I have a vintage Sony PS-X70 and had a Yamaha MC-1 cart that was damaged. I think I am quickly discovering it was a nice cart. Tight bass and plenty of detail and very low surface noise.
I picked up a used Ortofon 2M blue to tide me over but have no interest in vinyl at this level. Find the bass bloated and and to forward sounding for me and surface noise aplenty.
I would like to flip this 2M for for an entry level MC cart again, considering Denon 160 or maybe 103or 301?? Like a warmer less forward detailed sound with tighter bass. Anyone looking to sell a used Denon??
Thanks
Hi,
I think you might have a little mismatch with the 2M. Your X70 has a heavy arm - about 20g w/stock headshell. Even with a lighter shell I got better results with carts of approx. 15cu - tracking around 2g. There are replacement headshells around 7g or so that will facilitate use with more compliant carts.
If you want to stick with a MC, the DL110 will work as well as the 103(r). With the 103 you might want to stay w/stock shell or go to Lp Gear and get a Zupreme shell w/azimuth adjustment. For virtually all other applications a lighter shell is recommended.
Ortofon has a Quintet series which is supposed to be nice. One of those would be appropriate. AT has an F7 which should work with a lighter shell. Dynavector has a 10X5 HOMC which would work.
You said entry level. Is that < $500 ? Some companies entry level is quite expensive.
neo
BTW, I think you could have better results with different MMs.