Ortofon 2M Bronze review: Better Than 2M Red and 2M Blue?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ค. 2020
- In today’s video, I review the Ortofon 2M Bronze!
Get the Ortofon 2M Bronze today while supplies last (see below):
🟡 Ortofon 2M Bronze: amzn.to/4b7o7EK (Amazon)
🔵 Ortofon 2M Bronze: bit.ly/3Wn0PXk (Turntable Lab)
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In addition, I am also member of the Turntable Lab affiliate program. As a result, some product links in this description may be Turntable Lab affiliate links, as well.
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Finally, you can check out my in-depth written review of the Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge here:
www.devotedtovinyl.com/ortofo... - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
I'm new to the vinyl thing but for the past few weeks I've been doing tons of research. I think I've found my favorite vinyl youtube channel!!! 💯
Thanks man, I appreciate you watching!
My upgrade this year involved going from a vintage B&O turntable with a proprietary MC cart to a Fluance RT85 with the Ortofon 2M Blue. The Blue sounds amazing with punch, definition and tracking ability. I have been thrilled with the upgrade and have spun more albums than I ever had before. Excellent video, by the way!
Nice! Thanks for watching.
nice to see you finally back making a new video.reason i haven't upgraded i'm pretty satisfied with my set up right now my deck setup is a vintage Kenwood '70s era Japanese Hi-fi direct drive turntable with the Shure M44-7 cart.if i had the extra cash flow i would have a Technics 1200 deck with a Nagaoka a110 cart as my main deck.
Thanks!
I have red, blue, and bronze on different turntables. Love them all! Great video, Thank You for the post. Have a great day!
Nice! Thanks for sharing 👍🏿
Thank you for the interesting video. In regards to your question, I'm using vintage Sony TT, I upgraded its compatible cartridge (the original stylus broke down) with Ortofon Super OM10 and a while after with OM20. I experienced the significant upgrade each time and it was a great experience. I think I came to a stage where I get the best from my TT, meaning probably it will not benefit from another upgrade. I'm now thinking of keeping the same cartridge level and replace to Nagaoka MP-110 as it's more refined detailed and musical. Still need to validate this assumption.
Great video with useful comparison notes based on your personal experience - not loaded with confusing sales jargon BS. A great point you made was how the Bronze is 'less-forgiving'' than the blue or red. I think that's why a lot of us regular people are happier with the Blue and find the Bronze can be 'harsh' - I generally agree. The Bronze is great, but you do need clean records and good pressings. One user commented that a better phono stage really brought out the best from the Bronze - fully agree. Entering the Bronze/Black world puts you in another level of quality and everything else in the chain needs to be on that level for it to really work as designed.
Nobody is talking about cartridges from the Italian company Gold Note. Their Vasari Gold MM cart sells for $400-500 and is absolutely amazing, especially when I've compared the Gold Note to an Ortofon 2M Bronze and also an Ortofon OM-30 (same stylus design as the 2M Bronze, different body design). The Gold Note stuff seems to be very 'forgiving' and makes every record sound 'better' than before - it's weird, check it out. They're doing some cool stuff.
Great simple no nonsense straight forward video. I bought a Technics 1500c turntable a couple of years ago when I decided to recommission my vinyl collection that has been sitting preserved in the attic. I had just retired and was treating myself to my dream "final" system that I could finally devote long hours to enjoying my music collection. It came refitted with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge which I've been happy with. In all honesty I only use the turntable occasionally - I still find CDs and Streaming to be more convenient but I do like to take out some of the old classic albums in my vinyl collection for "close" listening. I have zero interest in buying new vinyl. I am thinking of upgrading the cartridge and the 2M Blue would be the easiest option as it's a straightforward swap. I am tempted to take the plunge and splash out on the 2m Bronze but I'm hesitant as it requires a bit of faffing around setting it up- one of the many drawbacks of turntables/vinyl! I'm still procrastinating but your practical video guide has reassured me somewhat although the adjustments required are still a bit of a stumbling block for me. I will probably make the switch to 2M Blue first and if I notice a marked difference then it will probably provide the evidence and impetus that the 2M Bronze would be a worthwhile move.
Isolating your turntable is a huge improvement I use a auralex platform the difference is absolutely astounding
The true potential of the 2M Bronze really shined when I upgraded my phono preamp from a Schiit Mani to a Sutherland KC Vibe. The difference was night and day!
I had that amp, and it's awesome! I upgraded to the KC Insight with the upgraded PSU, and as far as I'm concerned my 2M Black LVB just sounds perfect.
The upgrade from the Red to Blue was a big one for me-so much more definition, and less inner groove distortion. I’m very happy with the Blue, and based on what you mentioned with older/less prime records and Bronze, I think that I’m good to stay with Blue for now.
