In a few months I am looking at a stylus/cartridge change. My current current cartridge is an Ortofon OM30 (with the original non-super cartridge) on a Thorens TD160 (not modified) table. I run this through a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2, a Rotel amp to Wharfsdale Linton speakers. I am very happy with this current lineup and if nothing else will just change out the OM 30 stylus with the same. But before I go this route I am interested in what others who may have had a similar setup that changed or upgraded to the Ortofon 2M Bronze have to say about that experience. Is this a reasonable upgrade path? Thanks in advance for your comments! Andrew
It’s not an upgrade. A lateral move at best. It’s the exact same stylus tip between these two. I’d plug a 40 stylus into your current OM body for a better stylus than either, for less money. I had a 2M Bronze and did not like it. I have a Pro S with the 40 stylus, which is essentially an OM in a different mount. It’s a much better tracker than the 2M Bronze, and sounded smoother, with more micro-detail.
Hi, I agree that it would be a lateral move, in addition the Thorens arm is a medium Eff Mass & depending of Head-shell could be a high Eff Mass. Both Ort cartridges need a low Eff mass arm so neither are really suitable. Cheers
OM30 to 2M Bronze may look like a lateral move on paper (both with nude fine-line styli) but the internals of their bodies are different, so they will sound quite different. Their electrical properties are not the same plus the Bronze body is supposedly enhanced over the Blue/Red body and therefore over the standard OM body. In addition, the 2M Bronze stylus is a tad less compliant than the OM30 stylus (22 vs 25), which will make it a better match to the stock medium-mass TP16 arm of the TD160 (effective-mass 16.5g), but this small difference is only a minor consideration. I don't have the 2M Bronze but have the OM30 (both standard and Super bodies) and also have experience of the 2M Red and Blue. I think you should find the 2M Bronze more open than the OM30. The 2M cartridges tend to be brighter than their OM counterparts. Something of note about the OM cartridges is their strong bass (at least with the 20 and 30 styli) and you may find the 2M to be lighter in this department. Another possibility is to stay with an OM but move to the 'enhanced' Super-OM body. Again, the Super is brighter than the standard body but is more explicit with detail. It would be a cheaper experiment to pick up a Super-OM body (buy a Super-OM5E, Super-OM10 or a used Super body) to try with your 30 stylus than to buy a whole new 2M Bronze.
Thanks all for the responses thus far, very helpful. @Crab33 thanks for reminding of the OM40 option good advice.
The cart still is not a good match for the arm!! Check it out through the Korf Compliance calculator. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...m/calculator&usg=AOvVaw3TZBwCCUJnkZylN5_xdzus Cheers
What kind of sound are you longing for, or in other words, is lacking in the sound of the current OM 30? The main difference between the OM series and 2M, to my ears at least, is that the OM does sound more subtle and refined. In case you want something different, more dynamic, exiting and in a way vivid, try the Nagaoka MP 110 and higher.
It wasn't actually me who suggested the 40 stylus. This stylus has the FG70 profile - I had the 540 MkII with the same profile but found it rather clinical sounding. Regarding the above two responses... Despite the OM styli and TP16 arm not being ideal matches, the OM cartridges do work very well on medium-mass arms. You have been happy using such a combination, so already know this. The Nagaoka cartridges are not a bad suggestion, especially in terms of matching, although I personally prefer the sound of the OM cartridges. I would describe the 2M cartridges as having a vivid sound. Going back to the OM cartridges, I have found the 20 stylus to be more exciting than the 30 - the 20 is crisper and more open, while the 30 is more refined.
Now I'm going to get the OM20. I have the OM30&40 and really enjoy them. The OM's are used on an old Concorde and a OMP10.
TT Lab has an open box OM30 for $275. Wondering if it's got some wear on it. Have you tried the Analogis/EVG nude elliptical on the OM before? I've got one and it sounds pretty nice for $35. Does it sound as good as an OM20? No clue. My ebay guy seems to be out of them but Mr Stylus has them overseas. Prob $60 or so with shipping. Replacement Stylus, ANALOGIS, BLACK DIAMOND Ortofon Stylus 5e/10/20/30/40 | analogis BLACK DIAMOND
The 2M bodies are known as having a much higher output than OM. They rate at 5.5mv but have often measured much higher! In comparison with an OM, that would make the 2M a much "hotter" cartridge and might challenge some phono preamps.
I'd just put another Stylus 30 on it. That was just the standard for that arm when it was new, if you had the funds. The OM10 was the poor man's version. The Super OM cartridge bodies offer perhaps a bit more refinement. -Bill
yes I am familiar with the Korf calculator…and look the OM series is a pretty darn good match for the TP16 MkI arm!
In my experience, the Super-OM body is brighter and exposes more high-frequency detail, and in this sense works well with the 30 stylus in presenting the information uncovered by the fine-line stylus, but I wouldn't say the Super is more refined. The plain OM body sounds more refined to me as the treble isn't as forward, affording more delicacy and generally a more easy-going sound.
Going to stick with the OM30…I really like the sound and after all that is what counts. I am thinking seriously of getting a Super OM10 and changing to my already broken in stylus just to listen to the difference. thanks @Crab33 for your positive input! Andrew
I have a Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB with a Ortofon Bronze and just ordered the Tube Box DS2. Should be listening next weekend through a Marantz SR6015 driving Definitive Technology 9040s.
2M bonze is not better than OM30 if as good. If you want better OM40., but I do not see the OM40 for sale at Ortofon site. An Ortofon Black is also better than 2M bronze or OM40, but Black 22 compliance is a little low for your tonearm. Your tonearm is so light few cartridges match up.
BTW- you own MKI or MKII? Both have very different tone arms described here. Dave, it looks like the MKI was manufactured from 1972 to 1976 and the MKII was manufactured from 1976 to 1984. The MKI's TP16 tonearm has an effective mass of 16.5g, while it looks like Thorens lightened up the TP16 arm of the MKII version to 7.5g in order to allow it to better accept the high compliance cartridges which were in vogue during that time.
Well as far as 2M’s go I’m dumping my black…going back to my soundsmith…it’s just to revealing, harsh in a way..over exaggerates any pressing issues no matter how slight…but that’s just my experience…
I feel that way about the KAB ProS40 / OM40 at times, but on pristine vinyl it is stunningly good. It is better than my Bronze, AT-VM95ML, and MP-200. I never picked up the Black. but from what I’ve heard about it, I’d keep it around for cleaner pressings.