Red vs Blue - Fluance RT 84/85 Turntable
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- čas přidán 10. 04. 2019
- FLUANCE HAS CHANGED THE CONFIGURATION OF THE RT-84/85 MODELS. THE 84 NOW COMES WITH THE BLUE, AND ALUMINUM PLATTER.
Audiorpheus's Red vs Blue Video: • Ortofon 2M Red vs 2M B...
My Fluance RT-84 Review: • Fluance RT84 Turntable...
My Fluance RT-81 Review: • Fluance RT-81 Turntabl...
More of my music: / user-551461074
My 45 "After All" on RT-85: Pending... - Hudba
Also… Your “needle-drop” demonstration was more useful than just about any other similar demo I’ve seen in a CZcams video. Great job. Thanks!
I’m new to the vinyl world and your videos have helped me a lot
Thanks for everything
First time I've stumbled across your videos - absolutely fantastic explanation. And I loved your piece of advise with not always splurging for the fancy shiny model and living within your means. It's very easy to get carried away especially when shopping for vinyl & turntables, so it's good advice, thanks!
I've learned so much from these videos . In fact i bought a Rt-85 and couldnt be happier .And the setup video has been a great tutorial ,i,e used and reused may times since
Great language and informative information that has guided me to a final decision. No other reviewer has been able to do this.
Hello, Craigh.
Happy with with your channel. I am a new member learning a lot about vinyl, and loving it.
Greetings from Brazil!
Definitely hearing a difference in that snare. I'm sold.
You must also Maybe have a really good preamp to hear the difference so a really low noise level preamp and of course a good amplifier and good speakers and they must be correctly placed
Thanks for the video brother! I recently found my old Dual turntable from the 70's as I'm packing to move.
I got my old LP's out and put a few of them on the turntable, and let her rip! It felt and sounded great! Once I'm in my new place, I will definitely be up grading the old turntable! I really like the looks and specs on the Fluance RT84/85. Thanks again for your videos it's a big help in understanding where things are now after a 30 year absence!
Great video. I’ve been thinking about purchasing a Fluance TT for some time now. You sold me! Thank you!!
I truly enjoy watching your videos, Craig. Lots of good, useful information and you are a great voice also, for those new to the hobby. I agree with you that Fluance does offer very good turntables that are built well, look great and offer much for your hard earned dollar. I would love to see the RT-85 go head to head with a three way shootout between the Pro-ject Debut Carbon and the Rega P1. That battle might just underscore the value Fluance offers in their turntable!
Thanks for taking the time to do this video and the comparisons. They both sounded similar but the treble on the blue was a bit higher and to my ears sounded a bit shrill. I just got the red as a gift and was thinking of exchanging it for the blue.
Great video really interesting stuff from another kid who grew up playing records with a cheap simple turntable who some 30 odd years later is coming back to it , keep going and thank you ..
Thanks! I am also sold. You come across very knowledgeable and honest. God bless. With my budget I'll go with Rt 81
I love your vaideos and after a lot of research decided to get the RT85..very expencive but definatly worth it...love it
We grew up in probably the greatest time for music and I know teens today love music and I hope they are cool with the 80's kids sharing and caring about them and sharing our experiene with them!! I wish I could take the teens of today back to our time in the 80's for 1 year.
Great video Craig. It was your RT81 review that made me consider Fluance the most. I went with the RT85 and couldn't be happier. Thanks again for everything you do!
I own an old Technics SL 3200 with a Nagaoka MP110 cartridge. It's been distorting lately and I think after probably 40 years of use it's completed its life cycle. I have been looking at the Fluance RT85 as a replacement as I can't afford the new Technics TT right now. Your experience so far after a year of use? Would you purchase it again after your experience so far?
@@greeneyesmexico I love it. I have had it now for 2 years and it still sounds amazing. I would definitely buy it again and I recommend it to anyone.
@@BriansVinylRecords Thank you :)
You hit the nail on the head with this one. There are certain albums with harsh sibilance that really put the stylus to the test. Different brand but similar comparison; I had the at-vm95e that couldn't handle certain albums with hard sibilance but upon upgrading to the at-vm95sh completely solved the problem
WOW...I can see myself upgrade is coming to my RT82!!! Thanks for your wisdom!
