Q: I plan to purchase the Technics SL-1210GR2 turntable and was thinking about buying the Ortofon 2M Bronze or 2M Black cartridge with it. What are your thoughts about these cartridges, and the Ortofon 2M Red and 2M Blue models?

A: A moving magnet cartridge is typically composed of two parts: a cartridge body and a removable stylus. The Ortofon 2M Red and the 2M Blue share the same body, and the only difference is the stylus. So, you can upgrade a 2M Red to a 2M Blue just by changing the stylus. The 2M Bronze and 2M Black also share a body, though a different one than the Blue and Red. Despite the common 2M name, you cannot change a 2M Red or 2M Blue into a 2M Bronze or 2M Black because the bodies differ.

I have heard all four cartridges on a variety of turntables. The $99 2M Red is highly regarded, but my impression isn't as noteworthy. It is pleasant, reasonably detailed and smooth, but I do not find it musically engaging. The thing I like most about the Red is that it can be upgraded to a Blue.

The Blue is a wonderful cartridge. It is crisp, detailed, musical, lively and sweet-sounding. Though regularly $239, I have seen it on sale for $189 recently. I liken the Bronze to a perfected Blue, exhibiting its fine qualities in even greater quantities. I think it is your top choice if you want the 2M cartridge that will bring out the best in your turntable. Regularly $499, it has been on sale for $429 as of late.

Why not the $695 2M Black? I have tried it on the Technics SL-1200 series turntables and preferred the Bronze. When I told a colleague I preferred the Bronze, he concurred and described the Black as "too good for its own good." It is super-precise and detailed to the point the clinical sound reminded me of a CD player. It's certainly very good, but I would rather have the Bronze for less money. I also can think of a lot of other cartridges I would rather have for $700.

Updating your car

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Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.