon for $350.00 with 40 hours on it. Good stuff. I'm just using a high mass Jelco 750 12" arm with a 301. I was using an Ortofon 2m blue but switched to the Denon DL110 because it was a better match. The ortofon should be the better cart but the dl110 sounds better and certainly is a budget cart. I'm scared to go down the cartridge rolling rabbit hole as that can get crazy. On the safe side I'll likely try the denon 103 and add the heavier weight to the arm. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorjen Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Higher price than you mentioned, but 2M Black new in the box asking $600.00 but taking offers. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-ortofon-2m-black-new-sealed-in-box-2017-02-04-analog-94110-san-francisco-ca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebes Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 You mentioned you have an ADC arm. I have a sealed NOS ADC XLM MK II that may mate well with your arm. Do you have any literature on your current arm which would indicate what carts ADC was recommending from it's line? It's my understanding that this MK II cart can also be used for quadraphonic playback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parlophone1 Posted March 3, 2017 Share Posted March 3, 2017 From my limited experience the above mentioned advice could work. I have Philips 212 and tried to upgrade old Philips cart (lower grade GP400) with ortofon 2M Red. It did seem to lead to improvement although compliance is a bit off (Philips has ultra low mass arm). In the meantime I met a guy with plenty of NOS Philips carts. I took his advice and just went with new old stock GP 400. Sonically this is better cart in my tonearm then 2M Red Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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