Yeah those suckers are close to 8mv I've read when they get tested! I've never had a 2M. I do think the OM10 sounds good for a bonded elliptical. But it's not high output at 4mv.
VM540ML here on a SL1500C. Very happy with it mounted in a basic AT headshell. KAB damper is a huge upgrade every 1500C deserves.
I've seen the KAB before, is it such a huge improvement? At this point, I think I will return the VM95ML and give the VM540ML a shot.
Odds are you won't like it either. No AT MM being made today, for the most part, is going to sound right at ~320pf total loading unless your hearing tops out at 10K or whatever.
Many humans will think the louder example sounds better. In this case, the 2M will be significantly louder than most AT MMs, due to higher output. Most people do not understand level matching either.
I adjusted the volume level once I changed from the 2M Red to the VM95ML. It didn't change things for me, as the AT still sounded sterile, even if I increased the volume further. BTW, I've ordered the Denon PMA-1600NE today.
I have the A-T VM540ML mounted to Technics Headshell fitted to my Technics SL-1210GR with VTA at Zero setting. The TT is connected to my Parasound P6 phono input. Now, with about 60 hours on the cart playing familiar LPs, the cart seems virtually identical in signature to my Shure V15V/SAS. That's to say, I can not distinguish LP play from CD play of same music: black as coal background, identical tone, and low volume detail albeit perhaps a little bolder in high frequency end. Resonance peak is between 7 and 9 Hz as measured via Shure V15V Audio Obstacle Course Test LP. Overall, I am satisfied with the cart since it is delivering the expected results.
Most definitely.... deeper and firmer bass which underpins a solid mid-range plus smoother handling of the tonearm. KAB damper, basic AT-HS1P headshell, AT-VM540ML, supplied interconnect, and built-in phonostage is where it's at for me. I've tried better headshells, cartridges, phono stages, interconnects and an 6mm Acromat but not been impressed. And I know that those who dis the cueing action haven't lived with the deck. The cueing is accurate and damped; you just need to be confident to lower the cueing lever quickly, the hydraulic damping follows.
So got the VM540ML today + Denon PMA1600NE. Now, we're talking... I'm playing the Acoustic Sound Series pressing of Coltrane's "Ballads" and I just have this huge stupid grin on my face. Thank you to everyone that pitched in and provided feedback or guidance on this. Wow, just wow.
Here's a little thing I noticed when using the Technics tool. Look at the stylus from the bottom, thru the notch, rotate until looking almost perpendicular. It was very hard to judge sideways (for me at least). Once I used the notch it was easy,
Funny thing, I totally forgot to use the gauge this time. And now I'm actually scared to use it cause the sound coming out of the VM540ML is so good, I'm afraid to mess it up. I'm using the Denon's phono stage and Mogami 2964 cables.
What do you notice when comparing the 1500C phono stage with the Denon's and the stock Technics interconnect with the Mogami 2964?
Is moving up from the Ortofon 2M Red to the 2M Black a worthwhile upgrade for the 1500C? I've just bought my dad one of these tables and there was a discount on the 2M black when bought together, so I was going to upgrade the cart before giving it to him. He'll be using the internal phono amp through an Icon Audio Stereo 25 valve integrated amp into Icon Audio MFV III speakers.
OK, so it appears you have an alignment scheme somewhat divergent than what you would get with the Technics gauge. I have my VM540ML set for the Technics scheme. The cart is also level with platter. Leveling the cart did produce blacker backgrounds. And, so far, the cart tracks as well as my Shure V15V-MR.
I echo what @KeithL said about the KAB Damper. It's an excellent add-on. I was slack-jawed by the undeniable difference the damper made in my system. Even if you disregard the sonic benefits, the tracking and cueing benefits are tangible enough to justify the cost. But the sonic benefits are impressive. Damping out those resonant frequencies really does make a difference.
What do you notice when comparing the 1500C phono stage with the Denon's and the stock Technics interconnect with the Mogami 2964? They are both there for the trying. Won't cost you anything but 5 minutes of your time.
It has been written on this forum that the SL1500c's built-in phono stage has a capacitance of 390pf. I cannot find any published specifications that confirms this. The bundled Ortofon 2m Red specifies a range of 150 to 300pf. It seems unlikely that Technics would deliberately mismatch the phono stage and cartridge. Correct me if I'm wrong.