Thanks so much for reviewing the Red vs Blue. I'm one of the folks who recommended the blue, and I do think that it will open up and settle in. My turntable came with the red but after a while I upgraded to the blue stylus and I'm so glad I did.
I own an old Technics SL 3200 with a Nagaoka MP110 cartridge. It's been distorting lately and I think after probably 40 years of use it's completed its life cycle. I have been looking at the Fluance RT85 as a replacement as I can't afford the new Technics TT right now. Your experience so far after a year of use? Would you purchase it again after your experience so far?
My turntable is a Project one, and I have Ortofon 2M Blue as my stylus. Yes I would recomend the Blue, I really like the sound I get from it now. May be in the future I will step up to the Orange, but that needs a better cartridge for it to fit in. Also I can put a mono stylus on the Ortofon 2M cartridge so that I can play 78s. And I have a number of 78s.
Fantastic video man. All around great explanation. Enjoyed your records too.
Great review and conversation, Craig. About those drums, I was in the same situation as you were, justifying the price. Then a clearance sale happened at the local music store I bought the Roland TD 25KV for $2000. The upgrade was well worth it!
I really enjoy your videos brother. Keep em up.
Hi craig, just got my rt85 this last friday, and damn does it sound nice,you really werent kidding, i couldn't reccomend this turntable enough. Cheers, Jon from illinois usa
Just Pre-order the Rt-85 and now and so happy I did , Thank you.
How do you like it so far? I ordered mine Friday and it's on its way!
I went to Amazon and noticed that they are now selling the 84 with the blue, where as 5 hours ago, on this day of 3-22-20, ago they were selling the 84 series with the red, interesting.. I think your comment made them realize.. I bought the 84 walnut one. Your video are very informative. I have not bought a "new line" turntable in about a decade,(my stand by is Technics SL1400) But they listened to you, and in 5 hours span, since I checked in the US,they included their blue Ortofon with the 84 series! Thanks again for being honest and to the point. I hope I enjoy it as much as you do. I am too a 40 year musician, but very much into jazz and classical. Yes sometimes I do pull out my 60's and 70's lps. I hope they sound a little different! thanks again!
Because I watched your video I bought the RT81 , and I absolutely love it
I have been an Ortofon customer for years but only MC cartridges,
this is an interesting video.
Great review!! Very succinct.
love your videos man.....your a talented dude
Nice and informative video Craig. Thanks a lot. 17 and see you in your cast.
Great video Craig! 👍🏾
Just purchased my 85 with ai60 speakers and fluance preamp. Can’t wait till arrives
I understood for many many years the difference between a standard Diamond tip and a nude diamond. So I bought this awesome new Technics SL 1500 C turntable which of course the 2m red was pre-mounted on it. I had been listening to a fantastic cartridge which unfortunately for some reason Shure in their own Infinite Wisdom decided to stop making cartridges and styli just when vinyl has made a solid comeback. And the cartridge I was used to for over 20 years was the m97xe which I absolutely loved. I bought that cartridge when it was $160. Like I said about 20 years ago. So naturally I'm trying to find a replacement cartridge that's going to imitate the Shure cartridge. Well, at first I did not like the 2m red at all because it had a much higher output of 5.5mv which is just about on the edge of high, loud output DJ cartridges which I have had much experience with considering I've DJ'd over the last three-and-a-half decades. RETIRED NOW! So now I can just concentrate on my audiophile-ism.
I must say that over the course of about a month I really started to like the sound of the 2m red. Practically every style of music that I played sounded fine. The 2m red is definitely a great all-around cartridge that won't let you down and you don't have to pay around $100 for one if you have already got one with a turntable you purchased over the last year or two.
So I got curious and decided to go ahead and buy a 2m blue stylus to see what all the fuss was about just because it was a nude mount. I didn't mind paying $209 for the so-called upgrade.
As far as the difference goes, you will notice an immediate change. It's louder in the high-end frequencies and a bit more of a punch in the bottom and very overwhelming in the mid-range section of the music. I am not a mid-range kind of guy. I like an all-around good warm cartridge that will attack any style of music and represent it well and is very engaging and no ear fatigue. The 2m blue is not warm sounding. You might as well just be playing a CD.
