Dire Straits - When It Comes To You - Vinyl - Ortofon 2M Styli

[@davidwho7847]

What I heard. Blue: Full, fun to listen to. Bronze: More detail, very bright and would fatigue me quickly. That's as far as I got because I was only interested in the difference between those two. Thank you for this video, it was a great help.

[@pcallas66]

They all sound fantastic. I can hear tiny little details in the Black that pop out more than the others during the solo. However, if I wasn't trying to compare the difference, I probably would be more than satisfied with all of them. I love Ortofon cartridges.

[@TheManolis1984]

I think Dire Straits and Pink Floyd are the ultimate bands to listen to in vinyl.

[@Fonzotros]

if I go on amazon and it's true that the same ip on vinyl costs 3 times more than the cd format, definitely better technology, it even makes me feel a little disgusted.

[@sallymaggiespotty]

What an incredible sound from Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits and this beautiful turntable.Best sounding machine I have ever heard and I've listened to everything out there.Damn good!!!!

[@zatoichi6645]

Дайрт Стрейтс звучит круто с любого утюга. Не показатель. Но голова-зачетная.

[@2Metanoia]

@@zatoichi6645 записано на цифру и переведено в аналог

[@lvomotor]

Bronze sounds the most balanced tonewise, it's just bright enough for my likings.

[@LucasHubert1994]

NICE! When the bronze started playing it was clear that it had a much clearer and defined sound. The shaker in the left channel was airy and deep while the blue sounded a little laid back and not as pure. The Black nailed it all, fantastic cart!!!

[@HiFisquarepants]

You have very good hearing :) Thanks ^_^

[@fatherlandchild2780]

Yes. Cant believe the people saying blue sounds best or theres no difference, they must Be kidding. Agree your comment 100%

[@Sumotori.]

@@HiFisquarepants aThank you sir, just ordered the Bronze just now, 8 years later wow. Hope all’s well for you.

[@MichaelBruunCph]

2m Black definetly has the best vocal presentation and sounds perfect in bass and treble without any fatigue. Using fidelio x1's for testing.

[@ConnahJay]

Guitar solos for comparison. --2M Blue 3:22 --2M Bronze 8:15 --2M Black 13:16

[@Bervick]

+Connah Jay Thank you. For me, the black was definitely better, extracting more detail. The guitar detail was flushed out better too. I did chromecast it to my receiver and so I could discern the differences much more audibly than through a PC/PC speakers.

[@pacislav]

The solo sounded best on the bronze for me.

[@jamocerwin5841]

For me the bronze.

[@alejandromontoya4954]

@@pacislav bronze is little natural sound. black is very sterile sound, too digital

[@yungpepe]

@@Bervick Yep have to agree black is def the best, though I was paying more attention to when the drums came back in. Black has much more detail, esp on the low end. Blue's lowend is a bit muddy, flabby sounding. Bronze the drums sound a bit flat. Black has lower extension and a fullness that's completely missing in the other two.

[@Gman4MF]

3x Ortofon 2M Styli 1:32 Blue 6:25 Bronze 11:19 Black (missing the Red in this line up, too bad)

[@HiFisquarepants]

Gman4MF Yes, it's a shame that I don't have the Red stylus... :/

[@Gman4MF]

***** i'm considering to put a "2M Red" on my recently revived Dual CS503-1, but word has it it could be unfit for the ULM-arm on the CS503-1. Although i must say i have seen 2M Red attached on similar type of turntable-arms... Alternative could be a Ortofon OM10 or OM20 perhaps, but i haven't found any recordings with those cartridges here on KZbin...

[@laecatara1]

Black has a dynamic character Bronze element sounds very pleasant, mild, rhythmic I love black

[@cybernik812]

Me too.

[@laecatara1]

@@cybernik812 6 years later and I still have the same element

[@Quietruck]

Black all the way. Full mid range, wider scope with background acoustics. A little brighter but yet keeps a good base line.

[@johngarnet2826]

4 years later, I've finally ordered a Bronze after selling my Blue included in a turntable combo.

[@7JANEWAY]

Thanks for the upload! To my ears--the Bronze is a BIG step up from the Blue; while though there is some difference, I don't believe there is enough difference between the Bronze and the Black to warrant the price jump. In other words--I don't find that the Black warrants as much more that they're asking than the Bronze. I would be just as happy with the Bronze as I would with the Black. However, this is all academic because I have a Red on my TT because that's all I can afford!!!

