Ortofon 2M Black on the way

[Ron-C]

If you adjust the loading on C2300, C500 and C1000 while listening, you should be able to make the highs sound anywhere from bright to dull.

Thanks,

[jdandy]

Ron-C.......You are correct. One of the really cool things with my friend's C2300 is that cartridge loading can be done via the remote control from your favorite seating position. Since I was listening to his system, I made no adjustments. I have played with those adjustments many times myself with my own gear. Remote control of those functions is a great McIntosh feature.

[1KW]

Dan

I am looking forward to your impression of the ortofon 2m black . I am going to be using your line ...."The constant drone of all the hoopla doesn't impress me." in the future

[jetblack]

Dan,

So, you finally pulled the trigger. That's great news! I know awhile back you had indicated that you wanted to make an upgrade move in some kind of direction. I hope the 2MB will put a smile on your face.

And thanks for the feedback on the other cartridges you listened to. I didn't have the chance to listen to as many others.

Danny

[Jerome W]

Dan,

You're investing again in LP playback : these are good news !!
I see maybe a new TT coming !
Jerome

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by jetblack

Dan,

So, you finally pulled the trigger. That's great news! I know awhile back you had indicated that you wanted to make an upgrade move in some kind of direction. I hope the 2MB will put a smile on your face.

And thanks for the feedback on the other cartridges you listened to. I didn't have the chance to listen to as many others.

Danny

Danny.......It was your positive feedback on the Ortofon 2M Black, as well as Chuck's that finally peaked my interest in this phono cartridge. Jeff at A/V Solutions removed some of the sting from the purchase, so it was an easy decision. I should have the new cartridge tomorrow if Priority mail isn't delayed for some reason. I am excited to give it a spin.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by C220MC275

Dan,

You're investing again in LP playback : these are good news !!
I see maybe a new TT coming !
Jerome

Jérôme.......Yes, I am hoping to improve the setup I presently have. I love my direct drive Micro Seiki DD-40 turntable. The m505 arm is an engineering marvel, and does so many things right. It tracks beautifully, allows tracking force adjustment, vertical tracking angle adjustment, and anti-skate adjustment, all while actually playing an album. The arm even has cartridge azimuth adjustment capabilities, too. The direct drive is dead silent, high torque, with servo control speed adjustment for 33 and 45 rpm. The speed stability is extremely stable. The turntable has adjustable shock mounted feet that allow accurate leveling of the turntable, and Tom at Turntable Depot manufactured a brand new dust cover for the Micro Seiki that is perfect. I love this 30 year old turntable. It is an engineering marvel, and a beauty to behold.

All of that said, it does not mean I might not consider a new turntable purchase, but I am not likely to part with the Micro Seiki no matter what other direction I may decide to go. When you own a piece of audio equipment for 30 years it becomes a part of you, especially since it still performs perfectly and looks brand new.

The Ortofon 2M Black has the expensive Shibata tip mounted on the cantilever, and is the same Shibata tip that is used on the Ortofon Jubilee moving coil cartridge ($2350.00). I am expecting the Ortofon 2M Black to sound very good. It is the first new cartridge I have purchased in over twenty years.

[Jerome W]

Dan,
Micro Seiki TT's are beautifully crafted. I easily understand why you would not let it go. "Modern" TT's don't have real improvements over older designs, like for fm tuners....
Enjoy your new cart ! I will be very curious to read your comments.
Cheers
Jerome

[jdandy]

The Ortofon 2M Black arrived this afternoon. Jeff at A/V Solutions did a fine job of getting the phono cartridge to me quickly, and super well packed. Thanks, Jeff.

It took about an hour and a half to get the Ortofon 2M Black mounted, alignment set up, VTA adjusted, tracking force and anti-skate set, and azimuth verified on the headshell. It is always a labor of love to work on the Micro Seiki turntable. I take everything slow, keep myself relaxed, pay close attention, and enjoy myself. Installing a new cartridge, and setting up the tonearm is a true joy of our hobby. I don't do it often, but I have fun every time.

I selected four albums to audition. These are albums I am very familiar with, and like listening to them. I started with Hiroshima (Original Master Recording), then played Riki Lee Jones (Original Master Recording), then Fleetwood Mac (Nautilus Super Disc), and finally Stevie Ray Vaughn. These albums are in pristine condition, cleaned, and Last treated.

It did not take me ten seconds to immediately realize the Ortofon 2M Black bests the Shure V15VxMR, and the Ortofon isn't even broken in yet. On Hiroshima's album the voices, stringed instruments, and drums had much greater clarity and air. Channel seperation was wider than the V15VxMR, and the entire presentation was much more dynamic and exciting.

This carried right into Riki Lee Jones album. Riki's voice was more three dimensional, with a very believable texture and presentation. On "Easy Money" the electric keyboard notes just floated in the air, including the extremely high frequency keyboard notes. Note a hint of edge, just very clean, with plenty of seperation from Riki's voice, guitars, and drum. On "Last Chance Texaco", one of my favorite Riki Lee Jones tunes, her voice, the acoustic guitars, and the bass each had ample room without a smidgen of smearing. I am thoroughly impressed.

The Nautilus Super Disc version of Fleetwood Mac - Rumors is excellent. "Second Hand News" came across with a lot more energy and dynamics in the drum beats and vocals than the Shure was able to deliver. By comparison, the V15VxMR sounds a bit flat, where the Ortofon 2M Black presented a realistic presentation of the energy in this tune, with a much larger sound stage that was considerably deeper and wider. On "Gold Dust Woman" Stevie Nicks voice, and Nick Fleetwoods harmonies were locked in the center of the sound stage, which had excellent width and depth. John McVie's bass was solid and tight, not a trace of muddiness, or one note symptons.

Tracking the Stevie Ray Vaughn - Couldn't Stand The Weather album was a delight. This is one of my all time favorite blues/rock albums, and Stevie's guitar and vocals jumped off the vinyl and into my room like I have not heard it before. On "Cold Shot" the groove fell right into place, Stevie Ray's voice and guitar never interfered with the driving bass, and the blistering guitar and drums. On "Tin Pan Alley" the slow bass was full and rich, and the guitar riffs were crisp and clean, while Stevie Ray's voice strongly filled the center of the sound stage.

I have to admit, I didn't really want to stop listening to the Ortofon 2M Black, and sit down long enough to post these photos and a quick review, but I wanted to get this up for those interested. It is evident that I should have made a cartridge change a long time ago. As good as the older cartridges were in their day, the newest designs, materials, and stylus shapes have advanced the art considerably. It's like taking blinders off, and realizing I now have a wide angle view. There was that much difference. I have had my vinyl fire reignited this evening in less than three hours, and honestly haven't heard my albums sound this good before. The Ortofon 2M Black is an excellent phono cartridge, ultra quiet, very broad frequency response and wide channel seperation, tracks wonderfully at 1.7 grams, and is very musical. It will only get better. Color me a happy camper.

[cmalak]

Dan...that is awesome news . Really glad the Ortofon 2M Black is working out so well. That is just great. Enjoy it. I don't know the Hiroshima album but the other three are all classics. Nicely done.