I have the bronze and it’s definitely a good upgrade from the red and blue. I’m thinking about the black now.
I have a ProJect Debut Carbon TT and just last night, I upgraded to t a Blue stylus. Cannot wait to hear the difference on my ultra-sensitive Klipsch La Scala speakers! The stylus arrives Friday. This'll be fun! I need to have a few LP's in mind to test out first. Some Steely Dan, Beatles 2014 Mono box selections maybe.... Or perhaps some Ziggy Stardust.
Good commentary and review. Just finished setting up my new Project-Ject Carbon with the Ortofon Red. I'll chill with it for a bit before i follow your path.
Good video. I found out that if your turntable supports different headshields, you can get the Audio-Technica AT-LH11H Aluminum Headshell. It has easy adjustment of hangover and azimuth.
Here's some more good news: if you ever want to upgrade to the 2M Black, all you need to do is swap the stylus. The cartridge body is the same as the 2M Bronze. The big difference is the stylus profile. The 2M Black has a Shibata stylus.
At the moment on my short list is a new turntable, Project 2X with either the Ortofon 2M Bronze or 2M Black. And I'll put the 2M Red on my 45 yr. old Turntable, currently having a Shure V15 Type III cartridge, for playing records that are less than Mint Minus condition. I think it will give me excellent flexibility to have two working turntables.
I just upgraded from a Shure V15 Type IV cartridge to a Ortofon 2m Red. I'm very happy with the upgrade. The Shure cartridge is very smooth, clear and warm and the Ortofon is more bright & lively with my system. Pioneer Elite receiver. Kenwood KD750 turntable, & Klipsch KV 5.5 speakers. At some point I intend to move from the red directly to the bronze version.
A very meticulous review thank you.
Keep it up my man, good videos. Good to see you are back
Thanks Marccelo. Appreciate you watching and dropping the comment.
Back in 1982 I bought a Technics SL-D3 turntable with the original Technics 270 cartridge. Just the standard round sound.
I upgraded the cartridge with an ADC TRX-1 with induced magnet (both coil and magnet are not moving, instead there's a tiny metal V shaped in between which gives MC detail and MM output) and it has a line contact nude diamond on a tapered aluminium cantilever.
It is beyond awesome and recently I tested some good quality records against their CD counterparts. Listening through a Denon amp and Sennheiser headphones or Tannoy Reference r2 speakers.
There's way more detail on the vinyl than on CD.
Very direct and almost dry bass punch, extremely crisp high treble, like hihat and how the letter S sounds. Listen to Running up that hill on mint vinyl. I can hear her breath and all sorts of background sounds. Even the hiss from the mix or the position of every thing in the stereo field.
To my surprise the vinyl album was much clearer than the CD.
My guess is that the ADC TRX-1 should be compared with the Ortofon black. Our even slightly higher.
Black has shibata.
AT has cartridges with shibata and line contact and the latter are more expensive.
I read somewhere that the TRX-1 wiped everything MM back in the day and even the majority of MC.
And on eBay a used cartridge still goes for 400 dollar.
I paid 169 Dutch guilders in 1987 and that is about 90 Dollar.
Currently I have a Blue.
I’m debating between the Bronze & the Black.
Your review format is great. I appreciate you lived with the Bronze for a while before putting out the review.
I have a vintage system. A Technics SL1210MK2, amp Akai AM75 Reference Master and Audiolab-speakers. And I have a 2M Bronze cartridge. I think this combination is really VERY good, with ALL of my records. I'm even considering a 2M Black, but I'm not sure it's worth the extra cash. Best from The Netherlands!
Hey man, thank you for this review, it actually helped me a lot, as I am considering an upgrade from 2m blue to 2m bronze - and I’m looking for more base, so it did a lot of sense to me. Tnx!
Liked and subbed, I ordered an Ortofon 2m red. That's what got me here! It'll be my first ever upgrade.
Thanks for subscribing! Hope you enjoy the 2M Red.
I have a VPI Cliffwood TT that came with the Ortofon 2M Red which is really good----but I'm thinking of going to the Blue. Thanks for the review.
No problem - - thanks for watching.
I own both the 2M Red and the 2M Bronze... and the bronze is happily sitting in its box whereas the red is the one I use. When I bought the 2M Bronze based on online recommendations, I was shocked after use to find out that the overall performance of the Bronze is inferior to that of the RED.
1) It is true that the sound opens up and there is more detail yet the sound is unrealistically thin lacking the proper low frequencies you find on the 2M Red
2) As the sound is thin it becomes clear despite the extra detail, that these unrealistic high pitched frequencies kill any enjoyment that anyone might drive from the extra detail of the 2M Bronze. Also, the overexpression of the high frequencies gives a much more rapid Ear fatigue compared to the 2M Red.