[@rosswarren436]

At least when it is time for a replacement stylus after 1000 hours of playback, you could get the Blue stylus and keep on going. That's what I plan on doing. I got a U-Turn Orbit Custom with the 2m Red. I'm in no hurry to get the Blue stylus, I'm only about half way to 1000 hours of use on the 2m Red.

[@7JANEWAY]

@@rosswarren436 Since I wrote that, I’ve upgraded first to the Blue, and then to the Bronze. I can tell you that once you have the Blue, you will never want to go back to the Red again. You can really tell the difference between a full diamond stylus and a diamond tipped stylus. The sound is louder, fuller and richer. It really is a day and night difference! It’s your money. If you want to wait to get the Blue, that’s your choice. But I can tell you from my experience and of the experience of others I’ve discussed this with, you’re going to wish you had it sooner!!!

[@rosswarren436]

@@7JANEWAY I'll probably agree, but I can wait 500 more hours...LOL...Actually what I might do is wait about 250 hours or so, then buy the Blue. And keep the Red to play on questionable vinyl (used records, yardsale items, etc. before trusting the Blue to them)....

[@7JANEWAY]

@@rosswarren436 That’s a good idea. The Red is perfect for a backup stylus if you can’t use the Blue for some reason. And since nothing lasts forever, when the Blue finally wears out, you’ll have the Red to use while you’re waiting for the replacement for the Blue.

[@paulwheatley141]

Another great video. Thanks for making these. The blue is slightly flattered here as it appears to be sitting on the upgraded cartridge body. But the differences between the blue and the higher series cartridges are not night and day. Yes the high frequencies are more detailed as you go up through the range but the elliptical tip remains the most user friendly overall for record collectors of new and used vinyl. Shibata profiles will reveal imperfections readily and can bottom out on worn vinyl. The blue is the hassle free option The bronze and black have more of that 'air' most associated with moving coils but still can not match an actual moving coil cart. What I love most about the 2M series is the ruler flat frequency retrieval which many more expensive designs fail to reproduce. An AT33ev will give you a richer listening experience but colours the tone of what was intended However overall I always found a good MC is the way to go.

[@mrtim7890]

Great video! I love the Bronze. Imo, it sounds more dynamic than the blue, and slightly more open than the black.

[@milanmihajlovic8569]

I have Bronze and I love it. In the long run, it's a great needle that you do not get tired of. Blue will be a bit poor and tired after a while.

[@thehangmansaxe]

No doubt about it. The black has the perfect warmth to it!!

[@k2apache60]

Only because the others don't have any warmth, 2M'S are too clinical and cold, they are often lambasted for sounding like CD

[@theredon2]

@@k2apache60 It sound like cd, but is a misconception. It sounds like cd yes, when the record is master from a digital audio when is all analog the sound totally different I have also the Denon DL 103r and when the record is master from a digital source, also sound like cd, but that doesn’t mean that it sound bad. I specific collect records from all analog but there is nothing wrong with records mastered from digital sources.

[@johngarnet2826]

Great idea, the choice. It was the Blue for me, a natural and balanced musical presentation, near enough to the big boys but at a 'bargain' price.

[@officialunrealistic1]

Thanks to this video I've had this song stuck in my head for over a month.

[@herbbruce]

Blue was musical to me. Definitely, the best value. Bronze has nice detail. High mids and highs are a little forward for me. Black seems to combine the best of both. I would like to see a similar demo with an analog recording with winds and strings. Great demo! Thank you!

[@ayewhite333]

I run a 2M Bronze at a slightly heavier 1.6 grams tracking force. I find this to be my favorite sound so far, although I haven’t tried the Black stylus yet.

[@MacXpert74]

What I forget to add in my rather long post (sorry for that ;) ) Overall I think I prefer the sound of the Bronze. I think the bass sounds fine, although it's slightly less than the other two. But I really like the high-end detail and open 'airy' sound it has. The Black is a close second. Although it sounds the most balanced, and has the best stereo separation, it seems just a little too sensitive to surface noise. The Blue sounds nice on it's own, but compared to the other two just isn't as detailed and high-end sounding.

[@hifitommy]

none of these orto sound bad at all. i notice a little more open voice on the bronze but the overall blance is VERY nice on the black. i really could live with any of these from this short listen but long term can refine things. as for the digital recordings on vinyl, i say vinyl sounds best.

