Hi. Thanks for the overview of the differences between the two cartridges, as I'm considering the 85 or 85n models. Also thank you for your opinion between the rega 1 and the Fluance 85, as I was also looking at that rega unit, near enough to the price. I know that for higher cost units that I have looked at from different manufacturers, I'd have most likely chosen the rega 3, but I am really not willling to spend so high. And realistically, my vinyl collection is way to small to sanely warrant considering any greater amounts of $$$ on turntables anyway. I'm long-winded, sorry, but thanks again for this video! Have a great day!
Enjoyed your video. You have a new subscriber. I currently use a Technics SL-3300 turntable I bought back in late 1977. Amazingly it still works flawlessly! At some point in the near future, I plan to purchase a turntable for my study where I sometimes listen to 2-channel music. I am considering the RT-85 and debating if to go with the N or the Ortofon Blue. I am leaning towards the Ortofon Blue.
I would recommend getting the RT85 with the Blue after having both now for some time. The cartridge and stylus are much better quality and the Ortofon lasts much longer as well. The only thing I would say about the Blue is that it does have a bright tone to it. It works well on my system so no real issues for me.
@@bellisariosonic Today I received from LP Gear a JICO stylus replacement for my SHURE V15 Type II cartridge. Not cheap but really like the sound. I also ordered their replacement stylus ATN12XE to upgrade a very old AT-VM8 Hii. That completes my cartridge collection: Shure V15 Type II w/JICO stylus Shure M95ed AT VM95EN/H AT 3600L AT VM8 Hii with ATN12XE stylus Empire 3000 III Almost bought a Technics SL-3200 turntable with a SHURE V15 Type IV cartridge but decided to wait and get the RT-85 for my study.
Thanks great overview I use the Ortofon Blue on new records and a Ortofon Red on used records the combination works great 2 head shells no adjustments needed
Have you tried putting the red stylus onto the blue cartridge? I was wondering if that would work well rather than changing the entire headshell. @@charlesbrowne4418
The Ortofon Red and Blue use exactly the same cartridge, just a different stylus. So you will get the same result by simply swapping the stylus, and you'll save yourself some money.
If pops and crackles bothered me, no way would I torture myself with vinyl in the first place. The RT85N sounds like it's just dulling the sound to get rid of all the pops.
One of the big plusses for me about the N is the auto shut off that the RT85 does not have. Probably doesn't make much difference to most people but it does to me.
They both have auto-stop. If you look on the page under specifications they both have yes although the feature picture is different on the N which shows it. But although I catch 95% of mine manually I have tested it and sometimes depending on where the runout ends on the record it will not always stop.
The RT85 does have auto stop!! Infact the RT80 thru RT85 all have auto stop, generally takes around 30 seconds to stop. You can turn it off or on with switch on back of turntables
You can switch them and they will play, however the tracking angle is not the same for the two cartridges so the two turntables are set up slightly different from Fluance.
Very good video! I have RT85 and I want to upgrade the stylus after 1000 hours or so to the better one, the Bronze. Is that possible? is the arm ok for the Bronze? Thank you!
I’m not sure you can substitute that one directly. On the Ortofon website it shows direct replacement options. Here is the link. www.ortofon.com/hifi/?categoryId=2289&subCategoryId=2293
Here is the right link for cartridge families so it looks like you can go up to the black level. www.ortofon.com/hifi/products/hifi-cartridges/?categoryId=88&subCategoryId=3527
What i don't get is the choice. Surely the mp110 is the equivalent of an ortofon red, price wise anyway. So you would think the choice would be between the ortofon blue or an mp150.
Unfortunately the Fluance doesn't come with an mp150. Yes, you would think they would make that their Nagaoka option for the RT-85N. Maybe we should write Fluance!
@@bellisariosonic not that I'm knocking the fluance, it's an amazing table for the money. I went with a project but wished I'd chosen the rt85. Nothing wrong with the projects sound, it's the lack of auto shut off. Yes I fell asleep and woke up to a busted stylus and a damaged record. Thanks for the comparison.
You were able to put the Ortofon 2M Blue on the RT85N? When I tried this, the arm does not lower enough for the 2M Blue needle to even touch the record. I thought this was just due to the tone arm design for the RT85N being made to fit the MP-110 better. Could I potentially be doing something wrong?
@@bellisariosonic oh, no. I used the headshell that came with the Ortofon 2M Blue. Should I be attaching the 2M Blue to the headshell that came with the RT85N for the Nagaoka cartridge? I didn't think that'd technically be possible.