I'm surprised when the video said there is an enhancement in Base. In my experience it is the exact opposite. For these reasons I uninstalled my 2M Bronze and currently just listen to the 2M Red. Just my experience.
I have heard this comment before. What is most likely happening is the Bronze is revealing your turntable, tonearm or other components need upgrading to a comparable quality level. It's like pairing very expensive speakers to inexpensive kit. The speakers will just sound awful as they are not being driven by adequate 'upstream' components.
2M red sucks😂😂😂
Wow
@@MegaPaleszYo Momma!🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for your input. I just got the red and I'm very impressed with the sound quality. I was thinking about upgrading to the bronze in the future but I may abandon that Idea and just keep enjoying the good sound from the red.
This is why turntables with removeable headshells are the way to go. So much easier swapping out cartridges.
My first cartridge was a Shure M91ED on a Dual 1215S turntable bought new in 1972. I later bought an Audio Technica 440 Precept cartridge in 1985 which was a big step-up cartridge wise. Since then, I have used a Shure V15 TYPE 3 and an Audio Technica 440MLa on a Dual 601. These cartridges work quite well when transferring LP's to Music CD-R's with a Pioneer CD-R/RW recorder.
Boy does this bring back memories
Great review bud. Thanks.
Thanks for watching 👍🏿
I made an isolation base out of a gorgeous piece of granite and I ordered a Houdini I'm stoked
i have a Bronze stylus on a 2M Silver cart on my ortofon 1expression and it sounds wonderful when you consider the rest of my gear ( jolida amp, rogue preamp and focal chorus speakers). i do have a 2M Silver on my other table, the debut carbon esprit, connected to a bellari pre amp. it's absolutely noticeably inferior so i use that rig for my less than perfect records, although no album i spin skips or is badly scratched.
I have a blue on my fluance. Love it
Likewise. No plans to upgrade anytime soon. I like the sound I currently get.
Glad your back
Thanks 👍🏿
Thank you for this video! I am thinking about upgrade from 2m red to the bronze. I was thinking that they are sharing the same body... but yeah... it looks that I need to buy whole cartridge. Greetings from Poland!
Thanks for watching!
Yes I did the same exact upgrade and it was well worth it. Now I’m contemplating the black.
When I set up my Rega turntable I saw a video similar to this and with with the Ortofon Super OM series rather than the 2M series. Pretty much equivalent progression 10, 20, 30, 40 with the 20 = Blue and 30 = Bronze without changing the cartridge. I started with the OM20 and went to OM30 which I really love. I find it lively and dynamic.
Similar here. I had a Super OM10 in my Planar 3 and I swapped the stylus for an OM30, and I got a big improvement in resolution.
And the Ortofon OM 40 is roughly equivalent to the 2M Black having a Shibata stylus. Generally, the OM series cartridges sound a bit leaner than the equivalent 2M series cartridge. Tho a slight notch up on your bass control pretty much evens things out.
I have a secondhand Audio Technica VM530EN that was installed on my turntable when I bought it secondhand. I’m wanting to upgrade as I’m worried I’m not getting the most out of my sound system. There seems to be no one comparing the Ortofon Bronze to my existing cartridge, but I did find someone comparing it to the Ortofon Blue and my cartridge was said to be slightly better.
Just got a 2M Black LVB 250 on the Orbit last night and that top end extension is crazy. It seems less bassy than my MP-110 and of course more neutral regardless of whether I use my HD 6XX or HD 300 PROs with my Magni 2 but I will definitely need to listen to my collection over again now. I plan on getting a Technics SL-1210GR or mk7 in the future and comparing that as well.
What cartridge would you recommend in the $200-$400 range? I have the entire level AT95E
@@ericelmore2742 I have heard some awesome 2M Blue and MP-200 demos.
I would recommend the AT VM740ML cartridge. I have the 540 and I can say I'm impressed thoroughly with it. So, I'd think the 740 is even better! It sells for $340 USD, which is in your range. I hope this helps narrow some choices! @@ericelmore2742
I went from the red to the blue on my Audio Technica LP120XUSB with an IFI Zen pre-amp. I have been happy with that decision. Thank you so much for this video because I have been curious about the Ortofon bronze. I dont think I can justify the cash outlay for the bronze given that many of my records are old and only in fair or good condition (teenagers did not treat records too well in the 70s and 80s, myself included). I think I will use the $400 instead to help upgrade my Klipsch "The Fives" powered speakers to the new "Sevens". I think that's a better use of the money since vinyl is not an everyday thing for me. But I do really love playing classic albums in their entirety and the Ortofon Blue does that very well for me. I don't see it as the "weakest link" in my personal audio chain.