[@TraderDan58]

I bought a 2m blue (used on ebay) and then added a 2m bronze stylus (new). The Blue is said to have a little more base (that comes from the cartridge) but a little less top end (from the stylus) The Bronze has a neutral bottom end (cartridge again) and better top end (stylus) My combo gives me the best of both. Better Bass (blue cart) and more extended and airy highs (bronze stylus). When the Bronze stylus is getting close to wearing out (1000 hrs according to Ortofon) I plan on buying a Black stylus and adding it to the Blue cart. There are slight differences in the Red/Blue/Bronze carts. I believe the Bronze and Black use the same cart.

[@OfficialMarkZuckerberg]

you cant add a black stylus to a blue cartridge. theyre different

[@MacXpert74]

Nice video! I opened the video in three windows so I could compare the sound directly. I also compared it to my original 1991 CD. Here are my observations: First of all, I think this album was digitally recorded, and therefore the sound difference with CD isn't as big as with certain analog recorded albums. The recording is however nice and balanced sounding, so it works well for comparing the characteristics of the cartridges. My first impression is that all three sounded really good, and the vinyl quality is (as with most of your uploads) in excellent condition. The difference in sound between the three stylus is fairly small, and compare well to the CD. I did hear some differences: Blue: Seems to sound the most 'analog'. Mainly because it has bit more bass than the Bronze and also the CD, but lacks a little in high-end detail and frequency extension. The stereo width is also a little less than the other two. Bronze: Noticeable more detailed and brighter sound than the Blue. Also slightly brighter than the CD. A little less bass than the Blue and Black, but actually very close to the CD. Better stereo image and width than the blue. Generally more "airy" sounding. Black: A bit more bass than the Bronze, very close to the Blue in this area. The high-end has similar extension and detail as the Bronze, but is a little less emphasized. Therefore sounds slightly less airy than the Bronze. Generally the black sounds the most balanced. Stereo image and width seems mostly the same as the Bronze. Despite the very clean sounding vinyl, the little noises that were audible seem to come out the most with the Black in my opinion. But I'm talking about very little details, hardly noticeable here. Overall: I disagree with some people here that the cartridges lack bass. Compared with the CD, the bass was very similar (It's not an overly bass-heavy recording, but the sound is nicely balanced) Although the Bronze seems to have the least bass, it still sounds very close to the CD. The Blue and Black actually have a little more bass than the CD. All three sounded slightly more dynamic than the CD. A little trivia: The CD has a very long fade out on this song. On the vinyl this is not the case. I prefer the vinyl version. Thanks for the upload!

[@HiFisquarepants]

MacXpert74 Wow, yes, that's what I call a detailed and well argued opinion :O I mostly agree on all counts but...to me the Bronze sounds a bit "nasal" when compared to the Black; less airy. I find the highs of the Black "silkier" and more defined while the Bronze is a bit more "harsh" in this department. Apart from that; total agreement :) Thanks for taking the time to share such a well argued opinion. It is my pleasure, thanks! ^_^

[@phantasm1004]

Actually, the song is the same length on the LP and CD.... 5:01 I don't recall the fadeout being "longer" on the CD.

[@MacXpert74]

phantasm1004 Yeah, checking it again it actually isn't that different. I didn't think the track was longer on CD, but just the fade itself was (that it started earlier). This actually isn't the case. It does seem as if the fade on the cd is linear, while the fade on the vinyl version, started slower and was quicker at the end. Than again, this could just have been edited this way in the video, or it might just have been my imagination ;)

[@rockroll4553]

NOT LARGE VERY GOOD VINYL

[@mcnyregrus]

Just so all of you know: The record was cut from a 44.1 kHz digital file, and the album was a DDD recording. So any differences between the CD and the vinyl disc comes down to the turntable equipment not being neutral (most likely by altering the frequency response). The measurement I've seen of the 2M Black's frequency response showed a spike around 10 kHz, which makes it bright sounding. Lastly, while some of you may oppose what I will say now, then all I can say is prove me wrong (by submitting the results of a properly conducted level-matched blind test): Unless something goes wrong in the A/D process, and nowadays that would be extremely unlikely, the digital copy of an analogue tape is a completely identical replica. So if this album had been recorded on an analogue tape, the CD version would be an exact replica of the master tape, whereas the vinyl edition wouldn't be.

[@kevinstringer5890]

I found the blue sounds more honest and true .

[@bigmokus]

All of them has excellent sound,but more balanced and lifelike is the blue one!

[@garysvinyldungeon2764]

I own all 3 of these cartridges and the Black sounds best by far, i have a VPI scout, A McIntosh receiver, and emotiva amp. and a set of Cornwalls for equipment.

[@andrewvainauskas3315]

thanks for this vid... just bought the black and it's just amazing! Nice separation and dissects all instruments. as clear as cd but much warmer! very happy with the purchase.