The outright best part about the 2m red is that it has a warm sound to it. Vinyl records are to sound warm not necessarily neutral. That sounds like you're talking about a CD player.
Overall what I have found is that the 2m blue does have his distinctive different qualities than the 2m red but for me personally I'm going to stick with the 2m red just because of its overall ability to reproduce any Style music. The 2m blue is picky. If you happen to have a lesser than better pressing of some record, you will hear a crappier sounding record than you will if you're using the 2m red instead.
Just stick with a 2m red and save your money. I rather see you go out and spend $209 on some great vinyl records then on the 2m blue stylus. Personally to me it's not an upgrade.
We have very similar views about this subject. After looking at all my options for about a month, I decided on the RT85 walnut with acrylic platter and blue. Even at $500, and the price of the blue, this turntable is a steal. It’s well made with great large acorn rubber feet for isolation. The dust cover feels thick and substantial and not thin. I only wish the tone arm lever was metal instead of plastic. Very happy.
What other options were you considering?
I own an old Technics SL 3200 with a Nagaoka MP110 cartridge. It's been distorting lately and I think after probably 40 years of use it's completed its life cycle. I have been looking at the Fluance RT85 as a replacement as I can't afford the new Technics TT right now. Your experience so far after a year of use? Would you purchase it again after your experience so far?
Thanks for your review. Fluance has made things even more fun! Now, the RT84 comes with the 2MBlue BUT an aluminum platter. The RT85 has both the acrylic platter AND the 2M Blue. I was not sure that I would notice the difference in sound reproduction, I did! There is! At least I was able to settle this to my satisfaction as my wallet has to come into consideration. The $70 and some odd dollar difference between the RT84 and the RT85 is for me 100 percent worth it. Every penny. Get it. Again, thank you for your reviews.
Yes. HUGE difference. Right away I could hear it!
Totally agree with you Craig I have the RT85 and am sooo happy I took your advice and went with Fluance turntable. Unfortunately they were sold out of the RT85's. I didn't realize that before selling my RT81 and was without a turntable for months. Finally after months of waiting I called Fluance every couple weeks asking about the availability and eventually I got an email. I had to act quickly they only get small batches of the 85's and they sell out fast! For those out there still waiting here's a bit of advice. Call them and let them know how long you've been waiting. When I told them I sold my turntable and was without one because I've been waiting for the RT85 they gave me a discount.
The Blues sounds more focused on the top end vs the wider sound of the Red...Great comparisons Craig
Thank you, Craig. Always enjoy your videos. For those who may not know, the RT81 - RT84 platter weight is 1.22lbs (553g), whereas the RT85 is 3 lbs (1.5kg). That's more than double the weight. Of course, you pay for this difference.
Very informative, thanks!
Just got the RT85 and I absolutely love it! I can hear an immense difference between my old old Pioneer turntable and this new one, and I'm sure it'll become subtly more noticeable once I upgrade my weathered 20 AWG cable to new 14 AWG.
I own an old Technics SL 3200 with a Nagaoka MP110 cartridge. It's been distorting lately and I think after probably 40 years of use it's completed its life cycle. I have been looking at the Fluance RT85 as a replacement as I can't afford the new Technics TT right now. Your experience so far after a year of use? Would you purchase it again after your experience so far?
I have been looking for a new turntable to replace the inexpensive one that was given to me about 7 years ago. After all my research over the past 6 months, or so, I have decided on a Fluance turntable, I was just trying to determine which model to purchase. This video, among others, have helped me choose the RT83. For me, the additional $100 USD is not worth upgrading to the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. For my listening pleasure at home the 2M Red will be just fine. I greatly appreciate your channel and willingness to provide your honest opinion. I don't know you personally but I feel your focus is to distribute information in a clear and calm manner in an effort to allow others to enjoy vinyl as much as you. Thank you sir.
Awesome review it helps my decision to purchase the RT85
Thank you for helping me make my decision
I actually did hear a slight difference between the two. The blue was a tiny bit softer on the "S" sounds and a bit fuller all around. You helped me decide to get the 2M Blue! Nice song too! Thanks!
