Can your phono stage accommodate Hana ML or MH? That would be my recommendation if you want to keep things smooth and analog sounding. I think the 2M Black may be a bit much. Or try the Hana S low or high output Mk2.
Which Cartrudge For My Upcoming Technics 1200 GR 2 Turnable - Looking at Ortofon 2m Black
Note: Sorry about the misspelled Cartridge in title. Wish I could update that.
I have a Luxman 595 Class A amplifier with Focal N1 speakers. Depending on the recording, it can be on the bright side. I own about 20 records. 80% of them are electronic mixes from the 90s. The rest are dinosaur jr, mazzy star, and so on.
I have found memories of playing my grandfathers fisher turntable (with Mitsubushi stereo system) which looked similar to the Technics 1200GR2, so that is the turntable I am going to get. I also have found memories of going to the record store in the 90s (sound warehouse) and they had a Bose 901 VI system (I think... they were very large hung from the cieling) with a turtable that sounded so good.
The sound I am looking for is *not a audiophile high resolving sound. Instead, I am looking for a energetic sound with power. I do want good audio quality though.
What I am looking at is the Ortofon 2m Black LVB 250 or the 2m black. I never hear them in person. What is everyones thoughts?
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Yes, I would be using the Luxman and it's phono (it does both MM and MC). I asked AI and it said that it could handle the Hana ML. |
I just looked at the 595 specs. It has 100ohm impedance for MC which may potentially make SL or ML sound even more polite than you want. I would stick with MM cartridges with that luxman. Ortofon 2M Black should still remain on the list but read more reviews to get a better idea for all these cartridges sound characteristics. |
Exciting to get back to vinyl, many promote your TT choice. A quick and basic look at cartridge cost and technology, not absolutes, my personal generalities: I favor Audio Technica, both current and vintage every one I have ever bought in my youth or now age 77 has sounded involving, natural, nothing bright or edgy about them to my ears. All voices, especially female, are true to my ears. They also cost less than many competitors for ’equal’ technology. Stylus Shape: advanced, larger contact/longer lasting stylus shapes started a long time ago with Shibata, and many versions, with miniscule variations were created to be separately patentable, they are essentially the same to my ears: MicroLine; Line Contact; SAS; Special Line Contact; Fritz Geyer; Van Den Hull.... I have found that debris clings to the back edge of Fritz Geyer for some reason, I don’t know why, my experience with only 2 of them. IOW, Shibata is very good, but I consider the others ’equally very good’ Cantilevers: aluminum is most common, and if a good price, fitting a budget is fine Stiffer/Lighter is better, Gems like Sapphire, Tubes (no longer made). Currently most makers are using Boron Rod Cantilevers for their premium and more costly models. Diamond is used for ultimate models. As cost goes up, cantilever performance tightens, you will see wider channel separation (very high twenties, low thirties) and sometimes tighter channel balance, (0.5db).which affects more precise Imaging more than sound characteristics. Cost: 2M Black E599 is USD $688. Shibata on Aluminum Cantilever, channel separation 26db, channel balance 1.0db, one of it’s unique characteristics is it’s strong signal output of 5mv. AT745xML is only $329. and has an upgraded Boron Cantilever (and body threads so no bottom nut is needed for mounting). Similar separation and balance, The signal strength is lower: 3.7mv. That is average, normal for MM, however IF you want more volume, from a weaker amount of gain, 5.0mv is the better choice. So, essentially, you can get the same or better for less cost, but pay attention to the subtle details. See what you can buy for $688 USD, check the technology and if needed, pay attention to signal strength. ///////////////////////////////////// Ortofon 2m Black LVB (it’s boron upgrade) is E999 = $1,147 USD, that’s a lot, especially since it does not have superior Imaging specs. Still 5.0mV output ////////////////////////////// Tracking Force. A lot of current cartridges track at 2.0 or 2.5 grams, nothing wrong with that. I have ventured into Vintage cartridges, with tubes or beryllium cantilevers, no longer made, (with higher separation and tighter channel balance) that track at 1.25 grams. It’s less wear on both the vinyl grooves, AND less wear on the stylus, AND, it requires less anti-skate force, which is hard to get right. If you are off by 50%, it’s 50% of 1.25 grams, i.e. .60 grams too much or too little; whereas, if tracking at 2.5 grams, the same 50% error is 1.25 grams too much or too little. |
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