[@jakeanddar]

Difference in sound quality is so little ,considering price Blue is definitely best. cheers!

[@Herestravy420]

Anddddd.. That is why I use the 2M blue! Best value for the money honestly.. Also for anyone looking to get into vinyl, be sure to check out amazon.. And shop for used turntables.. I bought a practically brand new debut carbon for over $150 less than MSRP a couple years ago. Also purchased a couple of ELAC B6 speakers used about $80 cheaper.. Both were practically new (no scuffs or scratches), in the original packaging!

[@RicardoDavila2022]

I would say on the contrary the value of the network is better and if the difference is not so significant, I would choose the red one

[@approachableactive]

So dependant on the deck and the system. I upgraded from Blue to black and was totally disappointed. Now a few years on ice upgraded everything else and you can really hear the difference. Unless you have an extremely nice system the blue is the best value for your buck.

[@maxnuman]

I strongly dissagree, but i guess it depends on what you play the clips back, on how much difference there is. Whilst comparing on my speaker system i clearly noticed a big leap between the blue and bronz. With the black and bronze sounsing comparable. However listening thru my audeze L2's the black seems like the only one that actually sounds detailed.

[@Zhought3391]

I’ve been very happy with the Blue.

[@RobinJusteEmery]

The Blue cartridge sounds the best of the three. I want one!

[@mauriziolagaxio4954]

Robin Juste Emery the best one is the black

[@fatherlandchild2780]

Black absolutely sounds better. Much more detail. Idk wich one of these is cheapest. Black sounds expensive tho

[@jetsky226]

@@fatherlandchild2780 black is the most expensive of all.

[@radusava5413]

2m Bronze , good dynamic separation between channels. The sound is dynamic better. Probably I have 25dB separation , frequency spectrum is better , probably the weight is a little lower than the other cartridge. The 2nd place for Blue, the sound is good but the spectrum frequency response have some missig at highest frequency. The weight is a little higher, I will try to change the force. The Black can be the 3rd. The separation is generaly good , but there are some missing frequency at the highest frequency domain, not dominante , but important for clarity. Probably the damping properties of the absorbers inside is a little upper. So dynamic need to change the force or to change the lever. Finnaly , the absorbers material give the frequency spectrum...needed to use a different force , also probably recommended to use specific lever for the each of the cartridge use. Interesting test !

[@hry99]

Blue n Black sounds fantastic.

[@donk1822]

I started off with the 2M Blue thinking that was as good as needed for my Transcriptors Hydraulic/SME deck, and fantastic it was, no disappointment whatsoever. Temptation and curiosity got the better of me and I eventually shelled out for the 2M Black. Worth every single penny, albums I graded as VG playback with the Blue playback as VG+ using the Black, albums graded as EX playback EX+, etc, etc. I find with my deck/arm it tracks best at around 1.8g with vta just tail up. I pop the Blue stylus in when playing really worn albums and find it benefits greatly from being fitted to a 2M Black body over the stock.

[@foxorian]

Press 3, 6, and 9 on your keyboard to automatically seek to nearly the same place for all 3 stylus types. 3 = blue, 6 = red, 9 = black. The black isn't the same point in the song (no crash cymbal) but the blue and red are the same part, likely what you're actually here to test against.

[@ElectoneGuy]

The Black has the best bass response. Stereo separation and detail got better as you went up the line.

[@khlash]

And I was happy with my new Ortofon red....lol thanks for ruining it!

[@RonRivet]

haha...yeah, I have the Red and the Blue and the Blue is definitely a step up. I use the Red for my old, scratched records that I don`t want to part with.

[@robertmstuart]

Stick to Red and don't waste your money on Blue unless you want to feel blue. The Blue is overpriced. After run in the Blue sounds like a first generation CD player. You will get tired of it easily and loose fun playing your records

[@alexkoh1673]

THat is rubbish, I am sorry to have to tell you.

[@shawnmyers1880]

Robert Stuart its was recorded digitally at marks studio, that's why it sound like cd you fool

[@pikkuarska]

Yep, the red just doesn't have the high end. Found it out myself when I tried a supposedly better cartridge.

[@iamachine]

...Then I looked up the prices, wow I wouldn't be able to afford the least expensive one. I have some vintage 70's - 90's floor speakers, several amps and a couple pre-amps. They are only connected to computers. I have plenty of reserve power and enough speakers in an array to handle it. I have a bunch of old LPs and a turntable (needing a cartridge or at least a needle) I also have a bunch of CDs and I know either one would have a better output than my computer but it sounds ok to my old ears. It is so easy to just go to youTube. So thumbs up to the vinyl enthusiasts like yourself who know how to record well enough so that in this example I can clearly hear the differences between the cartridges. I enjoy your music selections and have been a subscriber for some time now. Keep up the good work.

