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Ortofon 2M Red, what say you ?

S

SixCats!

Super Member
Hi all,

I'm in need of a new BUDGET Cartridge/Stylus for my Technics SL-110A Table with :

SME 3009 Series 2 (detachable Head shell) Improved Tone Arm.

I THINK I've narrowed it down to the following :

LP GEAR DEFT 2

ORTOFON 2M RED

or just buy a new Stylus for my (untested) AUDIO TECHNICA AT-130 Cartridge body :
AUDIO-TECHNICA ATN-120E ATN120E STYLUS FOR AUDIO-TECHNICA AT-130E AT130E CARTRIDGE

Your thoughts/suggestions greatly appreciated. Of course I am more than open to any other BUDGET Cartridge suggestions for use with the aforementioned SME Arm.

Thanks,

SixCats! in Maine
 
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I finally tossed my 2M Red in the trash. No matter what I did, no matter what turntable I mounted it on, it couldn't get it to track cleanly. I had much, much better luck with an AT95E cartridge outfitted with a JICO stylus.

On the other hand, there are plenty of others who think the 2M Red is the greatest thing since buttered bread.
 
Love my 2 M Red on my planar 3. Leagues better than the Rega Elys I had on it.
No tracking issues whatsoever. Got it second hand with approx 30 hours on it for I think $70 Can. Very happy.
 
SC: I'd suggest to check the AT130E body with a digital multimeter (if you have a typical 2000 count unit with manual range selection, set it to 2 kOhm and see which resistance results you get, measuring between the red & green (right +/-) and white & blue (left +/-) output pin). If it tests ok, I'd suggest to consider the ATN132EP, provided Stereoneedles still offers that for not quite 70 bucks - 'cause that would buy you a nice high quality elliptical needle version for a still pretty attractive price. Only disadvantage: Unlike the ATN130E the ATN132EP doesn't sport an integrated visor guard.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

P.S.: The AT130E with an original ATN130E or ATN132EP would be roundabout on a technical quality level between the 2M Blue an the 2M Bronze, closer to the latter. So going for the ATN132EP for your AT130E would be a much more attractive option in terms of price-performance that a 2M Red, which only sports an entry level, bonded elliptical needle and as far as I'm aware would also be a less good match for the SME arm.
 
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I found the Ortofon 2m red wasn't very articulate in the lower end. When I'm listening to acoustic music I almost always want to hear the instruments sound as much like real life as possible. The Ortofon didn't do this, especially regarding acoustic bass. Generally musical, forgiving, and pleasant to listen to, but not highly accurate.
I upgraded to Denon DL110 and was much happier. It was just as musical, and much more accurate. But the Denon still wasn't as good as the dynavector 10x5 I ultimately ended up with. But the Dynavector is too expensive to consider budget cartridge.... maybe the Denon too... I think it was about $120 when I bought it.
I never had trouble with any of the 3 cartridges tracking.
 
Hi guys,

Wow! Thank you all for your very informative responses. I so glad that I asked the good folks here at AK Turntable Forums for their opinions/experiences.
I am pretty much "flying blind" as there are no High End Shop in my area of Maine to test/listen to Cartridges. Be advised that I will continue to do my research will taking ALL your advice under serious consideration. Oooh, I forgot to mention......my main Audio system is a vintage MONO system. I am presently using a HEATHKIT A-9C Tube Amp (I normally use my lil' PILOT AA 903B but it is in need of a minor repair). I use a MARANTZ 1060 Integrated Amp as the PHONO section and I still continue to favor my (circa late 50's) Stephens Tru-Sonic Mono Horn Speaker : http://i39.tinypic.com/fjjhus.jpg
I still mostly spin Stereo LP's (mostly Classic Jazz) and old Mono Jazz LP's on occation. I mention this as I'm betting it will make a difference as to which Cartridge would/might perform best in a Mono system. Thanks.

SixCats!
 
On a lightweight arm (like a Debut Carbon) the 2M Red sounds great in my opinion. I have had no problems with IGD or tracking problems, but your mileage may vary.
 
The AT130E body can use the AT120E stylus, as well as the AT440MLb and AT150MLX. All of those are in production and available for under $200.
 
Hi Sax,

I am seriously considering using the AT 130E body. I will have to find a way to take Manfred's suggestions of testing. Thanks Manfred.





Oooh, I also just received an E-mail regarding my inquiry of a SHURE M55 Cartridge I have that might also work with the SME Arm.

"Looking at pictures on Google, I see this tonearm should be able to take any half-inch standard mount cartridge which is held in with 2 screws and 4 wires.
The Shure cartridge should be good, and it uses this needle here":
: http://www.turntableneedles.com/N55E-Type-Stylus-for-Shure-M55-Cartridge--our-needle-759-DEM_p_4039.html
I would just stick with the Shure cartridge for now.
Thank you for your inquiry,
Kyle
Turntableneedles.com


Ummmm, it appears there are many choices/ways I could go. Thanks.

SixCats!
 
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Hi Mike,

Funny, I hear/see lots of folks preferring the OM10 Super over the 2M Red. This is why I'm so suspect of "Professional" reviews.

SixCats!
 
Try a cartridge specifically designed for mono records.
SME tonearms do best with high compliance cartridge/stylus.
My 2M Red sounds great on my Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. But it was properly set-up.
No phono cartridge will sound good if not properly set-up.
 
I second lini's suggestion of the ATN132EP from stereoneedles. Even better is the ATN140LC, magnificent stylus, but it's $110.

Don't know what it is with Ortofons. IMO, the Omegas are good for the money. But with the higher end stuff, when they don't sound brittle or distorted I'm actually kind of surprised.
 
bangsezmax said:
I second lini's suggestion of the ATN132EP from stereoneedles. Even better is the ATN140LC, magnificent stylus, but it's $110.

Don't know what it is with Ortofons. IMO, the Omegas are good for the money. But with the higher end stuff, when they don't sound brittle or distorted I'm actually kind of surprised.
Click to expand...

Stereoneedles sent me a chipped ATN140LC stylus and then I had to fight with them for over six months for a refund!
BEWARE!!
 
My favourite budget cart is still the venerable Denon DL103..... With a wooden body. My second fav is the Shure SC35C. Replace the plastic body with a Pulse Guard body and it'll take pretty much any stylus made for any Shure cartridge, as well as some made for other manufacturers ;)
 
mjw21a said:
My favourite budget cart is still the venerable Denon DL103..... With a wooden body. My second fav is the Shure SC35C. Replace the plastic body with a Pulse Guard body and it'll take pretty much any stylus made for any Shure cartridge, as well as some made for other manufacturers ;)
Click to expand...
DL103 would work better with a higher mass arm than a 3009 S2 Improved. And the SC35C needs heavier tracking than that arm is capable of.
 
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