KAB/Ortofon Pro-S 40 or 2m Black?

[Musicman10]

Hello, I am sending my Technics SL1200 MK5 off to KAB for a tonearm re-wire and fluid-damping. I am also replacing my current 2M Blue Cartridge but am not sure if I want to go with the KAB/Ortofon-Pro S 40 or the 2M Black. I can afford either, so it's not about saving money. I listen to mostly rock from the late 60's thru late 70's period. My records are in VG++ to NM. I have purchased an ulra-sonic cleaner and have sonically cleaned all my LP's and put them in new MOFI ineer sleeves. My set-up is a refurbished Marantz 2325, Akai 635D reel to reel tape deck, Pioneer PDR-509 CD recorder/player and new Klipsh Reference speakers.
Any thoughts over which cartridge might give me the best performance? I like a clean, punchy bottom-end and clear highs.
Thoughts?

 

[ghamilton]

I suggest sending a email to lpgear for suggestions. I think they are great. I have a Shure V15lll body and I put their "VIVIDLINE contact stylus on it and it is awesome!

 

[SA-708]

Emailing Kevin A. Barrett (KAB) would get you more information on these two cartridges and his personal recommendation, I would think.

I have personally not used these newer PRO-S Concordes nor any of the 2M cartridges, but on my SL-1700M2 I got better results using an old LM (low mass) era Concorde cartridge than with a Super OM cartridge on a headshell, using the same 10 and 20 stylus in each. Generally speaking, there are fewer connections (both electrical and mechanical), simple set-up as far as alignment, and lower mass with an integrated headshell-and-cartridge combination like the Concorde.

 

[sfrost]

I wouldn't be surprised that the Pro-S 40 with the FG stylus outperforms the Black, probably the better stylus.
Also been hearing some complaints about the 2M series loosing sound stability due to the stylus loosening from the body of the cartridge, having to re-seat the stylus to the cartridge after a few hours of use. Solution has been to glue the stylus to the cartridge with something semi-permanent.

 

[Beobloke]

2M Black. In a heartbeat.

 

[sfrost]

Also, spending this much money I would consider many other carts, a Hana SH would be my choice.

 

[Frank Sol]

If you go the 40 route I would suggest the 1/2" Super OM cart

 

[Bob in WI]

Have a 2M Black. Big fan of shibata/ SAS & this is the best sounding on my gear. Haven't tried the others/ can't comment. No issues with loose stylus.

 

[Musicman10]

Thanks for the replies. Leaning toward the 2M black at this point, only because there has been so much info and reviews on them. I wish I could listen to both and then decide....Go figure. Kevin @ KAB was great, but he doesn't want to push me either way, and I totally respect that, so that's why i'm asking here.

 

[Bahamayellow]

There is a person on the 1200 owners club forum that uses the black. I am currently liking the blue on my 1200. The black would sound great, some audio technicas might sound well also.