I think it would be a great idea for you to bring it over to your brothers before you spend $400+ on a new cartridge. Play a couple albums on both tables - if you like his better consistently, I'd personally pick up the Ortofon 2M Blue - I think that would be a good match and produce a similar sound. From what I've been reading the Magic 3 ($350) is a great cartridge (I wish I had more personal experience with it) that is essentially a rebranded Ortofon 520 MKII MM cartridge ($200).
I've been in our shoes before and agonized over what cartridge to get many times
It is always tough to choose! The only reason I jumped in was to make sure that you consider other potential factors in your system that could play a part in what you're hearing (or not hearing
) and because I've had experience with both cartridges that you're considering.
If I were in your shoes, knowing what I know about your system and listening habits, I would do the following:
1. Check the tracking force that you're using (you can buy a digital gauge
here for $20) and play around with that a little (I think 1.75g is recommended on the Elys 2). If you're tracking too heavy, you may be overpowered by bass and missing some of the details - on the other hand if you're tracking too light, your lows/mids may be completely lacking. I had a guy with 30+ years of experience come over to my place once to help me setup a new cartridge. We set it at the recommended 1.6g and I was pretty happy - sounded better than what I had before. Then we took it up to 2.0g and I was SHOCKED! You should have seen the grin on my face - it was like we had a totally different cartridge on - everything sounded better! Then we proceeded to back it down by 0.1g (1.9, 1.8, 1.7). As soon as we perceived a loss in the sound (it was most noticeable in the bass) we stopped. We ended up leaving it at ~1.9g. That was fun!
2. Bring the table to your brothers and listen to his and yours consecutively with different types of music.
A. If they
don't sound as significantly different as you thought they were going to:
1. Consider getting a phono preamp. Once you have it integrated into your system, have a listen for awhile. I think you might be surprised - maybe even WOW'd - if that happens, you'll probably get the itch to get a new cartridge - then pick up the Dynavector 10x5! The fun part about doing the upgrades separately is that you get an idea of how they impact your system separately.
2. Play around with your room - speaker placement, rugs, curtains, room dividers, etc.
B. If you still like your brothers better, pick up the Ortofon 2M Blue and hold on to the rest of your money for future upgrades (perhaps a phono preamp and or record cleaner) or if you want to "go big" on the cartridge right away, grab the Dynavector 10x5.
I have had both the Ortofon 2M Blue and 2M Bronze and I like them both, the reason I'm suggesting getting the 2M Blue instead is because spending more don't always give you "better" sound - I'm considering what you've heard and liked and also what your listening habits are and I think the 2M Blue would be a better fit.
Take that with a grain of salt - it is only one man's opinion. I've spent more on audio over the past few years than I care to admit, but I have fun with it and I love to learn/hear new things. If I've learned anything it is that you don't have to spend more to get more - you can achieve great sound on a modest budget, but it takes a little bit of patience to figure out what works best together (system synergy) to produce a sound that brings a smile to your face every time! That is different for everyone.
Anyway - I'm rambling again. Bottom line - go with your gut and what makes you happy, man. It is a journey and hopefully you can have a little fun with it!
