[sfox7076]

Ok, so I am now looking for an MC Cartridge to pair with my Thorens TD160bmkii fitted with an SME M2-9 and a Musical Surroundings Nova II Phono Stage.  I currently have an Ortofon 2M Black MM cartridge.  The phono stage connects to a concert fidelity pre-amp and then mono block tube amps to my Salk Exotica.  I am looking for a bit more detail, so I figure MC is the way to go.  I am trying to stay below $2500, but could go more if I convinced myself it was worth it.

[ACHiPo]

I like my Lyra Delos, which at ~$1600 would leave quite a bit left over for a few nice LPs.

[audio.bill]

Highly recommend Ortofon's Cadenza range of MC cartridges. I run the Bronze version and find it to be a superb tracker, exceptionally quiet in the groove, with just a hint of warmth compared to the more expensive Black. The Blue is exceptionally detailed with its ruby cantilever. The entire Cadenza lineup offers exceptional value and a bit of sanity in today's world of so many overpriced cartridges. http://ortofon.us/product?category_id=14&pcat=2

[neobop]

Looking for a bit more detail?  I suspect you're looking for a bit more of other things too.  Have you considered a new table for that M2-9 ?
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-teres-255-turntable-composite-platter-verus-motor-rosewood-teres-vta-adapter-2015-04-05-analog-80501-longmont-co

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-vpi-industries-aries-3-2015-04-02-analog-06795-watertown-ct

Just a thought.  For that kind of money you might want to upgrade the table.  There's a Basis 2500, but it's local pickup only in California.  I don't think it would be a big deal getting an armboard for either one.
neo

[Minn Mark]

I've been happy with the Sumiko Blackbird HOMC; I'm on my second one.  I've used one on either gimbaled (SOTA) or uni-pivot (VPI) 'tables with excellent tracking.  While the price continues to climb, I see Needle Doctor now offers both a Hi (2.5 mV)and Lo(0.7 mV) option. Also the Sumiko Palo Santos and Pearwood Celebration MC's get consistent good reviews.

Happy Hunting,

Mark

[neobop]

MM,
Didn't know about the LO Blackbird.  .7mV is practically med output. 

Lots of stir about the new AT ART7 and ART9 MC's.  Both have part titanium bodies based on the 50ANV.  ART7 has nonmagnetic core w/tiny output.  Said to smoke the DLS1.  ART9 is .5mV - a tad warmer in the midbass.  Both are in the $1K - 1.2K range.  The 50ANV is also coreless and still available I believe.  Around $1.5K.

Lots of love for the Cadenzas.
neo 

[zuluwarrior0760]

I second the motion to replace your table....putting a 2500.00 cartridge on that
table is insane considering the other options out there.......
I would go with the biggest bang for buck proposition in analog right now,
the VPI Prime which can be had with a 3D Tonearm in the low 3K range
if you shop wisely......
Partner it with an Ortofon Quintet black and you'll have all the detail
and musicality you can stand......
You'd have arguably a rig that can stand toe to toe with 10K plus tables
for under 4K
Want something a little more in line with the look of your Thorens.....
You can get a Classic 1 for even less (check Audiomart for examples)
and the same cartridge recommendation
stands......the Quintet series is incredibly musical and very very close
to the Cadenza series in terms of refinement.....

[jimdgoulding]

I use a Koetsu Black.  Mine is old as the hills but new ones are available for $2300 retail.  The Koetsu Black does have a character.  The bass is a tad soft and the top two octaves are shelved down a bit.  The sense of being in a hall on classical or orchestral recordings made on location is right as rain.  I've read that the designer was a fan of western classical music and his design serves this kind of music particularly well, ime.  It has a rich and fleshed out midrange.  Dimensionality and instrumental body are tangibly there-there.  No thinness or hyping of anything.  This serves female vocals nicely, too.   

[hifitommy]

ok jim, send me that koetsu NOW.   it sounds like yu could use a cartridge demagnetizer such as an aesthetix.  it could wake up the old black.