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In the Forum: Analog Playback
In the Thread: Thank you, Sir! May I have another (MC-3000 II)?

Post Subject: Joy from Big Works, also CaveatsPosted by Paul S on: 12/25/2015

For a while now I have been regularly listening to "Big Works", something I did not even try a few years ago. Yesterday it was my most recent "pet" piece, another iteration of Ein deutsches Requiem. Something I have not really dwelt on to date is how nice it is to be able to listen to Big Works despite sub-optimal electricity, a situation I have only enjoyed since I have re-integrated this re-built cartridge into my system. Regarding sub-optimal sound while using this cartridge, it's always hard to separate out any problems with the sound, but keeping this on the subject of this thread, I think this cartridge would be easier to "develop" with a heavier (than my Well Tempered Reference) tone arm, but IMO it would be an exercise in futility to use this cartridge in any arm that does not allow easily adjustable and repeatable settings, including - especially - VTA. With my WTR arm it has also been necessary for me to re-set damping and anti-skate for this re-built cartridge, so - even though I do not have to do this for each record - readers should take this into account before purchasing the Ortofon MC 3000 II. Also, readers should remember that I went "whole hog" for this cartridge, buying its factory-matched SUT at the same time, and I have never even heard this cartridge with any other SUT. If only because it's output and output impedance are both so low, you can be sure the SUT is a big factor here. No doubt other combos could be developed, however, I can only "recommend" this one.

Paul S

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