Urgent cartridge help required!!! Thank you!

[Vizzage]

Can someone rank these please in order of goodness?

ortofon 2m black

ortofon rondo red

goldring 2500

denon DL304

for rock and classical, off a rega planar 3, trough a talk electronics amp, out of kef q35 speakers

 

[plastic penguin]

Not really. Both Ortofon and Goldring have a fantastic history of quality carts, personally like the Goldrings for a balanced sound. No idea about Denons.

This'll boil down to what presentation you like. If you like a neutral sounding cart with punchy bass and a firm midband then this is the kiddie: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clearaudio-Aurum-Classics-Woods-V2A-MM-Cartridge-/390529180789?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5aed5a6475

They normally retail around £350 mark, so this is a steal.

When I visited a Rega dealer and looked at the new RP6, he said the ClearAudio would give better quality than Rega's own carts - worth keeping that in mind.

 

[Vizzage]

Thank you - I see there are quite a few retailers selling them at 160-170 - maybe it's an old model now or something? - but it's nevertheless added to my potential shopping list. Cheers. Meanwhile I have a contact who's willing to part ex my old rega elysfor a new ortofon 2M black, for 300 quid, which seems like a good deal?

 

[Ketan Bharadia]

I've heard the Goldring 2500 and Ortofon 2M Black. They're both good cartridges, balanced yet entertaining to listen to. I think for me the Goldring edges ahead due to a slightly better defined bass. There's not much in it , though.

 

[Vizzage]

Wow, it's much cheaper. Just as I was setting my heart on the ortofon too!

 

[plastic penguin]

Wow, it's much cheaper. Just as I was setting my heart on the ortofon too!

Yes, but remember that Ketan is in a position of listening to a number of different cart (side-by-side), but in isolation the bass on the Ortofon probably won't be an issue.

 

[Vizzage]

I know it sounds silly but I was kind of hoping someone would say that! so i'm gonna get the ortofon! thanks dude