What records are you listening to tonight?

[dspoonrt]

I had the Ortofon blue a while back, and while it was a nice cart, it just wasn't for me. As far as carts in that price range, I much preferred the AT vm540ml. I think the biggest improvement to my ears comes from the microline stylus vs the elliptical of the 2m Blue. But different ears, ymmv, etc.

I'll tell you though, while amazon and musicdirect and most dealers will have carts at the same standard price unless they're open box or something, it's worth getting on the guitarcenter mailing list because they send out periodic coupons for 15-20% off, and you can save some coin on a new cart. While they do carry Ortofon, I don't believe they carry their 2m line.


Here's the cart I recommend to guys in the sub 300 range:

Audio-Technica VM540ML Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

Shop for the Audio-Technica VM540ML Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge and receive free shipping on your order and the guaranteed lowest price.

www.guitarcenter.com

I upgraded to the AT VM540ML about two years ago. Another satisfied customer here.

 

[Hattori Hanzo]

It's worth it Shroom. Had an Ortofon OM 10 the predecessor of the 2M Red. Diamond is only tiped on those. From OM 20 and Blue onwards it's a naked diamond.

 

[kernow]

I've got no idea about diamond profiles on my cart tbh but it sounds good

 

[skate323k137]

Some old UK dubstep from 'The Others'

 

[Hattori Hanzo]

I've got no idea about diamond profiles on my cart tbh but it sounds good

My 40 € Thakker replacement or an Analogis Black Diamond stylus both sound better than a stock OM 10 or M2 Red. It's fine for me and my Thorens.

 

[SignOfZeta]

 

[theMot]

You can go up to the 2M black I believe which is a super MM cart. Just take the old one off and plug it in. I've just checked the tracking force for the red vs blue and they are the same. So yeah it should be a straight swap.

Going to the bronze or black would be a big jump, but a jump in cost also.

Alright. Just not sure if its worth swapping on my ancient Dual 621.

The

The Red and Blue are a straight swap. That cart doesn’t work with the Black and Bronze which are also interchangeable. The Blue is a lot better than the Red. I have an AT 540ml now which is a little more but better again than the Blue.

 

[theMot]

I had the Ortofon blue a while back, and while it was a nice cart, it just wasn't for me. As far as carts in that price range, I much preferred the AT vm540ml. I think the biggest improvement to my ears comes from the microline stylus vs the elliptical of the 2m Blue. But different ears, ymmv, etc.

I'll tell you though, while amazon and musicdirect and most dealers will have carts at the same standard price unless they're open box or something, it's worth getting on the guitarcenter mailing list because they send out periodic coupons for 15-20% off, and you can save some coin on a new cart. While they do carry Ortofon, I don't believe they carry their 2m line.


Here's the cart I recommend to guys in the sub 300 range:

Audio-Technica VM540ML Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge

Shop for the Audio-Technica VM540ML Dual Moving Magnet Cartridge and receive free shipping on your order and the guaranteed lowest price.

www.guitarcenter.com

I’ve got the 540ml also, great cart. Maybe a little on the bright side but once your ears adjust to it, it’s nice.

 

[skate323k137]

I use M44-7's with Jico replacement styluses. I should get a better "listening" needle but it's good enough.

 

[SignOfZeta]

Alright. Just not sure if its worth swapping on my ancient Dual 621.

Unless it’s absolutely falling apart, it probably is.

 

[prof82]

I’ve got the 540ml also, great cart. Maybe a little on the bright side but once your ears adjust to it, it’s nice.

Yeah, I quite like it. I've been using the 750SH for a while now, but the 540 got me into the AT line. I've used a bunch of different mm carts over the years, but I love the lack of sibilance and inner groove distortion you get with this line of AT carts, so I've been high on them for a few years now.


And while it was mentioned, I wanted to make sure you know, Zeta, that the 2m red can be swapped with the blue stylus, but not the bronze or black. The red and blue body are the same, and thus have interchangeable styli, while the bronze and black have the same body and are interchangeable with each other. Sometimes guys get confused over that.

 

[Dr Shroom]

Unless it’s absolutely falling apart, it probably is.

got two of them and they are in great condition considering their age. the automatic also still works. both were refurbished at a local record store here. quality german engineering.

 

[SignOfZeta]

got two of them and they are in great condition considering their age. the automatic also still works. both were refurbished at a local record store here. quality german engineering.

Its hard to beat TTs made during the golden age and every current auto, AFAICT, is built on the same crap mechanism. Keep those guys forever.

 

[SignOfZeta]

10/10. I missed this when it originally came out but now it’s one of my all time favorite albums.

Teatro (Willie Nelson album) - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[kernow]

 

[kernow]

 

[kernow]

 

[prof82]

Recent pickup from the Blue Note spring sale.

 

[SignOfZeta]

 

[BeefJerky]

View attachment 64168

Dumbass, no one can even tell what you're playing in this picture. What the fucking hell kind of Instagram shit is this?

 

[BeefJerky]

@SignOfZeta I need your expert opinion. Am I doing vinyls right??

 

[prof82]

Would you like to go to heaven tonight?

 

[terry.330]

Dumbass, no one can even tell what you're playing in this picture. What the fucking hell kind of Instagram shit is this?

I think he's trying to show off his stylus/cartridge... but of course he had to do it in the most obnoxious and pretentious way possible.

 

[BeefJerky]

I think he's trying to show off his stylus/cartridge... but of course he had to do it in the most obnoxious and pretentious way possible.

Indeed. That was obvious.

 

[terry.330]

Oh I figured you knew but I still have to seize every opportunity to shit on him.