Equipment Recommendations - The Home For New System and Upgrade Advice

Mather said:
You listen to your records more than once?? Oh my god who has time for that...

Honestly though, I'm not sure.. I upgraded my cart halfway through my collection purchasing so there's still many records I haven't spun since the upgrade. I've just been noticing it more frequently recently, something that I hadn't before. Could it be a bad run of new vinyl? I suppose, but that seems unlikely. It's very minor when it does happen, and it's infrequent... Could be stylus wear I suppose if it's not the dirt...
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It can be kinda bad on a lot of new presses, especially longer ones that stretch far into the inside grooves.

My copy of King Princess - Cheap Queen sounds great but Prophet is the last song on side A and the distortion is brutal.
 
HiFi Guy said:
As the U Turn doesn’t have adjustable anti skate, I’d opt for an OM30. It’s an upgrade from the Blue, but not hugely so. I doubt you’d hear a difference until you get your new amp and speakers.

If you want a completely different sound, you’d need to switch brands of cartridges. Nagaoka, Audio Technica and Grado all make suitable models at or under your price point.
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I figured I would have limited options based on my current setup. I'm totally cool with not hearing any huge differences at this point in time until I get a new amp and speakers -- it'll take time to break in the cartridge anyway so it's okay for now. I actually do like the 2M Blue's sound -- that being said, I have nothing to compare it to so it'd be nice to explore other options. Is there a big difference between the OM30 and OM40? I'm fine with spending extra for the latter if it makes a big difference down the line.

I haven't really looked at the other options that you have recommended -- maybe I'm asking too much, but what are the pros/cons of the other cartridge brands?

@HiFi Guy , you're a godsend when it comes to figuring this stuff out! So thank you!

PS: once I get my tax info, I'm doing it ASAP so I'm probably looking at doing the amp/speaker upgrades in the next 2-3 months.
 
thisunfolds said:
I figured I would have limited options based on my current setup. I'm totally cool with not hearing any huge differences at this point in time until I get a new amp and speakers -- it'll take time to break in the cartridge anyway so it's okay for now. I actually do like the 2M Blue's sound -- that being said, I have nothing to compare it to so it'd be nice to explore other options. Is there a big difference between the OM30 and OM40? I'm fine with spending extra for the latter if it makes a big difference down the line.

I haven't really looked at the other options that you have recommended -- maybe I'm asking too much, but what are the pros/cons of the other cartridge brands?

@HiFi Guy , you're a godsend when it comes to figuring this stuff out! So thank you!

PS: once I get my tax info, I'm doing it ASAP so I'm probably looking at doing the amp/speaker upgrades in the next 2-3 months.
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The difference between a 30 and 40 is the stylus: the 40 has a Fritz Geiger profile. It’s one of the most advanced stylus profiles out there and requires precise setup:

VTA/SRA/Arm height: The UTurn has no way to adjust this.

Azimuth/Cartridge and headshell tilt: UTurn has this adjustment.

Anti Skate Adjustment: The U Turn doesn’t have this.

The 40 is simply too much cartridge for the UTurn.

The Grado Gold3 is a great choice ($260) if you are looking for a much warmer presentation with killer bass.

Another great choice would be the A/T VM95ML ($169) for added detail and improved tracking over the Blue. A price increase is coming on this one in February though.
 
HiFi Guy said:
The difference between a 30 and 40 is the stylus: the 40 has a Fritz Geiger profile. It’s one of the most advanced stylus profiles out there and requires precise setup:

VTA/SRA/Arm height: The UTurn has no way to adjust this.

Azimuth/Cartridge and headshell tilt: UTurn has this adjustment.

Anti Skate Adjustment: The U Turn doesn’t have this.

The 40 is simply too much cartridge for the UTurn.

The Grado Gold3 is a great choice- $260- if you are looking for a much warmer presentation with killer bass.

Another great choice would be the A/T VM95ML ($169) for added detail and improved tracking over the Blue. A price increase is coming on this one in February though.
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Thanks for the explanation! So OM40 is defnitely a no go for now.

After thinking about this a little bit more, I think I might opt for going with a different brand. OM30 would be nice, but after reading your descriptions of the other carts, the Grado Gold3 and A/T VM95ML are starting to sound more attractive. If you had to choose between the two options, which one would you go for?
 
thisunfolds said:
Thanks for the explanation! So OM40 is defnitely a no go for now.

