MMC1 vs Ortofon

I am looking to buy a non-B&O record deck. Main reason is to get away from the (in my opinion overpriced MMC’s).

I have to major questions about this:

1. If choosing Ortofons 2M-range, what can I expect on sound quality compared with the MMC1 I previously had?

2. Pro-ject has some entry level decks that has built-in RIAA. How do these compare in quality against the RIAA used in the Beogram 4500? Supposedly the RIAA in the Beogram was not of very high quality?

Looking for replies from people that have listened to the above mentioned.

Merry Christmas

1. The 2M range is excellent, but the only one that will match the level of sound quality you're getting from an MMC1 is the top of the range 2M Black. Don't be afraid to shell out for it, though - it is a superb cartridge, full stop.

2. The RIAA units in the Pro-Ject decks are good but not as good as you will obtain from a standalone phono stage. I've not heard the BG4500's RIAA section so cannot comment on how it compares to either

One concern here is that if you do go for a 2M  Black, then you'll need a better deck than an entry level Pro-Ject with built-in RIAA to make the most of it. I hate to say but, if you have an MMC1 at the moment, you're going to have to spend quite a bit to better it, even though you won't be hearing it at its very best in the BG4500.

Thanks Adam.

As I have been using the MMC1 on a BG4500, I suspect I have never really heard it.

I am looking for a combination that would give me the same or better sound than BG4500 with MMC1.

If I get a Project with builtin RIAA, would the 2M Blue be the highest I should go?

Maybe your basic premise is wrong if you think Soundsmith makes a quality cartridge. It looks to me they make non- B&O cartridges that share a strong family resemblance to the MMC series. These are well reviewed devices, so perhaps an SMMC is a good choice, and you can stick with a B&O turntable after all.

I tried a Shure M44-7 cartridge on a second hand Linn and it was superb for playing old and new records - hardly any background noise, very full sound and a high output. Well worth reading reviews as the Shure was the best cartridge I tried. I had an Ortofon Red on a Proj-ect once and that to me sounded flat. I now have a BG4002 with a restored MMC20CL and that sounds similar to the Shure.

A matter of taste, I suppose.
I find the Soundsmith cartridges shrill and wearing on the ears like many modern sound systems. Perhaps that's what
the younger people want (or they don't know anything else), but I would prefer a retipped original cartridge anytime.

And then exchange the Beogram 4500 for either the radial Beogram 5000 or the tangential Beogram 8002.
I would take the latter.

Alternatively, a well-restored Thorens-based Beogram 3000 and a fresh SP8.

Martin