I recently acquired a Kenwood kp-5021. I will be running this through a Mac1500 and Rogers Ls3/5a speakers. The cartridge needs to be replaced and I was looking for any recommendations. My stereo guy is pushing me to the Ortofon Bronze or Black, which are slightly more than I want to pay but I could be convinced. Any ideas?
Phono cartridge recommendations
- Thread starter RomanB
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Denon DL301II, about the same price as the bronze.
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newzealand
Super Member
can be had at low cost but time is the factor, stanton 881 , 681 can be had a little easier but still ok
just my 2c
mike
just my 2c
mike
I actually like the 2M Bronze on a Japanese S-arm, and I know I am not alone. It's also very easy to set up compared to many of the more exotic profile styli. It has a checkered history, tho. A lot of people really like it. But there are a lot of people who tried it and just didn't like the sound. I tend to believe that a sizable number of these folks simply didn't give it enough time to run in properly. The Bronze is thin, tinny, even downright crappy sounding, at times, for the first 40-60 hours. Once the bass comes in, it's a very nice listen. It's not cheap. But it's also not horribly over-priced for the performance, in my opinion.
rocknroll1
Well-Known Member
I have never heard the bronze but love my 2m black
Some folks think the Bronze sounds too much like a CD. The amount, and quality, of detail is astonishing. And it's not a particularly warm sounding cart. In my case, a tube hybrid preamp warms up the signal quite nicely. But, even through my SS pre, I don't find it overly analytical, clinical, or even particularly cool. Smooth, with a very even tonal balance.
On the other hand, the 2M Blue is considerably cheaper. It's a very listenable cart, plenty of detail, with a slightly darker presentation than the Bronze. Again, about 40 hours for break-in.
On the other hand, the 2M Blue is considerably cheaper. It's a very listenable cart, plenty of detail, with a slightly darker presentation than the Bronze. Again, about 40 hours for break-in.
stueym
Active Member
As a newbie myself, I'm hesitant to offer opinions when there are many more knowledgeable and experienced guys and gals than me on this site. However, I would like to say, what about the AT3600L? For the cost of entry ($10 up to around $25, from what I read), it's really a nobrainer - and lots of people like it. I use one myself, and it compares very well to my Shure M75-6S. And for the cost, even if it's not for you, then you can just keep it as a spare.