[@HiFisquarepants]

Thanks very much iamachine :) It's my pleasure :) I'll try to do my best in selecting good music in good sound quality :)

[@iamachine]

I thought the Black one the best sounding of the three. It seemed to have a flatter response, not coloring the sound, yet retaining clarity. The Blue cartridge would be my second choice, it had a nice robust sound still retaining clarity. The Red cartridge would be my third choice sounding less warm, nit quite tinny, but a little harsh.

[@TheBoomerPlace]

I have the blue on my Fluance RT-85 and it sounds really good. Now, however, I want the black. Bummer. Not in my budget 🥺

[@MrWkendwarrior]

I found these almost impossible to tell apart on simple smartphone or tablet feedback. So i plugged in a decent earphone, KZ-ZS6, foam exterior noise isolating eartips, better silver KZ cable. When i watched when each cart was cued up, closed my eyes and just listened. No distractions. NOW i could tell diffs...like get details in the Bronze, bass was there, just did not impress. Black is the best, should be for the price....rich details, great bass...Would have like to have heard the RED in this comparison. Blue had good bass, smooth presentation, just like Bronze and Black better. Great video dude, fact that you used Dire Straits as the demo vinyl was even better! Look fwd to more of your videos!

[@sallymaggiespotty]

Mark Knopfler is a true genius and of of the very few people Chet Atkins could perform with on a level talent field.He is sooo under rated.

[@gabemiller9873]

Wow the difference with the black cart is wild!! Way more extended and a bigger sound stage

[@themotownboy1]

The Red was the warmest of the bunch and very seductive, but the Blue had a tad bit more overall control while the Black was the cleanest and handled transients the best. The Blue and Black were closer to each other than the Red and Blue. The black was the most accurate overall.

[@uvafan940]

It was a bronze not the red.

[@bobromano7548]

themotownboy1 i

[@mariojaneiro22]

Thanks, very interesting! It stimulates perception. From blue to black, each adds more details. From the blue to bronze I clearly noticed Mark's voice sharper and more "real".

[@HiFisquarepants]

It's my pleasure :)

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Tonal quality of the vocals of the black stood out to me the most, background vocals also easier to define and popped out more giving a better sense if depth and space, highs were cleaner more extended and rang out better. Everything else was pretty close to equal on all 3 as far as i could hear on that track anyway. Thanks for the vid, really good to be able to hear it for yourself and not just read about the difference.

[@adwandler]

Very nice System. I have the M2 Red Needle from Ortofon and the Ortofon Stylus 20. Good Sound!!!

[@BarcadeArcade]

1:34 blue 6:28 bronze 11:28 black

[@vansonmafeet734]

Now that was cool. Thanks for making it easier to compare these cartridges quickly and easily. I liked both the blue and bronze. To me, the bronze just slightly edged out the blue. I am looking at the 2M red for now but may change my mind for the blue.

[@GuitarsCarsandBikes]

Great vid. , I bought the bronze for a denon 450 and it does sound great even using the cheap phono stage that’s built in ! I also have an RPM5 with blue ptNo 2 through McIntosh phono stage MC and it’s a close call between the 2 . My advice is for any decent system go for the Bronze it’s very good .

[@vuelkingson]

Congratulations on your excellent demonstration .Many channel Thanks

[@HiFisquarepants]

Thanks again man :)

[@acura4utoo]

OMG the black sounds like the band is playing right in front of you! Thanks for making this video. Your system is a dream!

[@Arn3lis]

Good comparison and very professionally done (y)

[@olegariomartinez6807]

The black opened everything up for me. I realize we all hear things a little different but I heard a big difference from the first note.

[@ronweiss6866]

I can see why the black is so expensive. The first note made me open my eye's. Black all the way.

[@IamWhoIam2023]

So tricky First you'll think that the Blue one is the best but after listening to it so many times you discover that the Black one is the best Great equipments 👍 Great video making 👍 still sounds better than most nowadays YT

[@jesuso1819]

Excellent video. I love the bronze.

[@harbinger200]

Black is the best no contest, then orange and blue an the end. Tested on recapped Harman Kardon 6300 with Elna Silmic 2 in audio stage and Nippon DC filter. Sounds like heaven. Each of them is great with corresponding increasing of detail.