@@Shivaxi no you should be able to take the entire headshell with the cartridge and swap them around. I can put either one on either turntable. They play fine. There is only a .5 mm difference in height.
@@bellisariosonic That is strange then and maybe concerning. Yeah I put the entire new headshell on with the 2m blue, and it hovers just barely above the record. The piece that raises and lowers the arm does not go any lower to allow the 2m blue to touch the record strangely, but I have no such issue with the MP-110
Man Im stuck between a mix of old records and new , now I think I’m leaning towards the 85N. But can you explain more in depth why you can’t switch between the heads for too long , is the tracking head angle built into the arm or the head ?
Yes the tracking angle is fixed. But if you’ve seen my later videos I and others have had static issues with the mp110. I would recommend getting the RT85 at this point personally now having had them both for quite sometime.
If I’m going to be running this through a stereo receiver, do I need to buy the model with the preamp? I’ve read some things, but I don’t understand will the preamp help with the sound if I’m running it through a stereo receiver?
No I think overall after having them both for sometime that the OrtofonBlue is a better sounding cartridge and it lasts longer than the mp110. The 110 is a bit more forgiving on less than perfect records.
@@bellisariosonic cool, I will not buy a cartridge with the rt85 then. What is the best value for money upgrade afterwards? Preamp? I am really new into this. I have some edifier r2000db speakers
@@fbaraky660 for starting out the Schiit Mani preamp is great. www.schiit.com/products/mani?Finish=576&AC%20Adapter=572&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAp5qsBhAPEiwAP0qeJpMxxPsCUrDubNUjBJ_oN7hYr1biu1vmVtpYqgD2kyBTDUZ7DPXG1hoCo_4QAvD_BwE
@@fbaraky660 and eventually I would get better speakers. If you want to stick to powered bookshelf speakers the Yamaha HS8s are awesome. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HS8--yamaha-hs8-8-inch-powered-studio-monitor-black?mrkgadid=3304650744&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gtext&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=studio&recording&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=43700046748108805&lid=43700046748108805&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283376138&device=m&network=g&matchtype=b&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9012446&creative=685509729728&targetid=aud-994727061005:kwd-297387629441&campaignid=1441287338&awsearchcpc=1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAp5qsBhAPEiwAP0qeJmQb7MJLnmnPOmHOl9zF14ugOgQryHaVeXFW-FVYBWUhROXoQaZodBoC5TkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
As far as replacing the stylus, what is the more common tracking angle in general as far as stylus options with the 2m blue and the MP 110 being different?
The 20° vertical tracking angle of the Ortofon 2M Red, 2M Silver, and 2M Blue is more common than the 31° of the MP110. There is a good article on the Sound Org website to learn more. The most common are between 23 and 28 degrees. soundorg.com/news/rega-vertical-tracking-angles
I have run MP's since 2018 and get 500-600 hours before treble distortion increases. What's more, MP-110 styli cost only about $60 vs. $190 for the 2M Blue.
Nagaoka can last longer if it's handled correctly, and records kept clean. Microscope inspect and keep styli clean, replace at first sign of wear flats. I've seen styli which lasted less than advertised, and some which lasted longer.
That's why you should probably copy the vinyl discs to eg DSD or PCM 24 . You can also copy to tape Even to such luxury as Real to real tape. with PRO-JECT Debut Carbon RecordMaster Hires. Can you easily Rip the vinyl records to DSD or PCM 24 It is said to have analog audio input as well. For example, if you want to rip your old cassette tapes or something else DSD Is the digital format that is considered to have the most analog character of the sound
Thanks for the comparison! The practical aspect of each cartridge for old vs new records is great info, as I’m trying to decide which to pick.
I hope this helped! Thanks for stopping by!
Many thanks. Very informative. Great effort…❤
Hi. Thanks for the overview of the differences between the two cartridges, as I'm considering the 85 or 85n models. Also thank you for your opinion between the rega 1 and the Fluance 85, as I was also looking at that rega unit, near enough to the price. I know that for higher cost units that I have looked at from different manufacturers, I'd have most likely chosen the rega 3, but I am really not willling to spend so high. And realistically, my vinyl collection is way to small to sanely warrant considering any greater amounts of $$$ on turntables anyway. I'm long-winded, sorry, but thanks again for this video! Have a great day!
Thanks for stopping by. So far for the money you really can't go wrong with either of these Fluances.
Enjoyed your video. You have a new subscriber. I currently use a Technics SL-3300 turntable I bought back in late 1977. Amazingly it still works flawlessly!
