At-vm95sh vs 2m blue: which cart will deliver superior audio quality?
What To Know
- The elliptical stylus provides a smoother and more forgiving sound, making it suitable for a wider range of music genres.
- The 2M Blue has a medium compliance of 15 x 10^-6 cm/dyne, which makes it more versatile and compatible with a wider range of tonearms.
- The Ortofon 2M Blue, on the other hand, is recommended for those who prefer a warmer and more musical presentation with a rich midrange.
In the realm of vinyl playback, two renowned cartridges stand out: the Audio Technica AT-VM95SH and the Ortofon 2M Blue. Both cartridges offer exceptional sound quality, but they differ in their design and performance characteristics. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricate details of these two cartridges, helping audiophiles make an informed decision based on their preferences and system requirements.
Design and Construction
Audio Technica AT-VM95SH
The AT-VM95SH features a dual-magnet design with a special Shibata stylus. The Shibata stylus boasts a highly polished and narrow contact radius, which allows for precise tracking and retrieval of high-frequency information from the record grooves. The cartridge body is made of lightweight aluminum, contributing to its low mass and high compliance.
Ortofon 2M Blue
The 2M Blue employs a moving magnet design with a nude elliptical stylus. The elliptical stylus provides a slightly larger contact area than the Shibata, resulting in a warmer and more forgiving sound. The cartridge body is constructed from a combination of ABS and POM plastics, offering a balance between rigidity and damping.
Sound Performance
Audio Technica AT-VM95SH
The AT-VM95SH is known for its detailed and analytical sound reproduction. It delivers a wide and expansive soundstage, with excellent stereo imaging and separation. The Shibata stylus excels in extracting intricate musical nuances and subtle details from the records. However, some may find its sound to be slightly bright or sterile.
Ortofon 2M Blue
In contrast, the 2M Blue offers a warmer and more musical sound signature. It emphasizes the midrange frequencies, resulting in a rich and full-bodied presentation. The elliptical stylus provides a smoother and more forgiving sound, making it suitable for a wider range of music genres.
Output Level and Impedance
Audio Technica AT-VM95SH
The AT-VM95SH has a relatively high output level of 4.0 mV, which makes it compatible with most phono preamps. It has a standard impedance of 47k ohms, which is suitable for the majority of tonearms.
Ortofon 2M Blue
The 2M Blue has a lower output level of 2.5 mV, requiring a phono preamp with a higher gain. It has a recommended load impedance of 47k ohms, but can also be used with lower impedance settings for a warmer sound.
Compliance
Audio Technica AT-VM95SH
The AT-VM95SH has a high compliance of 20 x 10^-6 cm/dyne, which makes it suitable for low-mass tonearms. This high compliance allows the cartridge to track record grooves more accurately, reducing distortion and sibilance.
Ortofon 2M Blue
The 2M Blue has a medium compliance of 15 x 10^-6 cm/dyne, which makes it more versatile and compatible with a wider range of tonearms. This medium compliance provides a balance between tracking ability and bass response.
Weight and Tracking Force
Audio Technica AT-VM95SH
The AT-VM95SH weighs approximately 6.5 grams and has a recommended tracking force of 1.8-2.2 grams. The lightweight design and relatively low tracking force minimize wear on records.
Ortofon 2M Blue
The 2M Blue weighs approximately 7.2 grams and has a recommended tracking force of 1.6-2.0 grams. The slightly heavier weight and lower tracking force contribute to its warmer and more forgiving sound.
Final Thoughts: Matching Your Preferences
Both the Audio Technica AT-VM95SH and Ortofon 2M Blue are exceptional cartridges that offer distinct sound signatures and performance characteristics. The AT-VM95SH is ideal for audiophiles seeking a detailed and analytical sound with a wide soundstage. The Ortofon 2M Blue, on the other hand, is recommended for those who prefer a warmer and more musical presentation with a rich midrange. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and the specific characteristics of your turntable and phono preamp.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which cartridge is more durable?
Both cartridges are designed to withstand normal use, but the Ortofon 2M Blue has a slightly more robust construction.
2. Which cartridge is easier to install?
Both cartridges are relatively easy to install, but the AT-VM95SH has a simpler alignment procedure due to its Shibata stylus.
3. Which cartridge is better for electronic music?
The AT-VM95SH is generally preferred for electronic music due to its detailed and analytical sound reproduction.
4. Which cartridge is better for classical music?
The Ortofon 2M Blue is often recommended for classical music due to its warmer and more musical sound signature.
5. Can I use either cartridge with my existing turntable?
Yes, both cartridges are compatible with most turntables. However, you may need to adjust the tonearm height and tracking force to optimize performance.