Great video, you just got yourself a new sub
I just upgraded to a Denon 103R from the Ortofon Blue. I’m using the Pro-Ject Ds2 Tube pre-amp and a Mofi Ultradeck. Not sure I’m happy with my choice. Not crazy about vocals with the new setup. I wish I would have tried the Ortofon Bronze. Good video.
Don’t give up just yet. The Denon 103R is a fine moving coil cartridge that has some unusual loading requirements to sound its best. I’m not familiar with your phono preamp but if it’s moving coil setting is set at a fixed 100 ohms (common with most moving coil preamps-read the manual!) the cartridge is being loaded down. The Denon prefers a loading impedance of around 500 ohms to sound as designed. If your phono pre has adjustable moving coil loading, try some settings around that 500 ohm point. Different settings won’t hurt any thing. If you’re phono pre is preset to 100 ohms, you have a mismatch.
Great video!
Aaron Best Thanks buddy.
Thanks for saving me a couple hundred bucks, I’ll be going with the blue.
what a brilliant video thanks.... my new Project rpm 1 carbon ; worth it or is 2M blue a sensible upgrade limit ? it comes with red stylus
BEST VINYL CHANNEL
I just came into this, as I have both the Blue and Bronze, approximately 5 hours used, from a couple of sellers on Vinyl Engine.
The Blue was the one that brought the punch...it's true the mastering makes a lot of difference.
The Bronze on the same record (Dire Straits' On Every Street by the way, the track When It Comes To You) sounded a bit more airy, with all the punch as the Blue.
Though I’m a long time true blue vinyl guy, On Every Street is one album I always thought sounded better on CD. Funny that 😂
Thanks , Bro very Honesty , like that
Yes! This is my ranking:
1) bronze
2) blue
3) red
But if you want a bigger cartridge that is better than them all for such an affordable price it’s Nagaoka all the way. Nagaoka a110 is where it’s at.
Ps, so glad you are back. You are one of my faves!
Thanks buddy! I'll have to look into that cartridge sometime.
i'm also a big fan of Nagaoka a110 listened to one on a Technics 1200 deck and it sounds awesome it would be part of my setup if i had the extra money.
Nagaoka is good, but Blue sounds nicer! I had both. Blue has a brighter sound
When I upgraded from the 2m red to the 2m blue I was just blown away at the improvement. The blue provided much greater clarity and definition. The blue has greater resolution and a more compelling musical presentation. It is also quieter in background noise and can reveal greater detail in the music. I am very happy with it and felt it was well worth the extra money over the red.
Can't argue with that. The 2M Blue is great 👍🏿👍🏿
Also, the concord series of stylus fits the M2, looks bit weird but it does work.
Thank you that was informative. Question I recently bought a techniques sl1800 mk1 tt that came with a red auditechnica cart and am looking to upgrade. I'm interested in a recommendation. Just getting into vinyl
Great beard Michael!
I have the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable and it did come with the Ortofon 2M Red. I used that for a while before upgrading to the 2M Blue and I have been very happy with the Blue. I also got the Schitt Mani Phono Preamp and I am very happy with the combination. I don't know if I want to splurge on the 2M Bronze. For now, I'm good.
Thanks for the video
Hi Michael, thanks for a very informative video. I'm thinking of upgrading to ortofon bronze. My current set up consists of the following :
Preamp - Philips PA1000B
Amp- PA1200B
Turntable - Technics SL1200 MK2 with Shure DC40 cartridge
And I just picked up a pair of original Klipsch Forte's. Obviously, I need to replace the Shure cartridge but is my system worthy of the Ortofon Bronze? All replies welcomed. Thank you.
I also have a NAD C658 streaming DAC which has phono stage also, but I don't like it as much as the Philips' phono stage. I may have to fiddle with the settings of the NAD. Any input greatly appreciated
When I ordered my technics 1200GR it doesn't come with a cartridge. I had the dealer mount a ortofon bronze. It sounds really good. Like you said some records sound excellent others not so good. Plus I hooked up my turntable brand new out of the box to my brand new yamaha A-S1200 integrated amplifier out of the box. I don't know if I'll ever go to the black. For now I'm satisfied.
Ran red, on Carbon Esprit, later blue on my rega rp6 and finally Exact on same one. Blue was way better than red but Exact...fully different leage. Fair point - Groovetracer sub made huuge difference.
Wanna get the most from the Ortofon 2M Series? Buy a Technics SL-1200GR. You can even get a PNP 2M, which gets alignment to the Technics tracking error scheme in about two or three seconds, nice if ya want to match cart to music genre.
