GeorgePt said:
Hi there,i'm new to analog audio and i want some advice about a system i want to buy. First for turntable
i'm thinking of Pro-ject Debut Carbon but im confused about the cartridge,OM10 or 2M Red? There are comments about 2M Red such as tracking distortion,very bright and very clinically detailed in its presentation,pick up a lot of surface noise. I have some old LPs and i don't want much of surface noise. Is OM10 better with this issue? Also for speakers im going for Wharfedale Diamond 121 and for amp Yamaha AS-500. If it plays a role my bedroom is small so i think the 121 will be good enough for metal,hardcore,punk etc music right?
I use both an OMP5e and VMS20MKII (closer to the blue as it has a nude mounted eliptical) on two different tables on occasions. I would not describe the Ortofon 'sound' as clinical or bright. Rather it is well focused, snappy and acurate, at least compared to some others. Less channel separation than say an AT but slightly more musical, less hifi.
There is little tracking distortion with either but that depends also on your alignment and tonearm. Yes, they do pick up surface noise which manifests itself slightly clearer than for example an AT with Shibata tip but it is simply because the sound stage is slightly less diffuse and more direct, not softening clicks and pops like other cartridges can.
Neither of the two you've listed will be the be it and end all of cartridges. Both will have limitations at the frequency extremes but to get better you have to pay more. I could give you examples of other cartridges/stylus combinations which will probably give you quite a bit more but you then get into the territory of looking for rare s/h examples.
I would personally say the Red is a safe, good value bet. You could try the Shure M97 but it has high frequency roll off and a slight boost to mid bass which, unless you have a phono stage which allows cartridge loading, may come over as to 'warm'. However, if that is what you're seeking, recommended.
All imho and limited experience
regards