At some point in the near future, I plan to purchase a turntable for my study where I sometimes listen to 2-channel music. I am considering the RT-85 and debating if to go with the N or the Ortofon Blue. I am leaning towards the Ortofon Blue.
I would recommend getting the RT85 with the Blue after having both now for some time. The cartridge and stylus are much better quality and the Ortofon lasts much longer as well. The only thing I would say about the Blue is that it does have a bright tone to it. It works well on my system so no real issues for me.
@@bellisariosonic Today I received from LP Gear a JICO stylus replacement for my SHURE V15 Type II cartridge. Not cheap but really like the sound.
I also ordered their replacement stylus ATN12XE to upgrade a very old AT-VM8 Hii.
That completes my cartridge collection:
Shure V15 Type II w/JICO stylus
Shure M95ed
AT VM95EN/H
AT 3600L
AT VM8 Hii with ATN12XE stylus
Empire 3000 III
Almost bought a Technics SL-3200 turntable with a SHURE V15 Type IV cartridge but decided to wait and get the RT-85 for my study.
Blue all the way IMO. I love the detail retrieved in playback. Just keep you records clean because the Blue will pick it up
Thanks great overview I use the Ortofon Blue on new records and a Ortofon Red on used records the combination works great 2 head shells no adjustments needed
Great idea. I may purchase a red as well. Did you get another headshell so you can switch them more easily?
Yes I have 2 headshells
Have you tried putting the red stylus onto the blue cartridge? I was wondering if that would work well rather than changing the entire headshell. @@charlesbrowne4418
@@bellisariosonic Sure just changing the Stylus would work also
The Ortofon Red and Blue use exactly the same cartridge, just a different stylus. So you will get the same result by simply swapping the stylus, and you'll save yourself some money.
If pops and crackles bothered me, no way would I torture myself with vinyl in the first place. The RT85N sounds like it's just dulling the sound to get rid of all the pops.
With the Rega Neo PSU, you can change the speed of several turntables from Rega. Without changing the belt
One of the big plusses for me about the N is the auto shut off that the RT85 does not have. Probably doesn't make much difference to most people but it does to me.
They both have auto-stop. If you look on the page under specifications they both have yes although the feature picture is different on the N which shows it. But although I catch 95% of mine manually I have tested it and sometimes depending on where the runout ends on the record it will not always stop.
I have the RT85 and it does have the auto shut off. It takes about 30 or 60 seconds but it does shut off.
The RT85 does have auto stop!! Infact the RT80 thru RT85 all have auto stop, generally takes around 30 seconds to stop. You can turn it off or on with switch on back of turntables
There are also things to buy so you can remove static electricity from vinyl records
Thanks for the comparison! Do I understand right, that in theory I can switch the M2Blue to a M-110 on my RT85 if needed?
You can switch them and they will play, however the tracking angle is not the same for the two cartridges so the two turntables are set up slightly different from Fluance.
Very good video! I have RT85 and I want to upgrade the stylus after 1000 hours or so to the better one, the Bronze. Is that possible? is the arm ok for the Bronze? Thank you!
I’m not sure you can substitute that one directly. On the Ortofon website it shows direct replacement options. Here is the link. www.ortofon.com/hifi/?categoryId=2289&subCategoryId=2293
Here is the right link for cartridge families so it looks like you can go up to the black level. www.ortofon.com/hifi/products/hifi-cartridges/?categoryId=88&subCategoryId=3527
What i don't get is the choice. Surely the mp110 is the equivalent of an ortofon red, price wise anyway. So you would think the choice would be between the ortofon blue or an mp150.
Unfortunately the Fluance doesn't come with an mp150. Yes, you would think they would make that their Nagaoka option for the RT-85N. Maybe we should write Fluance!
@@bellisariosonic not that I'm knocking the fluance, it's an amazing table for the money. I went with a project but wished I'd chosen the rt85. Nothing wrong with the projects sound, it's the lack of auto shut off. Yes I fell asleep and woke up to a busted stylus and a damaged record. Thanks for the comparison.
The vinyl records could perhaps be a little better with an ultrasonic cleaner
You were able to put the Ortofon 2M Blue on the RT85N? When I tried this, the arm does not lower enough for the 2M Blue needle to even touch the record. I thought this was just due to the tone arm design for the RT85N being made to fit the MP-110 better. Could I potentially be doing something wrong?
I didn’t have that issue mine plays ok. Are you using the same Fluance headshell?
@@bellisariosonic oh, no. I used the headshell that came with the Ortofon 2M Blue. Should I be attaching the 2M Blue to the headshell that came with the RT85N for the Nagaoka cartridge? I didn't think that'd technically be possible.
