'Shure M97xE' vs 'Ortofon 2M Red'

[peace_sells]

Hi guys,

These are probably two of the most popular carts in the 80-100$ range (and arguably two of the best? :argue.

I'm planning to buy one of them (most likely). So what are your opinions on these 2 carts? Which one's better? What are the pros and cons?

If you've had experiences with them, please share.

PLUS, If you think there are better carts in this price range, please mention that as well.

Regards,
Saket.

 

[reubensm]

IMO, just like the room size and speaker relationship, there is a relationship between the type of records you'd want to play and the cartridge you would use. If you have your vinyl in pristine condition, probably new, then any cart would do. However if your vinyl is generally well used (or abused) from previous ownership, then the Shure M44-7 is the way to go. I also have the M97xe and its a great cart. However, personally I am not a great fan of that brush. The M97xe is very neutral and pleasant sounding while the M44-7 is louder and aggressive and much bassier (coloured of course). However when it comes to tracking, the M44-7 is unbeatable. I have played a damaged LP (had small pimple like projections on the surface) and only the M44-7 could track on it. The M97xe which I had before could not play this record. The Technics OEM MM cart would jump all over the place. I also feel that the N44-7 matching stylus of the M44-7 lasts a bit longer (probably as its built for heavy DJ use). Shure claims that the N44-7 stylus produces very low groove wear compared to other stylii. No experience with Ortofon yet, I've been a Shure guy. Grew up listening to the Shure M75-6, another legendary MM cart.

 

[murali_n]

Hi,

Another VFM cart is the AT 95.

N.Murali

 

[sachu888]

Ortofon OM10 for low to medium mass arm.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[tek]

If you can stretch your budget a little, I suggest you go for the Denon DL 110 high output MC cart. It will play on any MM phono stage. It's just an amazing cart, with great "3D" sound. I have the 2M red and since I got the Denon, I haven't used the 2M Red even once. That says it all. Really an outstanding cart for the price. Highly recommended.

 

[Shivam]

Which arm do you have and what kind of platter ?

 

[kuruvilajacob]

IMO, Shure 97 XE should suit your SL-1500 more than the 2 M Red. I have used both. Cannot say which is better. It will depend on many factors like phono stage matching, impedence etc.

 

[souravin]

I have used Shure M75, M92E, M 44-7, M97Xe. If you love bass and colored sound, then M 44-7 is the best bet. M97Xe is best in this league regarding neutral and fatigue free sound. It produces very warm sound.

M92E catches the noise most. Noise reproduction is on the lower side on M 44-7, M97Xe.

 

[peace_sells]

Thanks a lot for your input guys. I've bought the Shure M97xe for now. Lets see how that goes for me.

 

[arunvenkatesan]

Hello Friends

can some one suggest head shell and cartridge for Micro seiki BL 51 turntable with MA71 tone arm (static balance type). this will be my first TT,which will arrive soon without head shell. Though I have been going through the forum for sometime now, unless i keep my hands on, I cant learn. so I managed to get this tt. hope it reaches safely. I had seen turntable needle.com offering ortofon super10 with head shell. will this be good for my table. If I have to buy head shell and cart separate,how to go about it. as of now I am planning to set this up with a vintage sansui qrx 7001 and vintage national panasonic speakers .

thanks
Arun

 

[peace_sells]

So finally I've installed my new Shure M97xe cart on my Technics SL 1500! Sound is really...awesome! :yahoo: It definitely sounds warmer for sure! :thumbsup: Apparently the sound gets better after a few hours of use..am i right?

 

[Tanoj]

Apparently the sound gets better after a few hours of use..am i right?

Yes you are right ....

i recomend you to use it with sachin's MM Phonostage ....

i used Denon DL 160 cart with sachin's MC Phonostage ... amazing sound with the phono upgrade...

Happy Listning ....

Tanoj

 

[omishra]

It definitely sounds warmer for sure! :thumbsup: Apparently the sound gets better after a few hours of use..am i right?

Congrats! What is capacitive loading you have set? It sounds best on 250-300pF capacitive loading with 47K R. It includes capacitance of headshell wire + tonearm cable + Phono cable and Phono preamp input capacitance.

 

[Saket]

Great! So finally, the set up is M97Xe. I think with all the praises you guys shower on M97Xe, soon it will land me with some major expenses at hand
Currently on M44-7.

Please post a full picture of your set up.

Regards,
Saket

 

[jls001]

Give it 20 to 30 hours for the M97xE to show its true colours. By 100 hours it should become stable.

 

[sachu888]

It should improve after 30-40 hrs playing time.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[peace_sells]

Please post a full picture of your set up.

Regards,
Saket

Here you go Speakers are nothing great. Some old Sony 100 wpc speakers. Doesn't sound too bad actually but will upgrade soon.

Congrats! What is capacitive loading you have set? It sounds best on 250-300pF capacitive loading with 47K R. It includes capacitance of headshell wire + tonearm cable + Phono cable and Phono preamp input capacitance.

I have connected my TT to an integrated amplifier (with phono input). Denon PMA 1500ae. Apparently the input impedance of the phono stage is 47k ohms in parallel with 100pf. There is a button that can switch between MM and MC. The capacitance value is nowhere mentioned in the manual but the person from whom I bought told me. I'm not sure how to measure the capacitance of the phono cable and wire (i'm guessing I'll need a capacitance meter right?). Any suggestions on that?

Regards,
Saket.

 

[Record Player]

Phew! That looks really neat Saket. Well kept

An upgrade of speakers would be apt.

Cheers...

 

[sachu888]

Nice pics,your next upgrade should be a good quality outboard Phonostage and speakers.

Regards,
Sachin

 

[Saket]

Very clean set up indeed. Just a small concern...don't you get into feedback problem since the speakers are placed so close to the system?

And could you post a scanned copy of the protractor in original scale so that we can download & print it for use on our TTs?

Regards,
Saket