Grado Black3 vs Ortofon 2M Blue

Great seat travel extension without sibilance
Natural sounding with beautiful harmonics and tonal inflections
Good bass performance
Easy to install and align
Spacious soundstage
Great sound quality
Higher output
Easy to install
Can improve overall listening experience
Well-suited for budget preamps
Not able to handle significant bass
Some users report hum issues
Some users report poor tracking on new vinyl
Not suited for those who prefer a warmer sound
May take some time to break in
Some users feel it lacks mid-range

Verdict

Overall, the Grado Black3 cartridge receives mixed reviews. Many users praise its natural sound, beautiful harmonics, and good bass performance. However, some users report issues with hum, poor tracking, and difficulty installing the cartridge. The foam pads on the Grado headphones are also a point of contention among users. Despite its flaws, the Grado Black3 is considered a good budget cartridge option by many.

Verdict

Overall, the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge receives mostly positive reviews, with many users praising its sound quality and higher output. Some users note that it may take some time to break in and that it can be a bit bright or harsh for their taste. However, there are also some users who feel that it lacks mid-range and is too sterile or digital-sounding. Overall, it seems to be a solid choice for those looking for a mid-range cartridge upgrade.

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