@@Shivaxi no you should be able to take the entire headshell with the cartridge and swap them around. I can put either one on either turntable. They play fine. There is only a .5 mm difference in height.
@@bellisariosonic That is strange then and maybe concerning. Yeah I put the entire new headshell on with the 2m blue, and it hovers just barely above the record. The piece that raises and lowers the arm does not go any lower to allow the 2m blue to touch the record strangely, but I have no such issue with the MP-110
@@Shivaxi right. I would call Fluance support. They have been easy to deal with when I have called.
Man Im stuck between a mix of old records and new , now I think I’m leaning towards the 85N. But can you explain more in depth why you can’t switch between the heads for too long , is the tracking head angle built into the arm or the head ?
Yes the tracking angle is fixed. But if you’ve seen my later videos I and others have had static issues with the mp110. I would recommend getting the RT85 at this point personally now having had them both for quite sometime.
Thank you
If I’m going to be running this through a stereo receiver, do I need to buy the model with the preamp? I’ve read some things, but I don’t understand will the preamp help with the sound if I’m running it through a stereo receiver?
Yes you either need a phono input on the receiver itself or run it through a preamp
I personally like the Shiit Mani preamp for the money if you’re just getting going.
www.schiit.com/products/mani
So the main difference isnt a upgraded version of the model but another cartridge....🤨
Yes indeed, only difference is the cartridges everything else identical
Nagaoka all the way!
Would you think the nagaoka mp100 or 110 would be a worthy upgrade over the blue?
No I think overall after having them both for sometime that the OrtofonBlue is a better sounding cartridge and it lasts longer than the mp110. The 110 is a bit more forgiving on less than perfect records.
@@bellisariosonic cool, I will not buy a cartridge with the rt85 then. What is the best value for money upgrade afterwards? Preamp? I am really new into this. I have some edifier r2000db speakers
@@fbaraky660 for starting out the Schiit Mani preamp is great.
www.schiit.com/products/mani?Finish=576&AC%20Adapter=572&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAp5qsBhAPEiwAP0qeJpMxxPsCUrDubNUjBJ_oN7hYr1biu1vmVtpYqgD2kyBTDUZ7DPXG1hoCo_4QAvD_BwE
@@fbaraky660 and eventually I would get better speakers. If you want to stick to powered bookshelf speakers the Yamaha HS8s are awesome. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HS8--yamaha-hs8-8-inch-powered-studio-monitor-black?mrkgadid=3304650744&mrkgcl=28&mrkgen=gtext&mrkgbflag=0&mrkgcat=studio&recording&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=43700046748108805&lid=43700046748108805&ds_s_kwgid=58700005283376138&device=m&network=g&matchtype=b&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9012446&creative=685509729728&targetid=aud-994727061005:kwd-297387629441&campaignid=1441287338&awsearchcpc=1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAp5qsBhAPEiwAP0qeJmQb7MJLnmnPOmHOl9zF14ugOgQryHaVeXFW-FVYBWUhROXoQaZodBoC5TkQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
👍
As far as replacing the stylus, what is the more common tracking angle in general as far as stylus options with the 2m blue and the MP 110 being different?
The 20° vertical tracking angle of the Ortofon 2M Red, 2M Silver, and 2M Blue is more common than the 31° of the MP110. There is a good article on the Sound Org website to learn more. The most common are between 23 and 28 degrees. soundorg.com/news/rega-vertical-tracking-angles
@@bellisariosonic I appreciate you getting back to me. That's good to know. Thank you!
which one sounds warmer??
M-110
“Warmer”
Ortofon Blue lasts 1000 hours & Nagaoka mp 110 lasts 200 hours
I have run MP's since 2018 and get 500-600 hours before treble distortion increases. What's more, MP-110 styli cost only about $60 vs. $190 for the 2M Blue.
Nagaoka can last longer if it's handled correctly, and records kept clean. Microscope inspect and keep styli clean, replace at first sign of wear flats. I've seen styli which lasted less than advertised, and some which lasted longer.
That's why you should probably copy the vinyl discs to eg DSD or PCM 24 . You can also copy to tape Even to such luxury as Real to real tape.
with PRO-JECT
Debut Carbon RecordMaster Hires. Can you easily Rip the vinyl records to DSD or PCM 24
It is said to have analog audio input as well. For example, if you want to rip your old cassette tapes or something else
DSD Is the digital format that is considered to have the most analog character of the sound
I like sitting down and pulling my records out and playing them. If you take care of them they will last.