stlcardinalsfan said:

H.Chinaski said:

Looking to upgrade my cartridge on my Audiotechnica LP120 from stock. Thinking about the Ortofon 2M Red. Anyone else done this? 

That's what I have. It's a noticeable improvement from the stock cartridge. I have the red Ortofon headshell, also. 

Ditto. No complaints from me, and people come in and compliment how my stereo sounds.

H.Chinaski said:

Looking to upgrade my cartridge on my Audiotechnica LP120 from stock. Thinking about the Ortofon 2M Red. Anyone else done this? 

I went with the Ortofon Blue over the stock for my Audio Technica LP5, a marked improvement for sure..

reesdog said:

H.Chinaski said:

Looking to upgrade my cartridge on my Audiotechnica LP120 from stock. Thinking about the Ortofon 2M Red. Anyone else done this? 

I went with the Ortofon Blue over the stock for my Audio Technica LP5, a marked improvement for sure..

I did notice that it needs to break in.  

HesCalledDyer said:

dudeman said:

Is anyone here using a record clamp or weight on their turntable?

I have a Rek-O-Kut weight that I use all the time, weighs 500 grams (about 1.1 lbs) and doesn't hurt the wallet at around $50.  I have an Ortofon 2m Blue stylus which already produces great sound, but even with bad hearing (I have tinnitus in my right ear) I can tell a difference using the weight vs not.  Everything from bass to highs come in more crisp and clearly defined. It really helps improve with warped records as it reduces wobble and improves tracking. In my opinion a good, balanced weight is roughly the equivalent of upgrading your cartridge a half step or even more. The only thing about the Rek-O-Kut is it doesn't clear my dust cover, but that's not really a big issue.

Interesting. I'll have to check that one out. What turntable are you using?

Does the weight seem to change the speed? Also, do you have concerns about additional strain on the belt and motor?

dudeman said:

Does the weight seem to change the speed? Also, do you have concerns about additional strain on the belt and motor?

No effect on speed.  Physics tells us that a mass concentrated toward the center of rotation will have a negligible effect on overall acceleration or deceleration ("moment of inertia").  Once the platter gets up to speed, the less work it takes to maintain that speed. And figure you're only spinning at 33 or 45 rpm. It can potentially create additional wear over time, but that will also be extremely negligible at best. The Pro-ject Carbon table has a pretty hefty platter to begin with, so the motor & bearings are built with that taken into consideration, and can most likely handle a couple hundred grams of additional weight.  And again, 33/45 rpm for 20ish minutes at a time are hardly stressful conditions. There's really no cause for concern whatsoever.

I just purchased from Music Direct a scratch/dent Music Hall 2.2 MMF for $250.  I've been using my old Music Hall 2.2 since 2008.  I had them put on the new Mo-Fi studio tracker cartridge.  Can't wait to hear how it sounds!!!

lolobugg said:

BIGDaddyWil said:

I just purchased from Music Direct a scratch/dent Music Hall 2.2 MMF for $250.  I've been using my old Music Hall 2.2 since 2008.  I had them put on the new Mo-Fi studio tracker cartridge.  Can't wait to hear how it sounds!!!

holy shit, man. that cartridge is going for $600. should sound like solid gold

Actually, it's $199.  That's the price for the Ultra cartridge.
Here's the one I purchased:

https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-cartridges/MoFi-Electronics-StudioTracker-MM-Phono-Cartridge?utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=353644621602&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8f_eBRDcARIsAEKwRGfmg7HpJZ71b5-TBlnwTSlpNCHOXDGQmmLFr_mqx7m00wZcNCFhkZcaAtplEALw_wcB

Has anyone used the Ortofon Red cartridge? How does it perform. I currently use a 1980 Shure M97 and am thinking about getting the ortofon as a second cartridge. Has anyone had experience with both of these?

 I like that they have a plug n play option so that I can just remove the whole headshell when changing between them.  Also does anyone have a recommendation on a MONO cartridge?

Thanks, Logan

mrussel1 said:

lolobugg said:

Has anyone used the Ortofon Red cartridge? How does it perform. I currently use a 1980 Shure M97 and am thinking about getting the ortofon as a second cartridge. Has anyone had experience with both of these?

 I like that they have a plug n play option so that I can just remove the whole headshell when changing between them.  Also does anyone have a recommendation on a MONO cartridge?

Thanks, Logan

I used a red on my Debut for a few years and I really liked it.  And it's very easy to swap them, that's for sure.  It had good detail, tracked nicely, nothing bad to say about it at all.  My son busted the needle on it trying to impress some girls he had over, so I upgraded to the blue.  It is a pretty obvious upgrade.  I think it's about $110 more for the blue than the red, but as always, your performance increase will depend on the rest of the system.  Sorry that I can't compare to the Shure.  

no prob. thanks for the review. I feel like the Red is Ortofon's equivalent to the Shure I am using now. Might save up and go with the Blue to step it up a little. thanks again. if anyone else wants to chime in, please do so.