This video was very helpful to me thank you for doing what you do how do you like the Vincent phono preamp
Thanks for watching - - glad it helped you.
I think it's a really great phono preamp for the money. I recently upgraded to the Vincent PHO 701, which I'm really enjoying as well.
I was thinking of upgrading to a bronze. I started with a red on my Project Debut Carbon Esprit SB. Then i moved to a blue. And recently I've installed a Clamp it, and upgraded the sub platter to an aluminium one. I may upgrade the power supply to a high power it.
Not sure of upgrading to the bronze though.
I have the red and the blue and I found your comments on the bronze interesting, do you fancy doing a test on the black as I am really interested in that cartridge.
I have all 3, no black...I use the lower cost ones for older records and use the blue/ bronze for new hq records, uhqr..AJA is outstanding..may buy gaucho...
I am looking for to capture my records with the sound quality in these two cartridges. I was wondering if you have came across a Goldring GL2100 cartridge. If so, I was also wondering that comparing in an audio comparison with the Ortofon 2M Bronze (moving magnet) vs Goldring GL2100 (moving iron) and moving magnet vs moving iron? I am looking for to capture my records. My first turntable was so long ago... really long time. I have an Audio-Techica AT-LP120USB and I had notice the direct drive motor noise. The next turntable and cartridges are the Flounce RT82 Turntable with Ortofon OM10 cartridge and using this turntable is like remastering sound, no rumbling from the turntable. There is no v.t.a. this turntable. So, the cartridges I gone though...is the Grado Gold II (moving iron but treble roll off it is the RT82), Ortofon Club Mark II (not good for the RT82 no v.t.a. it is on the AT-LP120USB it the best cartridge I have heard so far). And thank you for you positive information/options not trash talk the low end turntables. Someone out there have to start somewhere. Also I have ask a few people about Mofi Ultratracker cartridge and they do not know anything about or review it. Do you know anything about the Mofi cartridges?
I have about 250 hours on a bronze and I absolutely love it. I have had inexpensive moving coil cartridges. I think the bronze is very close if not superior to some moving coils its full of detail and finesse imho
I'm using the Bronze with a Schiit Mani 2 on an auralex platform. It's a great combination although I sometimes have to tame the high end sligjtly through my Schiit Loki Mini +. Overall, I'm very satisfied.
How is the inner groove distortion on the bronze compared to the blue? Thanks!
The red is .007 x .003 elliptical. The blue is the same cartridge, but the stylus tip is hand selected for the best quality (bet you didn't know that), and it is nude built. The bronze is another animal because it is a new design with a line contact stylus (narrower). It will fit lower into the groove to maximize the sound recorded. Always play good records that are cleaned regularly.
What about the Nagaoka MP110?
I see that biggie lurking in the back round 👀 🔥🔥🔥
😂😂
Good eye! 👍🏿
I almost always clean my albums before most plays I mean if I cleaned a record a couple days ago I probably won't clean it I am ordering a 2m bronze tomorrow morning I cant wait.
This is a very nice review, I saw it yesterday for the first time. I have a 2M Bronze a few months now and I'm very pleased with it, it's great value for money.Turntable: Technics SL 1210 MK2; amp: Akai AM75 Reference Master; speakers: Audiolab (sounds great, type unknown, a Dutch brand by the way). I'm considering an upgrade to a 2M Black stylus. Does anybody knows if it's worth it? Thanks a lot and best regards from The Netherlands.
I used my fingers to connect the cardridge for the M2 red (now I use blue)
Hey bud I know this is an over 8 month old video but I am having trouble deciding. My turntable came with the 2M Bronze and I was wondering in your opinion is it worth downgrading or spending the cash? The 2M Bronze is just so damn expensive
EXTREMELY detailed video. Thank you for this. I have the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB with the factory AT-VMN95E needle and I am thinking of upgrading to the Ortofon Blue setup. I have this turntable hooked up via USB to my PC and sometimes to my stereo setup using the line out option. I record my albums to my PC in the FLAC format. In your opinion, is the Blue worth the upgrade? I know it sounds better and that is what I am looking for.
Thanks for watching. I think the Blue is a great cartridge--you'll likely be very happy with it.
I’ve giro Twitter technics MK 1210 one with 2M blue and the other with 2M Bronze
i have played them all , what you say is treu the black is amazing BUT when the record is bad or flat is sounds that way. So when upgraddng , pay more attention to the pressings. here some amazing records everything form Talk Talk, Massive Attack Mezazine, Daft Punk Random Acess Memory. Jazz Tone Poet label and the famous Mobile Fidelity or Analogue Productions pressings but they are pricey!
