Ortofon 2M Red/Blue vs Grado cartridges

[kapuxino]

I'm looking to upgrade the cartrige of my Rega RP1 in the near future. Right now it has the Ortofon OM 5E that comes by default, and it sounds OK, but I'm looking for something better.

I've read great things of the the Ortofon 2M Red and Blue cartriges. Probably the Blue is a bit excesive for my TT, but if there is a significant improvement I'd go that route.

The Grado Red1/Blue1 and Gold1/Silver also seems interesting, but I'm not sure how well they would pair with the RP1.

I'm very interest in hearing opinions and recomendations. And if I'm lucky enough maybe someone already made a comparison of the two brands/series on the RP1

 

[stevebrock]

Save your money for an RP3!

 

[stevebrock]

Sorry about the flippant comment!

I had an RP1 fantastic deck and it got me hooked on vinyl! I thought about upgrading the cartridge but its only a small part of the story and the expense in cart alone wouldn't really give you that much of an upgrade! Well that's what I was advised - you can only take an RP1 so far......

Difference between an RP1 and RP3 is significant! Better platter, tonearm, plinth bracing, interconnect, and motor not forgetting the Elys 2.

My advice save up for an RP3

 

[kapuxino]

Thanks for your reply Steve!

The RP1 is a (recent) gift from my girlfriend, so changing it is not an option. I'm actually satisfied with it, knowing better sound exists from a better TT, but I'd like to try to maximize the performance of the RP1

 

[stevebrock]

Excellent, if your enjoying it then thats all that matters!

Like I said its cracking deck and I would think the 2M Red would be perfect and the stylus is replacable!

Buys some more records but watch out its addictive and you will soon want to upgrade!

PS You will some VTA spacers for the 2M Red, so get your local Rega dealer to do it for you!

 

[mitch65]

Thanks for your reply Steve!

The RP1 is a (recent) gift from my girlfriend, so changing it is not an option. I'm actually satisfied with it, knowing better sound exists from a better TT, but I'd like to try to maximize the performance of the RP1

Been there, other half bought me an audio prezzie and I made the mistake of selling it.........not worth the hassle. Another option is the RP1 performance pack

 

[stevebrock]

Thanks for your reply Steve!

The RP1 is a (recent) gift from my girlfriend, so changing it is not an option. I'm actually satisfied with it, knowing better sound exists from a better TT, but I'd like to try to maximize the performance of the RP1

Been there, other half bought me an audio prezzie and I made the mistake of selling it.........not worth the hassle. Another option is the RP1 performance pack

oh yeah forgot about the performance pack!

not sure what improvemnet from a mat & belt would make though

 

[mitch65]

Thanks for your reply Steve!

The RP1 is a (recent) gift from my girlfriend, so changing it is not an option. I'm actually satisfied with it, knowing better sound exists from a better TT, but I'd like to try to maximize the performance of the RP1

Been there, other half bought me an audio prezzie and I made the mistake of selling it.........not worth the hassle. Another option is the RP1 performance pack

oh yeah forgot about the performance pack!

not sure what improvemnet from a mat & belt would make though

TBH me neither, I have a feeling they would be subtle but that could be the cynic in me

 

[GeoffreyW]

I replaced the black drive belt on my old Planar 3 with a white one, and it definitely sounded better, so you could just try doing that, without buying the full pack. I haven't tried changing the mat, so can't comment on that.

 

[stevebrock]

I replaced the black drive belt on my old Planar 3 with a white one, and it definitely sounded better, so you could just try doing that, without buying the full pack. I haven't tried changing the mat, so can't comment on that.

ooh might try a white belt on my RP3 then!