[Nick77]

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

[mick wolfe]

Nick
         Don't know how badly your original cart was damaged, but a basic re-tip from Soundsmith is only $150 and a new Denon 103 from Music Direct is only around $225. ( even less if you want to chance ebay) I'd rather spend a few extra bucks and get a new cartridge/re-tip rather than "hope" you're getting something pristine on the used market.

[Nick77]

Nick
         Don't know how badly your original cart was damaged, but a basic re-tip from Soundsmith is only $150 and a new Denon 103 from Music Direct is only around $225. ( even less if you want to chance ebay) I'd rather spend a few extra bucks and get a new cartridge/re-tip rather than "hope" you're getting something pristine on the used market.

Thanks, I actually sent it to Soundsmith and waiting for report back. Of course that could be a while and fearful the suspension is dead.

Thank you!

[dmckean]

I suggest a Shure M55E. It will be warmer and more musical than the 2M and have tighter bass.

[neobop]

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.

[Minn Mark]

Wow!  neobop,

That's a ton of useful information, even for us on-lookers.  Very informative. Thanks for your input.

 

Cheers,

Mark

[S Clark]

Yep, the Ortofon Quintet red is a lot of cartridge for the money.  I have both it and the Dynavector 10x5... different sounds, different strengths and weaknesses.  The Dynavectors have gone crazy with price increases over the last couple of years. The 10x5 has nearly doubled.

[Nick77]

Thanks everyone, Neo great advise. I didnt take arm compliance into account when grabbing the 2M. I did expect more from it but now realize I probably goofed.

I am really hoping Soundsmith might be able to help resurrect the MC-1, so I am looking for minimal investment at this point.

Looks like a Denon 103 might be the best bang for the buck right at this point. Unless someone pipes up with a "hey I have a cart in my drawer" moment then I will probably proceed with the 103 for the interim.

Thanks.......

[Nick77]

I thought I would update this thread. Soundsmith got back to me and said the Yamaha is indeed rebuildable, that was a pleasant surprise. They reccomend a boron cantilever and LS diamond. I gave them the thumbs up and now the wait begins.

Meanwhile I sold the 2M Blue and snagged a slightly used Denon 103r for only $160. It sounds so much better on my table than the MM cart. I am very pleased with what I am hearing now and looking forward even more to having the MC-1 rebuilt.

Thanks again all, I guess compliance matters.

[S Clark]

Glad the Denon is a good temporary replacement.  With the inflation of cartridge prices lately, I don't know what you could have bought at anywhere near that price in other MC's.