Upgraded from 2M Blue to Nagaoka MH110H.
Quite honestly the only difference in the two housings is the wire material - and it's a lot of money for four very short lengths of very thin wire. If you believe interconnects and speaker wire make a difference, you'd probably buy into that too.
For me? I'll probably just whack a black cartridge into my blue housing when the time comes.
I've had the red for about 6yrs and today I've ordered the bronze so I'm interested to see what a big jump in quality it is.
how is it?
Will be a noticeable improvement
Any news on how things sounded?
@@mr.bigsquid8422 it seems to have more bass and alot more detail is coming through. I've noticed you can't get away with any dirt on the record like you could with the Red.
@@tone_blues thank you, your comment helped motivate me to make the purchase and so far, I could not be more pleased. The separation is pretty awesome.
Does installing an old cartridge counts? I just went back to an old Shure M70EJ and it sounds amazing! it tracks very well at 1.8gr, and 6.2mv output.
It has more highs than the Nagaoka MP110 and it sounds more open in stereo seperation and deeper bass.
Of course, it is discontinued for a very long time...
I tried it both on a Pro-ject Essential II and my new Reloop RP700mk2 with a very noticable improvment.
Definitely counts! Thanks for sharing!
I’m looking at the Bronze because the cartridge is the same as the Ortofon Black, so if I ever needed to change it I could invest £350 for the Black one which would usually cost £500.
Hey just stumbled upon this video! Great info. Quick question: I have the same Pro-Ject Debut that came with the 2M Red. If I want to upgrade to the blue, do I just buy a blue stylus or do I need to still buy the whole 2M Blue cartridge?
Sorry for the late reply. In this case, you'd only need to buy the Blue stylus.
A little secret...the circuitry in cartridges are simply fixed attenuators with unique sound reproduction characteristics. A 2M Red used with a good quality EQ can produce superior dynamics than even a 2M Black ! Forget about once you go Black you never go Back !
Can I ask what may be a dumb Q? What do you mean by EQ? I keep my bass and treble neutral on my amp. Are you talking about that EQ?
EQ is not the real thing! We don't use EQ T for hi-fi
I wanted to start off by saying that I am legally blind. So doing some of what was in the video is something I would not be able to do on my own. But I do have some questions and I hope you see this and can help.
I got back into vinyl about two and a half years ago, or honestly almost three now, and I've been using the Audio Technica AT-LP120USB turntable. I know it's kind of a beginner turntable but I am thinking of upgrading soon to one of the ProJect turntables.
Ortofon cartridges have been something I started looking at lately after noticing how many people had really good reviews on them. I did notice that some of the styli from them will work on the AT turntables and if you get them with the head shell they just screw on like Audio Technica''s do. I've been buying the AT-EN95VM/H cartridge (I may have the EN and VM switched in the wrong places because I'm going off of memory now) because it does come with the head shell. It's easy for me to just take off the previous one and put on the new one. Would I be able to get an Ortofon Bronze and do this or would I have to do what you show in the video? I guess what I'm asking is if it comes with the head shell in some model number and does it just screw on?
And is this cartridge a good one for a beginner type of turntable? Or would I likely want to upgrade the turntable before buying it?
I haven't seen how many hours of use the Ortofon 2M Bronze recommends before changing it? I know on my current stylus it's only 300 hours. And I listen to my LPs a lot. I've already bought four of those AT cartridges within the first two years. I'm hoping that unlike the elliptical nude cartridge I've been using this Ortofon cartridge will have a longer life.
And one last question. On my current turntable I just put the head shell straight on to one of the S-Type tone arms. It just screws straight in. What is the correct model number from Ortofon to get the proper cartridge for my turntable? I've looked at the description of the three models and I still can't fully understand which one I need.
Thank you for the video and I just subscribed to your channel because it looks like a great source for information. I came across it through an article I believe you posted online. So thanks for the info! I hope you can help me figure out what I should do and answer those questions I've been wondering about 👍
Brian in Fort Worth 🎶
My recently purchased Teac TN 570 came with an Audio-Technica ATN100E (worth about $100). I was really surprised how good this cartridge/stylus combination sounded. Everything seemed to slow down and I could imagine the instrument placement easily. However, after only a few weeks of listening, I decided to upgrade to the Audio-Technica VM540ML/H which cost about 3 times as much ! Was it worth the extra $200 ? Tell you the truth, I can' say it did ! There is a pretty big difference in background noise(snap, crackle, pop) due to the fact that the VM540 has a Microline stylus that allows it to trace the grooves on album much better than a standard stylus, but other than that, the difference in sound is minimal ! I was expecting the VM540 to blow the AT100E out of the water, but it didn't ? In that I am a little disappointed, but keep in mind that both cartridges have not been broken in yet and that I only had 2 albums to compare against. Back in the late 1980's and early 90's I had a huge album collection (about 200) records that were either stolen, or were damaged, the remainder just disappeared after I switched to CD.
