Curiousity Upgrade Time - Cartridge Thread # ?????

[08Boss302]

G'day all,

Another cartridge thread, I have done some reading through the Sna search function but thought i'd throw the question out the masses also.

 

I’ve just decided in the next few weeks or so I’d like to explore a new cart for my main TT.  It’s currently running a Garrott Brothers FGS Optim, I really enjoy this cart and will keep it but would like to explore more as I have only ever had this cart on this table and curiosity is building.  The table is a Music Hall 9.1 with the carbon 9cc tonearm – effective tonearm mass 8.5grm

My 2^nd TT (Technics SL1200mkII) has a removable head shell so I am lucky to use that switch a few carts around like the DL110, the Goldring 1042, the Ortofon 2m Blue, Garrott Brothers P77i and the Nagaoka MP110 which are all also very decent IMO.

 

Of those I really like the DL110 and the Goldring 1042 BUT neither cart are a good match for the 9cc Tonearm so with that said after reading many reviews this past week and doing some YouTube diving I am looking at in no order:-

·         Hana EH (maybe SH if I can obtain at right price)

·         Ortofon 2m Black

·         Goldring 2300 or 2400

·         Sumiko blue point special EVO III HO

 

All run with a few hundred dollars of each other and I know they are all different stylus but seem to all fair well with the majority of users (the 2m black maybe the exception).  Importantly they all match my tonearm when looking at the resonance calculator.   I have never heard a 2m Black, I have the 2m Blue but the black is quite a step up and seems very maligned between the lovers and haters.  The Hana seems largely enjoyed as does the Sumiko and Goldring. I’ve done a bit of researching on similar carts to the DL110 and GR1042 and some of the 2000 series from Goldring seem the nod in that regard.

 

Wondering if anyone has any impressions, opinion or experience with any of these that would be happy to share.  With regard to sound, strong bass and as long as its not overly high ended and bright and isn't veiled I am happy.

 

Even better if you have experience with the same tone arm which I think many project tables also have and what cart has worked well for you.

 

Of course If there is something else in the price point or lower that I have overlooked and is well regarded I am happy for a suggestion to research also.

 

Carts are just so hard to audition and ultimately I am just trying to avoid spending and not being happy….I’m sure we all know that feeling!

 

Many thanks,

Edited July 7, 2021 by 08Boss302
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[cafe67]

I’d suggest a Dynavector 10x5 , I had one and found it much “fun” that a 2m black I tried. This was on a older rega planar 3.

[08Boss302]

2 minutes ago, cafe67 said:

I’d suggest a Dynavector 10x5 , I had one and found it much “fun” that a 2m black I tried. This was on a older rega planar 3.

thank you @cafe67

the dynavector has also come up in my searches, I'll look into some more and its price and match to the 9cc tonearm.

[Jebediah]

The 2M Bronze tends to lend itself to more "fun" also over the Black. I really enjoyed mine on my lowly Project Debut Carbon. Not quite analytical as the Black, but is more forgiving, and rocks pretty hard lol.

[Batty]

I like the Sumiko, I have had the DL110, 1042, Blue point special evo III. mounted on a RB250 modded by Audio Origami on my Rock mkII

[08Boss302]

2 hours ago, Jebediah said:

The 2M Bronze tends to lend itself to more "fun" also over the Black. I really enjoyed mine on my lowly Project Debut Carbon. Not quite analytical as the Black, but is more forgiving, and rocks pretty hard lol.

thank you, I have heard quite good things on the Bronze, it was not on or off my list so to speak but it might be worth looking more at.

 

1 hour ago, Batty said:

I like the Sumiko, I have had the DL110, 1042, Blue point special evo III. mounted on a RB250 modded by Audio Origami on my Rock mkII

This is interesting, how did you find the Sumiko in comparison to say the 1042?