[@helmutbest149]

Tausend Dank für Deine wunderbare Arbeit. Für mich war es genau der richtige Test. Danke🤝

[@darcyshaw1423]

That black is pure to my ears. The background noise is gone you can hear with the blue. I've got a bronze at home but never heard a side by side. I love it but oh man here we go again

[@hasekdom]

background noise on blue? I have blue after 3years on red. Improvement no doubt, but I think black is just slightly betther than the other two and none of them have noise in the background.

[@freefromtn]

one of my favourite albums, I've the same LP & I enjoy listening to almost everyday! very good job, thanx for the video! I like all the 3 versions! keep on enjoying us!

[@HiFisquarepants]

Thanks DJ Zloo :) Great album indeed; I like it very much although it lacks a bit of the essence of their first records IMHO. Thanks again, I will do try to entertain you ^_^

[@freefromtn]

I do like also their "brothers in arms" album! keep in touch!

[@HiFisquarepants]

DJ Zloo One of my favs too. I've uploaded So Far Away, Your Latest Trick and: Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms (Vinyl) ;)

[@freefromtn]

waw! yeah! i like them too! one of my favorites! I've just ordered the lp "brothers in arms", I'll recieve it in few days Thanx alots!

[@HiFisquarepants]

DJ Zloo Really? Get ready to have a ball ;D I do also have the 12" of Money For Nothing with the 8min 24s full length version...amazing!

[@Monkeybongoes]

Could it be the Black dissects the music while the other two play it? That would make the Black best for critical listening and the Blue/Bronze best for casual listening.

[@indy749]

My vote for Bronze anyway.

[@helmutbest149]

Me 2 🤓

[@marsattacks7071]

The black one is such a positive step for the sound of the guitar (which is a very complex sound). That's where I hear it and I'm a guitar fan...

[@1mctous]

+Eric D. The needle drop will give you most of a cartridge's sound if you know what to listen for. That said, the Black stylus had much less "chatter" in an empty groove, and thus much more clarity and complexity with music.

[@alisterrae5822]

astonishing quality audio via pc through my hi fi. Quite remarkable. I purchased a new Ortofon red before realising my MIssion 774 arm has the screws in the wrong place!

[@VinylRescue]

Great comparison of the 3 carts. I currently have a AT440MLa and I'm looking to get the 2M Blue. The Bronze and Black are way out of my budget range.

[@mcnyregrus]

I downloaded the video, converted it to wave, edited it to three files with each recording and found this: The Bronze is 1.70 dB lower in volume level. This will produce quite a big difference in the perceived sound, as it will sound duller. Many comments also states that the Bronze is disappointing and lacks bass, which is exactly a product of volume level difference. Then I loaded the three files into the CurveEQ plugin, which produces a line that shows the difference in the EQ between two files, regardless of volume level. Frequency response is not the only thing that determines how a cartridge sounds, but it's easily the biggest factor. The Blue and Black produced an almost entirely flat line. The Bronze dropped off drastically in the very highest frequencies (around 15 kHz). I can't say exactly why this is. It could be that the Bronze is simply like that; that the settings/adjustments for the Bronze were a little bit off; or that during the recording of that particular cartridge something had gone wrong. So, my conclusion is what I had already concluded from using hi-res files recorded with the Bronze and the Black: All the cartridges in the 2M line sound either exactly the same or almost the same. People are swayed by price. The Black is much more expensive, so people expect it to sound better, but if they did a level-matched, time-aligned blind test (preferably ABX) they would most likely see that they couldn't tell a difference. Just try it yourself :-).

[@HiFisquarepants]

Interesting...if your measurements are right, something went wrong in the recording process, which shocks me because I try to be as accurate as possible, and 1.70 dB is a large deviation. I'll check it out later today. Anyway, this video is 6 years old and I hardly remember the day I put it together 😅

[@HiFisquarepants]

I've just checked the files. I'm afraid you're wrong. There's no such deviation. As already stated: 1,7 dB seemed too much...

[@mcnyregrus]

@@HiFisquarepants Download the video and see if the differences are there.

[@mcnyregrus]

Sorry, I take back everything I said about the volume level. I checked the entire video again, plus the files I had cut up into individual songs, and they all peak at 0, so I don't know why the Bronze peaked at -1.70 dB the other day. Now, the RMS volume level differences between the three cartridges are very minor. What I said about the frequency response still stands though.