Okay, I'm not an audiophile in the true sense of the word since I'm partially deaf; however, I do like my music, so I listen to what you have to say, and enjoy your talks/lessons immensely.
But, your red vs blue styli comparison only showed me that I cannot tell the difference between a really great cartridge and an excellent cartridge. I have an Audio-Technica AT-LP120 which, thanks to your info, I'll probably upgrade to the Red cartridge in the near future. Thanks.
Thanks for a great comparison. I watched your video several times before finally settling on the RT84. I'm so happy Fluance put the Blue cartridge on the RT 84 instead of the acrylic platter. lets face it the Blue makes way more of a difference in sound on a vintage setup than the acrylic platter would.
My setup-- Pioneer SX780 in mint condition, Radian research speakers, and a new Denon CD player. The sound is amazing for the amount of money invested.
When I moved from the Ortofon Red to the Blue, I found tracking was superb -- records skipping was completely eliminated. From my notes I commented that the sound produced seemed a bit more immersive and full.
I tought the blue sounded clearer and it picked up less noise then the red.
Damn! very talented musician... nice music sir.
I have a RT-85 and I love It.
It’s beautiful, not expensive and sounds great.
Just ordered mine
Was a little worried with some issues people have had with motor but that was over a year ago these reviews and issues happened so I hope they've sorted this out.
I'm excited. Biggest purchase I've made so far. In the world of turntables it's not expensive and for the price you get alot with the platter and the cost of the blue cart.
Excellent review, thank you! I sold my AR XA yesterday and I was able to make enough to completely cover the cost of the RT85 woot! The Fluance RT85 was an obvious choice for me, I prefer the S-shaped tonearm. I also really like the design with the belt and motor on the outside of the platter. I plan on pairing the RT85 with my Shiit Mani preamp, I can't wait to hear it! Videos like this really help people seal the deal and make the decision to upgrade. I've gotten to the point where I just don't feel like tinkering and messing around with anymore used turntables. The AR was the second turntable that sold this week! You're absolutely correct about how some of us are feeling, I just want to listen to records and have it sound good.
I own an old Technics SL 3200 with a Nagaoka MP110 cartridge. It's been distorting lately and I think after probably 40 years of use it's completed its life cycle. I have been looking at the Fluance RT85 as a replacement as I can't afford the new Technics TT right now. Your experience so far after a year of use? Would you purchase it again after your experience so far?
@@greeneyesmexico Great sound, excellent value, would buy again, however I don't care for the durability of the piano black finish. Would likely choose a different finish.
@@JosephThompson619 Thank you for sharing your experience! I am going to wait until the model I chose will be available in Walnut. I want to purchase RT85 N (I want the Nagaoka MP110 cartridge).
I sprung for the 2M Blue mounted on the blue Ortofon head shell. I mounted it on a Technics SL1200. I used the additional counterweight. No additional alignment was necessary as it was already optimized for that standard tone arm. I came from a Shure 97xe which isn’t bad by any reckoning! I hear a significant difference with the Blue and it’s all good. I think it just gets better the more you use it which is what it’s supposed to do but I believe I’ve experienced this. Like you I’m no audio snob and that’s what I appreciate about your channel. I do get into trouble with the Lady who doesn’t understand why I have 4 turntables now. To my credit, they are all classic Technics decks and none of them were expensive but that defense falls flat with someone who doesn’t understand the appeal of gadgets or technology.
Hi Craig! Happy to see more videos coming from you! I had the ortofon red and i found it's sound too bright. A while ago i bought a Technics SL-1210GR with a ortofon blue cartridge. The blue is amazing compared to the red, oh and also i love my new Technics turntable. It beats all my old turntables, i would have bought a fluance, but they are not available here and ordering them from the states is way too expensive.
Thanks for this video!
You're a smart guy, cast aluminum and direct drive will get you longer lasting pleasure than cast plastic and belt drive.
I have the fluance rt80 and I love it! I highly recommend it if you’re on a tight budget and are looking for quality!
Really looking forward to the needledrops!
The upper mid was slightly higher with the red. I also noticed that the splatter was more noticeable with the red on the bass drum and snare ring. Keep up the great work.
