Faux
pfm Member
A better Audio Technica MM would keep a similar overall balance but would sound a bit fuller, more detailed and be more civilized at the top end. An Ortofon Blue or Bronze would probably be a little softer sounding again? I'm guessing a bit as the only two 2M carts I've actually had in my system are the Red and Black. Ortofon carts are generally warmer than AT ones but the 2Ms are quite bright for Ortofon carts.
Just to throw a wild card in, you can still buy new styluses for the Ortofon 500 range. These are the carts which proceeded the 2Ms and, despite being pig ugly, are pretty nice. So the 510 is broadly equivalent to the Red and 540 is what became the Black. However, I personally prefer the 540 MkII to the Black. Slightly less detailed and dynamic but smoother and more coherent. The bodies are all the same so if you can pick up any used 500-series body and buy a new 540 stylus for it (£240) for about say £260 you've got a cartridge which is on a par with the 2M Black at £500. Ok, they look like Lego bricks but sound wise it's up there with the best MM carts you can buy. Big step up in refinement and detail over a 95e.
Just a thought ;0)
Thanks again, I'm going to give a second hand 530 a go. My thought being, I may be happy with that on its own as an upgrade, but if not I can add a 540 mk2 for £240, which still brings it into the price range of the Bronze.
I really appreciate all of the feedback on here.