[@HiFisquarepants]

@@mcnyregrus We're comparing 3 different stylus profiles here, not the cartridge. Freq response says almost anything about tracking ability, distortion, detail, lifespan, etc. which are also very important factors when it comes to choosing our preferred stylus, IMO 🙂

[@thomas_n_OH]

I ran a 2m Blue on my mmf 5.3 for several years. Had no complaints. Upgraded recently to the Bronze. Definite increase in detail and I can upgrade to Black with just a stylus change. Not feeling the need, yet.

[@jakefiersing]

I listened with the smartphone speaker. The bronze one was stronger all over vocal and instrumental. The improvement the black one brought was primarily in the vocal part and quite small. So according to that impression I would chose the bronze system.

[@HiFisquarepants]

+Alvaro Oliver That's very kind of you :) Unfortunately I don't have the original files anymore...

[@paxvelocity]

sin duda alguna la mejor 2mblack separacion perfecta de canales,es abierta y detallada,graves precisos y agudos muy ricos,me ha venido muy bien ver y oir este video de esta capsula ortofon 2mblack,ya que la tengo como opcion a comprarla,muchas gracias desde españa madrid felicitaciones por tu canal y videos.

[@HiFisquarepants]

Gracias a ti Antonio pastor camacho por tus palabras :) Ahora añado tu voto y hago recuento ;) Saludos desde Barcelona! :D

[@armandokina2062]

For the same price, my pick is the black, but at the real price tag, the blue is definitively the best choice IMHO!

[@Siryn]

All great but for me the blue and black sounded the best. The separation in the black was amazing.

[@packgrog]

Fascinating responses. While it seems that I agree with most people in thinking that the Black sounds best in comparison, I seem to notice different reasons. Even just with crappy laptop speakers, the cymbals and acoustic guitar sounds more smooth, clear, and natural with the Black. While I'm not generally as big a fan of MM or the Ortofon house sound as what my AT33PTG/II can produce, I'm also getting frustrated with the phono preamp gain hiss and fiddly aspects of my current setup, and a pre-mounted 2m on an entry VPI has a certain appeal. Interesting. I wish I could do a more direct comparison between the two. Also, wonderful choice of song. I adore this album, and this is one of my favorites! Cheers!

[@charlesludwig9173]

I've got a 2M Red mounted to my Technics SL-1210GR and it seems I'm getting all there is to get from the groove. The higher grades in the series must be awesome yet since the 2M Red satisfies I have little interest spending more.

[@ricke.9154]

blue is nice. black sounds greatly balanced and more flat sound. great video!!

[@JQuick69]

Listen with headphones. The black is the only one of the three that tracks perfectly in the highs. The stereo image is immaculate. The highs give away the winner. The blue has the occasional distortion and sibilance. The bronze is a big step forward and sounds very good, but it's the black all the way.

[@HDaudioEnhance]

2M Black sounds the best. Then 2M Blue. I do like the 2M Bronze for those old records where the highs are masked by wear & tear.

[@mmtsen83]

Black wins on my hifi setup

[@austinlibby7025]

Ordered one to win black LVB unbelievably great cartridge probably the best movie magnet on the market today

[@roode66]

Put this video on repeatedly especially for the beautiful sound and song. without particular preference which color element. Tomorrow I will receive the 2m blue but I was unsure about the bronze, hope it certainly sounds as good as my P77 .

[@Valerifon1]

The order from best to rest for me is: Black, Blue then Red. It sounded smooth and detailed in Red, then in Blue I picked up the delays on the vocals, and better separation between the instruments. Some of the trailing off end-of-line lyrics became clearer. The Black revealed even more of the delays on the main vocal and the background vocals, the "ooos" came in better, more solidly placed in the mix and clearer. Very nice Demo! Subbed your channel Mr Squarepants! 😎👍 Cheers - Luther

[@leonrakka3686]

Hey man! Thank you for completely understanding difference about three devices. You are the best! Thanks!

[@mk-421]

For my ears, I like the bronze. Well balanced and lots of detail in the background. The little nuances like the chicken pickin guitar sound very realistic. The drums sound amazing! Lots of clarity! I'm buying one! I've had the Blue for a few years and love it but I can really hear the benefits of an upgrade to Bronze. Great video! Thank you!

[@HiFisquarepants]

MK-421 Thanks, it is my pleasure ;)

[@rockroll4553]

did you buy bronze ??????and better than blue ??????please write it down thank

[@dogacbiceroglu8660]

The Bronze one...! Outstanding....

[@shojam6668]

The bronze for me. More detailed and open sounding. I will rate black 2nd here.

