AT 440MLB
The AT 440MLB has replaced a well used Ortofon 2M Red, in a modified SME 3009 Mk2 Imp arm. After perhaps a dozen LP's, and loaded with under 150pF total (interconnects and phono stage) and 32k, I would make the following comparisons:
- It tracks better than the 2M Red, not getting 'edgy' in the inner grooves or on high modulation passages.
- The treble is better defined, mid-range less forward but pleasing, bass a little lighter in balance but tight and quite extended. (This cartridge and predecessors are often described as bright, but on this my first experience of one, I would rather describe it as a little lighter in tone and more refined than the bottom of the range 2M Red.)
- Detail retrieval in complex orchestral works for instance is better, and the sound-stage a bit more 'spacious'.
- Fitment was a more fiddly without the tapped body, and the significantly finer stylus and cantilever made alignment a little harder.
- The stylus does seem to pick up more dust out of the groove, but all the more reason to do the necessary task of cleaning. However, it doesn't seem to reveal surface noise quite as much.
Overall a definite step up from the 2M Red to my ears in my system, which is as it should be considering the price differential.
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