The excel body was used in a huge range of cartridges (and still is). Most popular in the UK was the A&R x77. It has a loyal following.
Thanks guys, I am also interested in how well it performs in comparison to some of the Ortofon cartridge . Would it compete with the 2M red? Or best with the OM... series? I have the 2m on my REGA RB220 and I enjoy it there. But any upgrades are welcome.
kingfisher
kingfisher
That's a really good question and one I can't answer. Kids have gotten in the way of a heap of tests I'd love to do. I have several OM cartridges and some excel as well as AT. Right now I'm just enjoying the AT150 I have. 2M series I have avoided as the cost of new stylii has gone silly.
One reason I keep an A&R body is that expert stylus in UK used to make the P77 and, as well as still doing these (including sapphire cantilever for the tarty types) they do archival stuff so I know I could get any profile I wanted for non-silly money if I started collecting early monos or 78s
For you it's probably a sideways rather than forwards move. But if you find one cheap go for it.
One reason I keep an A&R body is that expert stylus in UK used to make the P77 and, as well as still doing these (including sapphire cantilever for the tarty types) they do archival stuff so I know I could get any profile I wanted for non-silly money if I started collecting early monos or 78s
For you it's probably a sideways rather than forwards move. But if you find one cheap go for it.
By the way is the Excel Sound company still producing cartridges? And which model is the preferred cartridge?
Thanks billshurv, I do have my eye on a ES70e for $149. Plus shipping so I think I will buy! Thanks.
By the thousand. The whole Hana range is Excel. I believe the Shelter 201 and sumiko Pearl are still in production which are Excel manufactured as are the Garrett range ($$$).
ES-70E has arrived. It has been a difficult decision so far, and the jury is still out whether I will permanently replace my 2M Blue! I have been enjoying this cartridge on 4 albums so far, but it is very pleasing. Not going to get into the audiophile lingo and wax on about it. I'll leave it with..."It soungs very good on my table!"
kingfisher
kingfisher
There is a comparison on the YouTube channel from LP gear between 2m black and lpgear the vessel r3sm, witch is a rebranded excel es70ex.<https://youtu.be/XdMECLRj3rA>. I can hear the difference, the ortofon black sounds more like it is outdoor.
LP/Vessel vs. 2M Black
<https://youtu.be/XdMECLRj3rA> I watched the video and did here the difference and not subtle either. Then I checked the price comparison of each and realized I may have to sell a kidney if I'm going this route. In fact I will stay with the moderate priced gear. Kudos to you if it is in your budget, enjoy!
<https://youtu.be/XdMECLRj3rA> I watched the video and did here the difference and not subtle either. Then I checked the price comparison of each and realized I may have to sell a kidney if I'm going this route. In fact I will stay with the moderate priced gear. Kudos to you if it is in your budget, enjoy!
Ortofon priced themselves out my comfort zone years ago and I went Retro. I have a special fondness for the audio technica AT22/Signet TK9 and also picked up an ortofon OM40 before the prices went silly so I'm covered on high end MMs
