Goldring vs Ortofon sound characteristics

[Peter Larsen]

I'm considering either the Ortofon 2M Bronze or the Goldring MM 2300. However it's not possible to compare them with my own ears where I live, so I have no idea which one to chose.

What are their characteristics?

I listen to everything from high fidelity recordings like Steely Dan's Aja to more extreme metal, so the cartridge should be both subtle and fast. Preferably with a tight bass so it can handle fast double bass drums.

I will probably mount the cartridge on a Projects 1xpression Carbon (the new 6th gen. ones).

 

[Al ears]

It would be difficult for me to describe the characteristics of these cartidges as they are both reasonable performers for the money and both quite neutral. I could describe cheaper Ortofons as 'constrained' and not as 'musical' as Goldrings your hearing will be different to mine.

It is always tricky when it comes to cartridges as they are normally the only part of a system you cannot audition.

I have not heard the 2300 only the more expensive 2500 but personally I would tend towards the Goldring 2300 (assuming it is not too different from the 2500 in overall sound quality, but that's only because I have never got on with the cheaper Ortofon ranges.)

See following thread for a comparison with 2M black and 2500.

Ultimately I would go with neither of these. If it were my money I'd be looking at a Nagoaka MP150.

 

[stevebrock]

Ultimately I would go with neither of these. If it were my money I'd be looking at a Nagoaka MP150.

Agree......However £60-70 more gets you the MP200 with Boron cantilever - I have just put one on my RP6 and its a lovely sounding cartridge, as will be the MP150

 

[jamesrfisher]

Another vote for the MP150, fitted one last weekend and is very nice indeed.

 

[stevebrock]

Another vote for the MP150, fitted one last weekend and is very nice indeed.

should just be running in now!

 

[jamesrfisher]

Is doing very nicely, very glad I made the right choice

 

[stevebrock]

Floyd Droid put me onto the Nagaoka, purely as a spare, i prefered the Mp110 to my dyn 10x5, found it not as forward - my MP-200 sounds reallly nice - lovely cart - cant believe a MM sounds as good as this. Wipes the floor with the budget Ortofons

 

[DIB]

I bought a brand new MP-10 for £22 last year as a back up in case my 2M Blue went tits up, but its still in the box. Hopefully thats where it will stay as I'm more than happy with the 2M Blue (especially after a Bias 2 previously), but I'm led to believe that if pressed into service the MP-10 will be a great bargain spare.

.

 

[Jim-W]

I think I'd favour the Goldring over the Ortofon, having said that I've got a 2M Blue which I find to be tonally balanced and detailed.Can't abide the 2M Red.

+1 for Nagoka. Great to see them back in favour. I've still got an MP11 boron cart somwhere-always liked it.

 

[Al ears]

Not too sure where the OP lives but I've had a look around and the Nagoaka MP200 should be available for roughly £40 more than the Ortofon 2M Bronze.

No contest really!

 

[Peter Larsen]

I live in Denmark. Actually the Goldring 2300 is made by Nagaoka

I like my cartridge open sounded. In other words the exact opposite of ex. Rega Elys2, which I think is a very boring listen.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

I have a goldring 1012gx with a Rega Rp3 and I was advised by my Rega dealer, love the sound, the bass is in place and strong.

never heard the 2300 as my dealer don't like them, he prefers the 1000 range.

here is a link I think it can be useful.

http://daveyw.edsstuff.org/vinyl/cartridges/