After thinking about this a little bit more, I think I might opt for going with a different brand. OM30 would be nice, but after reading your descriptions of the other carts, the Grado Gold3 and A/T VM95ML are starting to sound more attractive. If you had to choose between the two options, which one would you go for?
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It depends on what you want, not what I like. I’m a fan of both. I really like the Grado. You can also upgrade it later with the 8MZ stylus for increased performance ($150).

The Grado will be much warmer and have more bass than the 2m Blue you have now or the A/T. It sounds more expensive than it is. I’m running a much more expensive cartridge currently. And it’s better in many ways. But it doesn’t have the jaw dropping bass that the Grado has.

The A/T will track better then the 2m Blue and sounds better/more natural to me. If you want warmer with killer bass, go Grado. If you want a step up from what you’ve got but more similar to the Ortofon, go A/T.
 
So here’s a question from me. Soon enough I’ll be needing a new cart. The U.K. is out until Brexshit settles down and so I’m likely to give Grado a miss.

Ive had that MC itch and am thinking an OC9 will be my next move. I’m avoiding Shibata so it’s the micro line or special line contact.

The special line contact is €200 more. Which do people think is my best option? Is the SL worth €200 more than the ML? I need informed opinions, fire them at me 😂
 
Joe Mac said:
So here’s a question from me. Soon enough I’ll be needing a new cart. The U.K. is out until Brexshit settles down and so I’m likely to give Grado a miss.

Ive had that MC itch and am thinking an OC9 will be my next move. I’m avoiding Shibata so it’s the micro line or special line contact.

The special line contact is €200 more. Which do people think is my best option? Is the SL worth €200 more than the ML? I need informed opinions, fire them at me 😂
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I really like the ML. I really enjoyed the OC9MLII.
 
HiFi Guy said:
It depends on what you want, not what I like. I’m a fan of both. I really like the Grado. You can also upgrade it later with the 8MZ stylus for increased performance ($150).

The Grado will be much warmer and have more bass than the 2m Blue you have now or the A/T. It sounds more expensive than it is. I’m running a much more expensive cartridge currently. And it’s better in many ways. But it doesn’t have the jaw dropping bass that the Grado has.

The A/T will track better then the 2m Blue and sounds better/more natural to me. If you want warmer with killer bass, go Grado. If you want a step up from what you’ve got but more similar to the Ortofon, go A/T.
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Gotcha. Thanks for for the explanation! I definitely have a lot to think about, but thanks again for your advice! Right now I’m leaning towards the Grado based on your explanation, with the added bonus of upgrading the stylus if I choose to do so (and honestly, it’ll probably help in the long run so I can save more money for a better turntable).

I can’t wait to upgrade to a better setup with the addition of an amp/non-powered speakers. I technically have the funds to pull off purchasing these as well, but I’m trying to be good and save that money for now in case of an emergency 😂😅😭
 
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Joe Mac said:
That’s exactly the answer I was hoping to hear! €200 less spent is no bad thing. Will probably go for the OC9XML then in a couple of months.
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Or you could pick up the one I had for $419 on close out.

lptunes.com

Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II cartridge

Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II cartridges for your turntable or record player. Shop for a Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II cartridge or find a different replacement phonograph cartridige from from LP Tunes!
lptunes.com lptunes.com
 
HiFi Guy said:
Or you could pick up the one I had for $419 on close out.

lptunes.com

Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II cartridge

Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II cartridges for your turntable or record player. Shop for a Audio-Technica AT-OC9ML/II cartridge or find a different replacement phonograph cartridige from from LP Tunes!
lptunes.com lptunes.com
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Largely depends on postage and customs duty/VAT on arrival to be honest. The new one is about €500 over here.
 
TenderLovingKiller® said:
I wanna see @Mather get really into reel-to-reel music, then while coked out of his gourd dance about his game room to “Sister Christian” in a silk robe a’la Alfred Molina in Boogie Nights. I think @Mather could really pull it off.
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Anyone seen Hot Summer Nights? It's not very good, but William Fichtner is in one good scene that reminded of the Molina scene from Boogie Nights. Even more menacing, if that's possible.
 
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