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Model: CG25DI MKII Category: Phono Cartridge Suggested Retail Price: 900 Description: Single Coil Mono Cartridge Manufacturer URL: Ortofon
Review by Ross on April 02, 2017 at 07:31:54
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for the CG25DI MKIII have listened at length to an Ortofon CG25 DI MKII. This is a single coil monophonic cartridge, with a design very little changed since introduction in 1948. Suggested tracking force is 3-3.5 grams, and frequency response is listed as flat from 20hz-15khz; -3 db at 18khz. The cartridge is sold already installed into a SME connection head shell, and weighs a lot- it is very heavy. This initially created a problem in balancing the tonearm because the counterweight had to be mounted at the end of the arm stub to get the arm to balance. It looked like a weight at the end of an axe handle, and impacted sonics (I think). I set arm height so the top of the head shell is level. I set loading at 100ohm. Listening in this setup allowed me to begin to understand the appeal of this cartridge. In a few words, it sounds Big and Warm. Big in the sense that images explode in front of you, big and beefy and real. Warm in the sense that bass response is huge, midrange loud and clear, but extreme treble is rolled off. Bass is so good that I don't have a need to use a sub. At the other extreme, I don't hear the "shimmer" I get when using a stereo cartridge (and a mono switch). High treble is present, just at a diminished intensity. Human voices sound natural, with correct weight and size. Vocal timbre, note inflections, articulation are all top notch. Lower register of the piano sounds very natural, with an air moving gravitas similar to the real thing.
Surface noise is both lessened and different. Some LPs that are in horrible condition actually become listenable. Others that retain surface noise seem to separate the noise from the content, like the noise is there with the content rather than obscuring it.
I recently improved setup buy purchasing about a dozen 3/8 inch flat washers. Diameter matches the diameter of the tonearm end stub, and the weight of the washers allows the counterweight to mount much closer to the bearing center. This addition removed a bit of upper midrange instability, and improved the overall tracking of the cartridge. The resulting musical image seems more firmly anchored to the center. Bass might be a smidgeon more robust, with treble at least as good as before.
I realized the virtues of mono a long time ago. I recall my first mono epiphany when I heard that a well recorded mono LP can convey a sense of depth and layering of performers. No lateral spread (obviously), but the center image can seem to recede to the horizon. I do not hear that sense of depth using this cartridge. Everything sounds flattened into the same plane. However image focus and anchoring is much better; the image doesn't leave dead center.
I was worried about the recommended VTF. I have used 3.25g without difficulty (so far). I check the cartridge tip after each LP and I have not noticed buildup of debris etc. The cartridge seems to track anything I have thrown at it, without difficulty. At times I heard some inner groove distortion. Since adding the washers and moving the counterweight, I have not heard any IGD, but sample size was smaller so over time I will see if IGD comes back.
I will stay with this cartridge for a while to get a firm grasp on its sound. I will experiment with loading to see if there is an effect on treble response. After all of that, I will switch back to a stereo cartridge and re listen to some LPs to understand all of the differences in reproduction.
Using a single coil cartridge for mono is not for everyone. But for those who care, this cartridge is recommended.
Product Weakness: Rolled off treble Product Strengths: Big, Weighty, Warm Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Triode TRV-M845SE Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): ARC SP10 Sources (CDP/Turntable): Technics SP15 AT 1503 MKIII Speakers: Triangle Titus 202 run full range Cables/Interconnects: mix Music Used (Genre/Selections): Vintage Jazz Room Size (LxWxH): 30 x 12 x 8 Room Comments/Treatments: live Time Period/Length of Audition: 10-15hrs Other (Power Conditioner etc.): mix Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner Your System (if other than home audition): See profile
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Topic - REVIEW: Ortofon CG25DI MKII Phono Cartridge - Ross 07:31:54 04/02/17 (0)