If you are there still - i have a TN 570. It is now discontinued. Are you using digital outs? The toslink out on mine is connected to a Tascam CD recorder to dub LPs. I am using vintage Shure V15 V with a new Jico replacement stylus in it.
Planning to review the 2m black?
I might in the future, but no plans to do it at the moment.
I was surprised to see that you put the 2m Bronze on the Pro-ject Debut Carbon tone arm. Ortofon advises to use the 2m Red and Blue on this tone arm. I have the Blue now and I'm considering the Bronze. Do you find it a good match for this particular tone arm?
Yeah, it worked quite well for me.
Hi, I'm upgrading from the bronze to the black. I have a McIntosh MA5200 amp that has a built-in phono preamp. Do you think it's worth getting a dedicated phono pre-amp like the tube model that you reviewed for $599? or will what's built-in the McIntosh be better?
What did you decide to do, if anything? That McIntosh 5200 has a decent, adjustable phono section for sure.
I’m with dcrook. Since the first Macs of the 1950’s, McIntosh always built an excellent phono stage. Flat frequency response, very low noise, high overload tolerance (which is the bugaboo with lesser phono stages). I would reckon you would need to spend four figures to significantly beat the built in phono stage of your McIntosh MA5200.
I borrowed a $350 mofi studio phono preamp from my brother and was disappointed. It did have a little more sound stage but was not nearly as warm as the built in preamp.
My friend says he’ll bring over his $1500 tube preamp and I’ll give that a shot and report back
Nice review.
Mr. Pete---------->
aging hippie
An excellent hi fi audio demonstration on MM phono cartridges; in this case the famous, prestigious name of Ortofon - the 2M series. Myself, I prefer the Ortofon 2M Blue MM cartridge; especially because it is still affordable to me, and is worth the extra amount of money.
Furthermore, I don't always believe in placing a record weight because of the stress on bearings, and possible motor assembly. Then there is the factor of getting the exact speed of 33.33, or 45 RPM. Does any sort of weight, or clamp on the record, and spindle affect its RPM speed? Does a record weight slightly slow down speeds of the platter? Anyway, I suppose it is individual preference.🎼🎵
I’m with you. Unless the manufacturer specifically recommends and sells a record weight for its turntables, I would avoid using one. Many manufacturers vehemently recommend NOT using a clamp with their kit for many reasons, but they all seem to agree on one: that the considerable increase in weight causes accelerated bearing wear and from day one increases bearing noise. Play with mats instead 😊.
I have a Grado Black1 on my U-Turn Orbit with an acrylic platter and Pluto preamp going into my Schiit Magni with Sennheiser HD 6XX and I'm debating between the Nagaoka MP-110 and Ortofon 2M Blue. The 2M Red doesn't seem like much of an upgrade from where I am now. The MP-110 and 2M Blue have better trackability and are more detailed. I don't know if the 2M Blue is worth the money to me right now or if I just prefer the MP-110.
I've been very pleased with the Nagaoka MP-110. It tracks well and is very forgiving with my older LPs.
@@joestrickl I have been quite pleased with the MP-110 for the past 11 months myself. I did have an obnoxious hum for the longest time going into my Lehmann Audio Black Cube and temporarily got around that by falling back to the internal Pluto preamp but recently I got Morrow Audio PH-1 cables and attached them to the turntable and that fixed the issue with the louder and more detailed external phono stage. I guess something about the shielding of phono-specific RCA cables as opposed to standard RCA interconnects (I was using MA-1s for the longest time which I still have but no longer on the turntable end as well) improves the signal-to-noise ratio and now the hum/radio signal isn't an issue because it is super quiet and you have to turn the volume up way past a reasonable level to even hear it. Now the loudest thing in between tracks is the surface noise which just comes with a territory if you play even the cleanest of vinyl records. Not even necessarily pops but just the swishing sound which I don't even find to be offensive at all. The Grado Black1 does not have this issue in my experience and now on the Nagaoka MP-110 it has been solved by a mere cable swap oddly enough. The Grado Black1 suffers a fair bit from groove distortion (especially inner) which is 1 reason I swapped it out and I only learned after the switch that it can be improved by tracking around 1.7g or so as opposed to 1.5. I find the MP-110 sounds great at 1.75 or even well into 1.8.
Could a record really sound worse with a better stylus simply because it's poorly mastered? I have heard of the same type of thing with a higher end stylus revealing more noise and physical imperfections in a disc but a bad master too?