This made a lot of sense to me. There are many records that throw a lot at the cartridge that, in plain english, the cartridge cannot handle or that it overwhelms. I find that the pressing and the mastering determine whether or not the cartridge can get overwhelmed. Some cartridges , seems to me, are made to sound warmer and they just get muddier. Some get so bright that they just splash and sound brittle. Your explanation confirmed my impressions. I wish I'd seen this video sooner, but .... I can always get 2M blue some time soon. I have an automatic turntable and a manual (which is finer and more expensive). Sometimes I listen to music to decompress. Sometimes I fall asleep; ergo the automatic AT LP3. Lesson learned thanks to you.. Peace & Love
CM
Was considering getting the Blue, I just got an Project Debut Evo with the 2m Red included, its nice sounding but the Blue sounds more detailed and plain nicer sounding, Im sold. Thanks from Ireland.
and thanks for the sane advice. i want the very best but within limits
I been trying to figure out if the blue is worth the money. I also thought about the bronze and the black. I keep hearing different reasons from different CZcams influencers but still didn’t get a good understanding from “THEIR” use of words. You didn’t use “colorful” words to describe your opinion. I feel like you gave the most realistic and true description of the little blue and red cartridges. Thank you!! I think I understand and feel comfortable on what I may decide to do as I really believe I may not be worth going any higher than the blue if going forward at all. Again, Thank You!!
SOLD, SOLD & SOLD! Thank you sir for this very honest, sincere, thorough and enthusiastic Stylus Video....
My Vinyl Equipment Pro shop suggested the red stylus and said “nothing crazy”. I wish he would have let me know my options. Everything you said is so true in this video, about enough of a difference, videos help us learn and help decide what to purchase and so on... I have had the red stylus for a couple months. But like I said, I am SOLD and will go back this weekend to purchase the blue stylus. Thank you for your service from a San Diego record collector :)
Yes, there is a small but noticeable difference, at around 10:00 minutes near the end of the demonstration of this Fluance RT85 turntable with comparing the two phono cartridges. I noticed that the Ortofon Blue cartridge had revealed a smoother gradation of musical low to high notes; is the only way I can describe it. Also, from one musical sound to the next there was a clean, empty gap before going to the next passage. Great demonstration, Craig. That record player is an accurate, and sophisticated machine.
Ayyye goodmorning craig
These are a reflection of my 1976 Technics by Panasonic. Very nice.
Thank you for the comparison. I think the comparison of the other guy Audiorpheus has it's technical limitations: This can be because sound in youtube is stored as mp3, which cuts some of the upper and lower frequncies in order to it's compression algorithm what you don't have at an analog sound system. Mp3 is not an lossless algorithm. So it makes sense to hear a comparison live with an analog stereo system. Thank for your efford!
I absolutely cannot hear any difference on second record. They both sound amazing. I'm considering the red as a replacement for my PL-200 setup(on my Technics SL-23), which actually sounds great too.
Great 80's tunes.
From what I have seen, the Ortofon Blue generally costs approximately $100 USD more from most retailers than the Red, so spending $50 more to get it seems like a no-brainer if you are already looking at buying the RT84/85. I am more internally debating whether it is worth the extra $100 to get the acrylic platter. Thanks for the videos, they do help.
I'm in the same situation, do you think it's really worth the acrylic plate, for what you've found out? I was decided by the rt85 but now I'm more inclined for the rt83, I do not know what to do, any advice?
I definitely heard IT wow!
It's just not in my budget to upgrade just yet. You did answer a question that have been on the fence about. Audio Technica offers very similar stylist. Green/black Audio Technica is a bonded stylist. They changed from green to black but, they are very similar to each other. The nude stylist version is orange. From the information available I'm going to go with the orange. Thanks Craig!!
Soundz amazing buddy!!! 17🍺🍺🍺
I have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC, which came with the Ortofon Red cartridge. I’m considering upgrading to the blue. The money ($150ish) is not a big deal. And the simple “plug-in” installation makes the idea of an upgrade pretty attractive to me. If the sound improvement is at least noticeable, if not huge, it’ll still be worth it.
