2. analog
  3. 125467-34144

Ortofon Red vs. Ortofon Blue

I have a Project debut carbon turntable with an Ortofon red cartridge but I'm considering an upgrade to the blue.  I'm wondering if anyone has used both the red cartridge and the blue cartridge, and if so could you please tell me the sonic differences.  Thanks  
irish_tim
uberdine
100 posts
 
They have a similar sound but the Red is slightly ragged and has bad inner groove distortion. The Blue has no IGD and sounds more refined. It will also play worn records which are unlistenable with the Red. Totally worth it if you have lots of second hand vinyl. Check out the threads on stevehoffman.tv, there's some detailed info on these carts.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,935 posts
 
Red is slightly ragged and has bad inner groove distortion.
Huh...mine sure doesn't have this.  While I agree the Blue is a little better, the Red for $100, can't be beat.
uberdine
100 posts
 
Yeah, true. Ragged is the wrong adjective. It's ragged on worn records on the inner grooves is what I meant, whereas the Blue is always smooth. Considering how long a stylus lasts I think the Blue, for the sake of an extra hundred bucks or so, represents better value than the Red.
More to discover