Absolutely true. No joke, it's ALL RELATIVE.
A highly respected and reviewed cartridge, from many MFGs, WILL pick-up & play-out the embedded imperfections & noise of your existing & older vinyl pressings.
You should consider whether you plan on adding 2X to 10X your current vinyl collection over the next years with newer, cleaner pressings or rather simply listen to what you have now and if so, how well have they been taken care of.
Also relative, as mentioned in the vid, is the RELATIVE quality of your phono preamp (stand alone or built in) + the same consideration for your speakers and so on...
@@dcrook232323 Oops I threw in the towel and gave up on vinyl after 20 years. To me its just no fun to replace my albums I already spent enough time and money acquiring with better copies. It's sad. I used to be very unfussy but my collection hasn't aged well with my increasing listening abilities and I am not willing to start over.
MISSED U BRO
Thanks man, appreciate it.
Whether it's worth the cost or not also depends upon the type of music you play. I didn't see no Foreigner or KISS records there.
Is it a lamp?
How about a 2M BRONZE stylus in a 2M SILVER body?
Nope. Different body. Blue is OK, though..
Hey Michael, Ortofon is simply great, but have you ever tried any of the American made Grado cartridges? Just curious to get your impressions about how they stack up with each other and up against similarly priced Ortofons....Thanks. I have an older P-mount Technics turntable, and was looking to upgrade to something better than the AT-85EP once it passes 300 hours of use (which is fairly low, but per their recommendations), and it seems Grado is one of the few manufacturers who still make cartridges that fit that older style of mount and make them so they can also be used in standard 1/2" head shells. Keep on keeping on!
Thanks Ross. I have heard good things about the Grado cartridges, but I haven't had the pleasure of trying one out yet.
@@DevotedtoVinyl thanks! My old Technics SL-B210 does in fact have an adjustable tracking force (a spring loaded weight set by a screw at the rear of the tonearm....so that was why I was thinking of a Grado...Looking forward to more videos and checking out some of your older ones...Very good channel...
@@rosswarren436 I love Grado cartridges. Grados are unsurpassed in the midrange, particularly female voices. They are all hand made in the U.S.A. The only caveat is that they can hum on some turntables; I doubt you will have any problems with hum on the Technics. They also lean a little on the warm side and may not be the best choice if you listen to a lot of rock music or have a warm sounding system.
@@armanddimeo6575 thanks for the info. I might try Grado's "Green" on my old TP4 mount Technics SL-B210 turntable I have in another room.
I'm sure it would be an upgrade over the AT-85EP cartridge on it now. Just not many TP4 cartridge options anymore....so very glad Grado still makes some.
I've heard people saying the Green was a good step up from the Black in that while it was similarly "warm" it had a more extended top end...
@@rosswarren436 You are welcome. The Grado Green is a good place to start. I think it is worth the extra $20 over the Black but it is still a relatively small investment. Yes, I believe Grado, Ortofon, and AT are the only P-mount options available today. Good luck.
I have the opportunity to get the technics sl1500c with the red or the bronze for the same price. Listening most to hiphop, punk and metal. What should I go for? Please help me
The same price? Wow, what a deal. I would definitely recommend the Bronze.
Wow did not expect you to answer that fast. Thank you very much!
Yeah the 2m red would be new out of box and the bronze version has been played a few hours. But I don’t care 😅
They’re both great. But the Bronze provides more punch, clarity, and energy to me. Hope you enjoy your new turntable!
Sooo i got the bronze. And damn it is soooo good. I am very very happy with it 😊
That’s great to hear! Definitely good to know that you’re happy with it!
btw internet best band out rn
A better question is: What us your budget?
Now the real question: upgrade to the 2M Bronze or get a subwoofer and have some cash left over?
Ha-tough call. I’d personally go with the Bronze, but that’s cause I’ve never needed thumping bass anyway.
I blew the dust off my Denon with an Ortofon Blue & I liked it so much I started buying more vinyl. Yes, I've considered upgrading to the Bronze one day but I'm disenchanted with the the lack of vinyl availability. I thought we were in a vinyl resurgence era.🤔
Man, where are you shopping! There is tons of new vinyl out there now.
@@tonywillans7556 Maybe I'm looking for stuff that's too obscure. I do Google searches & half the time come up with nothing, or find something ridiculously overpriced. Where do u shop?
Check ebay for LP's
You must live in the sticks, we have so many record stores here it's insane....I can get whatever I want when I want it, Upstate N.Y...The house of guitars, The Bop shop and the Record archive are my go to shops .
@@thomasfitzhugh7936 wow, I must be spoiled then,we have so many her in Upstate N.Y. it's nuts
TF MAN DONT EVER LEAVE