Great review! I'm still using the RT81 and thinking of upgrading the stylus/cartridge to a 2M Blue or Nagaoka 110, however for the price point I'm thinking of just upgrading completely to the RT85
You are spot on with the red most of the time it performs quite well but records that are mixed and mastered hot it doesn't track well but man this cartridge sounds really good with the right pressings I recently got a blue stylus for an upgrade but in all honesty I'm in no rush to swap it out until the red wears out
Yeah, I have both the 2M Red and the 2M Blue styli, and, despite what 99% of reviewers say about them being like night and day, my obviously non-audiophile ears don'y hear an enormous amount of difference. Here in the UK, the Red costs £64 while the Blue is £145, so more than double the price, but is there really that much of an improvement in sound quality? I'm not sure. Maybe I just need to develop my listening muscles a bit more, and comment again then.
Also, I'm not sure what Fluance is doing in the US right now, but here in the UK, the RT84 doesn't come with the acrylic platter, it comes with the same aluminium rubber mat combo that the RT81 to 83 models have, so the platter is the only difference between the top two models. Anyway, just thought I'd mention it.
Good, thoughtful comparison and motivation regarding both cartridges. I'm going to need to replace my 2M Red stylus and am considering the Blue as an upgrade. Choices, choices...
nice two fluance turntable dream right there
Greetings from germany.
Great Video
2m blue is more warm and full to me. Red is more harsh to my ears treble wise.
These days with return policies, it’s worth trying both and returning the one you like least. Great audio on an audio channel…as good as CZcams lets it be. Thanks for your videos!
I went with the RT-85. I really wanted the acrylic platter, but the 84 comes with an aluminum one now. Can't wait to get home from my deployment to try it out!
Aaron Malerich - Thank you so much for all that you do for our great country! It is appreciated beyond words!
I just bought an Ortofon 2M Blue. I've got some work ahead of me. Cleaning, calibrating, setting things to spec. It's going to be fun.
That is an amazing Cartridge Craig ! I will have to choose this one later on this year !!! I'm currently using the VM 540 ML/H from Audio-Technica. Awesome video Craig !!! :) It definitively helps me out to choose for the future. It should sound great on the Audio Technica LP 120 Turntable.
whistlin2yadogs stick with the 540 much better and lasts longer
@@willieduwe1 I really like the VM 540 ML/H so far and I have been using it for my digital conversions in wav. It was expensive but results are pretty great. In my humble opinion. Blue Ortofon would be interesting to try out, not sure if it would be worth it but I guess I'm always curious :)
Did you use audio technica lp120 with the internal preamp?
Teslaxz Dimmu oh no i can feel the lp120 internal pre amp myth raising its ugly head
@@teslaxzdimmu1803 I didn't take it out. I left it in it's original state when I bought it brand new and it doesn't bother me at all. I think it sounds pretty great. In my opinion. I do also have the Audio-Technica LP1240 as well if I think I need it.
Yes I heard it, there is a difference, the blue in simple words, very clean!!!
Thanks for this. I couldn't ever hear a difference between the Ortofon red and blue. This is the first example that shows the quality difference. I don't think it's worth buying the better cartridge for myself but if I ever have a record that has issues with "s" sounds I'll know why. The red doesn't seem to have that problem with plosives but I'll start listening for it now. Thanks again.
A lot of people forget that every cd or record , speaker, amp turntable has an optimum listening volume. The volume that assures you get the best listening experience.
Wow great comparison between the two. I think you can hear a bit more well defined low bass with the 2m Blue. As you mention "hezzes" change into "sss" makes the Blue a much more clean sounding stylus.
Wow! huge difference with the blue having less splutter but it was also brighter and more realistic.
crazy how even though the audio in this videos probably transferred 3-4 protocols and is digital output i can still hear the difference on the blue. The thing i noticed was what top comment basically pointed out, the blue on the record seemed to catch a few more scratchs/dirt particles/whatever it was than the red but was also way crisper all around. Looks like ill look forward to cleaning my vinyl often with rt85 on the way hah
A proper demonstration thank you for this.
Too many audiophiles in the turntable world talk about imaginary differences between carts and styli that are just meaningless and based on nothing. I’ve listened to so many back-to-back and A/B cartridge demonstrations on CZcams and heard really nothing worth writing home about, yet the comments sections are full of biased opinions talking about night and day differences that are simply not there.
