Since I was critical of the OC9 in my previous post ("Taming the OC-9",) I think it is only fare to post this mostly positive update. Thanks to all (especially JE) for pursuading me to keep it long enough for it to truly break in.
Now it has probably around 60 - 70 hrs. Usually when cartridges break in, the change is there, but it is not as dramatic as is the case with the OC9. Gone is the thinness, the unbearable brightness and luck of bass. It has developed into a very listenable cartridge, neutral with a touch of (I can't believe it) warmth. Highs are there, and all the detail is there, but now they are integrated in a very presentable mid-range. It has also developed a very full bass, with surprising amount of impact. It still lacks some of what other people here described as "life", or "involvement", but it is clearly a bargain at it's selling price (I hear that ML II are getting scarce and new version is offered at over $600 now). And, it tracks great. So it wasn't my arm, or preamp or anything like that. I bought it from a man on A-gon, who turned out to be my neighbor, and he came over last night to check it out over some beers. He was just as surprised as me, and now thinks he should have waited a bit longer.
So until I win the lottery that I can buy something like a Koetsu, Shilabe or Allaerts, this is a keeper...
