Can you really hear a difference between phono cartridges?

[Asere]

I currently have a 2M Ortofon and was thinking on getting a 2M Bronze or Black one.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

I don’t know how big the differences within that line are, but I went from an Ortofon red to a Hana EL and it was night and day.

 

[Asere]

I don’t know how big the differences within that line are, but I went from an Ortofon red to a Hana EL and it was night and day.

If I go from a 2m blue to a 2m bronze do I need to rebalance the arm?

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

They are both 7.2g, so you should be mostly fine.

the Bronze likes a little less tracking force, however, so you might see where you’re at now, and perhaps lighten the load.

 

[Asere]

Do you know what I could use to align the needle with the vinyl grooves once installed?

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

I have one of these. If you’re ordering a new cartridge, see if they will throw an alignment guide in with it.

Ortofon: Cartridge Alignment Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0196QLBQK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2A8-DbJ675VN2

 

[Asere]

Is a Goldring 2500 compatible with my Music Hall IKura?

 

[Grayson Dere]

I don’t know how big the differences within that line are, but I went from an Ortofon red to a Hana EL and it was night and day.

Was your cart the Quintet Red? I'm thinking about stepping up from that to the Hana EL. I would like to know what you noticed most improving in sound quality. Thanks!

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

I had the 2M Red.

my speakers went from being 10 feet apart to being 40 feet apart, and it completely removed thefront wall of my room.

Just a bigger soundstage.

 

[Asere]

I don’t know how big the differences within that line are, but I went from an Ortofon red to a Hana EL and it was night and day.

I had the 2M Red.

my speakers went from being 10 feet apart to being 40 feet apart, and it completely removed thefront wall of my room.

Just a bigger soundstage.

Is there a MM Hana?

 

[Grayson Dere]

I had the 2M Red.

my speakers went from being 10 feet apart to being 40 feet apart, and it completely removed thefront wall of my room.

Just a bigger soundstage.

That's pretty incredible! Thanks

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Is there a MM Hana?

I don’t think so. There is a high level and a low level, but they’re very close and both MC.

 

[Asere]

I don’t think so. There is a high level and a low level, but they’re very close and both MC.

Have you heard of goldring 2500?

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Have you heard of goldring 2500?

No, I forgot, was going to google that after your previous post.

 

[Asere]

No, I forgot, was going to google that after your previous post.

I've read good things but don't know how compatible it is.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Have you heard of goldring 2500?

looks like they have it at Needle Doctor. Give them a call, they’re very smart and helpful, and will be able to give you a thumbs up or down based on your table. They will also make deals if you talk to them instead of just ordering on the site.

Goldring G 2500 Phono Cartridge

The Goldring G2500 uses a tapered cantilever and specialized stylus for top of the line performance on the best tables

www.needledoctor.com

 

[Asere]

looks like they have it at Needle Doctor. Give them a call, they’re very smart and helpful, and will be able to give you a thumbs up or down based on your table. They will also make deals if you talk to them instead of just ordering on the site.

Goldring G 2500 Phono Cartridge

The Goldring G2500 uses a tapered cantilever and specialized stylus for top of the line performance on the best tables

www.needledoctor.com

Thank you for your time. I will definitely call them. I'm new to this.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

Thank you for your time. I will definitely call them. I'm new to this.

I am by no means an expert, but they’ve been a great resource, happy to answer questions, and taught me a lot with their answers.

 

[Asere]

I was told the break in period for 2m blue is 20 hours but I hear different things from people like 50 to 100 hours is more like it. Anyone here have an opinion on this?

 

[LTig]

I currently have a 2M Ortofon and was thinking on getting a 2M Bronze or Black one.

It is quite possible that the cartridge itself is identical for all 2M models and only the needle is different. Before buying a new cartridge check if this is the case, and if yes just get a new needle. Will be cheaper and you spare the hassle of mounting and adjusting the cartridge. You may have to change (increase) antiskating if the new needle has a sharper cut than the old one.

 

[LTig]

I was told the break in period for 2m blue is 20 hours but I hear different things from people like 50 to 100 hours is more like it. Anyone here have an opinion on this?

Most break in times are actually just getting used to unfamiliar sound while the sound itsself did not change at all.

When my Van den Hul MC1 special came back from repair (new diamond, new rubbers) there was a note in the letter that it would require some break in time to reach full sound quality. I did not note any change though. Human memory for sound is actually horrible bad anyway.

 

[Asere]

I wonder if needle doctor is out of business or having technical issues because when I call it says the voicemail is full and emails say undeliverable.

 

[Travis Ballstadt]

fiddles. You’re right.

https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2019/11/19/the-needle-doctor-is-out-turntable-specialist.html

 

[Asere]

fiddles. You’re right.

https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2019/11/19/the-needle-doctor-is-out-turntable-specialist.html

I wish I had the opportunity to give him my business. It's sad as to why he closed it but can't blame him. He needs to do what's best for him and his family.
Today I called www.turntablelab.com and they suggested a Grado Prestige 2 cartridge.

 

[Asere]

I just bought a tracking force scale and it reads 1.6 grams. Since my 2m blue recommends 1.8 do I need to move it up some?