[@toninoc.8318]

I agree, at the moment I upgrade my AT95E With Ortofon 2m Red ... I Hope to hear improvements

[@Lee.Higginbotham]

Now we need a update showing the 2M Black LVB 250!! I'm using the bronze on my technics 1200GR.

[@tolgakocaboga8262]

Bass Tone Enter Comparison Blue : 1:54 Bronze :6:48 Black : 11:48

[@deanelliott1000]

Tolga Kocaboğa s

[@milanmihajlovic8569]

Tolga Kocaboğa thx

[@carlosazcurra9578]

Black se escucha mejor

[@Grooverski]

Money to performance: Bronze. Smoothest: Black. Blue locks low extension and dynamics of the other two.

[@whitegp73]

I have the 2M Blue on a Music Hall 2.2 with acrylic platter, Speedbox and Music Hall Cork Mat, love it !!, if i had a higher end turntable i would consider a 2M Black

[@AndiPirlogea]

Black has the best balance on my system (Genelec monitors) and sounds the closest to Hi-Res CD version, if not better! I personally don't like the Bronze, too bright for my ears. Blue one though sounds pretty dull after you listen to the Black one for a while...

[@johngarnet2826]

Ready now for yet another Blue, this time the latest 2MR reduced body version to suit my Technics SL100...

[@warmleatherette]

I can only afford the entry-level Red (which you should stick it in there for comparison!) but the Bronze and Black are definitely an upgrade to the Blue (pretty damn good too). Bronze sounds natural, and Black sounds studio-perfect.

[@PhonoDirect]

+Pig Bodine Sound wise there is a giant difference between Red and Blue, compared to the differences between Blue and Bronze, or Blue and Black, which is relatively only a little.

[@warmleatherette]

+Marko Konecny Many thanks, friend!

[@sleepymotion7011]

Excellent work , thanks so much for sharing sir.

[@briceluu171]

Have the bronze one, the smoothiest for me, used with a mofi studio phono , un régal !!

[@samrotolo7303]

For me the blue lack of highs covers up imperfections with bassy low tone IMO Bronze and black more detail top to bottom would choose Black then Bronze. .

[@donaldscheer5206]

All Very Good Cartridges, However; I have both the 2m red & 2m Blue, My favorite is The Blue! But for $100.00 you can't beat the RED! Not sure about That Fine Line (Bronze). The 2m Black does not (For Me) give me more Bang for the $$$! The Bronze Fine Line & Black Shabata Requires Spot on Mounting Accuracy! The 2m Blue (nude Elliptical is a little more forgiving regarding Spot on Mounting Accuracy!

[@ebvs5ou]

with this kind of music - blue is absolutely sufficient ;-)

[@djnixmixMTL]

I just ordered blue before hearing this, they sound very similar, I hope there's a bigger difference between red and blue, it will be my first ortofon

[@BuntUndStereo]

This is just wonderful, thank you! Not only because of the 2M comparison but mostly because its just really enjoyable to listen to! 👍 The recordings sound phenomenal and I'm in love with the sound of the Technics/LP1 setup. I listened to your amp comparisions and the LP1 just adds a certain "magic" to the recordings that is hard to describe. Did you modify the Technics in any way? My impression of the cartridges was that the Blue sounds most lively and punchy. Good amount of clarity but not much fine detail. The Bronze sounds more detailed and more laid-back. It "fills in spaces" and creates a more coherent overall "soundsphere". Mark's voice also sounds smoother to me. I wish the Bronze had a tad more verve and low end, though. In comparison it sounds slightly restrained. The Black adds back ever so slighly more drive and a "dimensionality" that is hard to describe. There is a certain quality to the guitar sounds and also something ethereal to those atmospheric background humming/synths(?) that I did not sense with the Bronze or Blue. Sounded slightly harsh over one of my headphones but great over speakers or the HD650. Black would be great if I had the money and setup to take advantage of it. I'm also a bit afraid of the fiddly alignment sharper needles supposedly require. I'm torn about the Bronze. Lovely detail but maybe slightly too relaxed for my taste. Blue would be a great option considering the price, my current setup and mixed-quality vinyl collection. But I mostly want the LP1 now... (>_

[@jameslucas6589]

What I want to know is how can a dirty LP sound so pure without a single click or pop? Love that album! The red is fantastic. I think I may possibly have bought one. Music gear is packed away.

[@tomwebb7091]

digital noise reduction in the software. this isnt what you hear in person!

[@Gersberms]

@1:32, why is it dead quiet when the needle hits the vinyl? What kind of magic is that?