This demo however shows a real difference and you’ve highlighted that it will only be difficult records that will really show what the blue can bring vs the red. Otherwise they both sound pretty damn accurate and faithful to the record as far as I can tell.
I’ve got a Pro-ject Pick It Pro cart based on the 2M series and when the stylus wears I’m debating fitting the blue stylus as difficult records on the Pro sound very spitty, yet good recordings on well pressed vinyl sound superb rivalling digital, so all I’m looking for is better tracking of these difficult records.
This has been the only video I’ve found telling it like it is.
Ok so I’m replying myself to update.
I couldn’t wait for my stylus to wear out so I’ve bought a 2M blue anyway. I’ve put the 2M Blue onto my Pick It cartridge which is based on an Ortofon body. The results are dramatic!
I now have a detailed, clear yet (refined) sounding turntable. Distorted sibilance completely gone. So very happy and I thank you for this video.
I love my RT85 with its Ortofon 2M Blue. It's my main turntable. My advice to prospective buyers: Monitor the condition of the stylus. Those wear out faster than one might expect. I keep extra stylii on-hand.
Thank you for curing me of a case of buyer's remorse. I've been researching for a $500ish turntable to replace my exisiting LP120 and now that my finance committee (ahem my wife) approved the purchase, I jumped on the RT85. I could not decide on three companies and after I ordered the Fluance, I suddenly had second thoughts. Maybe I should push the extra mile and get the Pro-Ject with its sexy tonearm? But your video smacked me in the head, save your money bozo and invest it instead. lol I'm here sitting in the kitchen waitng for UPS to deliver it tonight!
They are both 8/18 elliptical stylus. Only difference is the weight of the nude compared to the bonded. Unless the diamond tips are really a different shape. The blue extends the upper limit from 22k to 25k hz from the red. I am quite happy with my RT81.
I just upgrade from Red to Blue and immediately heard a difference. I was getting too much distortion with the red and now it's gone. Glad I upgraded.
Yup. Night and day. Sh to S. Clearly. Glad I bought the RT-84, it now comes with the blue. That "splatter" would drive me nuts.
I have a lot of MoFi pressing and the difference in the Blue and Red is the Blue has a bigger sound stage and a more crisp sound. I also have a Ortofon Bronze on a Music Hall MMF 5.1 se and that is playing thru a McIntosh receiver with 2 Adcom power amps and it sounds incredible. I'm a big fan of Ortofon cartridges.
Great review. I could clearly hear the difference, even on my crappy 2.1 desktop speaker setup.
My personal impression was that the red sounded good and the blue sounded really good. While I don't feel that you could go wrong with either one, is the difference worth the $$$?
The answer is simple. It's subjective and economics. If the cartridge you can afford gives you joy listening to your vinyl, that's the right one.
I can not compare the two as my last turntable was a used audio-technica LP-120 which was good but it died. So after a lot of research I choose the RT-85 as I had the funds for it. I was totally blown away from listening to just 1 album, I am ready get my records out again. 2M Blue sounds heavenly for me.
The smaller the stylus, the better it is at tracing modulations that are closer together. Modulations get closer together 1) During trebly sections and 2) on inner grooves. While the nude tip on the blue is nice, the smaller tip is doubly important to it's ability to tracing smaller modulations with more ability than the red.
A lot of CZcams videos compare styluses by playing the first or second track on an LP side. Unless there are sibilant moments in the song, then the differences in the audio will be subtle. It's the inner grooves that really test the capability of the stylus; we need more of those in CZcams videos 😊 Your 7" single definitely proved a point.
I turned my back on elliptical styluses in 2008. I got rid of sibilant distortion and inner groove distortion (except where a disc is worn or badly pressed).
If you like the 2M Blue, you'll love the Bronze; very similar tracking ability to the Audio Technica 440MLa; the AT was my first love, but had to switch to Ortofon after I acquired 6 faulty AT styluses in succession (can't say I didn't give them a fair shake...).
The Blue sounds less sibilant than the red, couldn't detect whether that's because the red is simply a brighter cartridge or whether the blue stylus better handles the mastering, as you are suggesting...or a combo of the two. But, what I thought was equally pleasing with the Blue was a fuller, deeper bass and my vote definitely goes to the Blue.
I am saving up for the 85.