but admittedly i was trying to get the best out of it in a Dual cs 505/II with a ultra low mass arm. A cheap record cleaner (Studebaker in my case) is one of the best investments I've made to raise my vinyl enjoyment. I was able to get a fairly flat response by loading down to 39K and using 100pf at the phono preamp and low capacitance cables.

pk: Actually, I'd suggest neither the 2M Red, nor the MP110 or MP11 for the light arm of your T45C (nice table by the way - would also fit nicely to my hk825/hk870 pre-/power-amp combo. If you listen to a lot of worn records that have surface noise, the MP-110 will give you a more enjoyable listen. The AT VM-95E is also fine, but can't track the innere grooves as good as the ML and furthermore the ML sounds more detailed. If it were my system I would use my CBS STR100 to take sweep measurements at the phono preamp output, and graph the different loading options. I have both, and agree the 95ML is better, however, I also have the MP200 and in that case I prefer the 200s sound signature, but since it still uses a poor stylus I still rock the 95ML at the very least until I can retip a Micro stylus onto my MP200.I remember your post of OM10 as well, which is essentially the reason why I was able to widdle down my options.

I did exchange the ML because I thought I was at about 500hrs with the ML and I wanted something to compare. Hopefully someone will be able to compare the compliance ratings since they use dfifferent methods of reporting. OP didn't give a lot of background info, and I gave my "from the hip" opinion like everyone else to start with.Vinyl Rega Planar 2, Incognito rewire, Deepgroove subplatter, ceramic bearing, Michell Technoweight, Rega 24V motor, TTPSU, FunkFirm Achroplat platter, Michael Lim top and bottom braces, 2 Rega feet and one RDC cones. I've had varied results with the MP-110 in different turntable/pre-amp combinations, ranging from bright and breezy to thick and heavy.

It's important to note that the electrical values of the current MP110 models may be different than the old MP11 (no idea if they are or not). For jazz and classical I could easily live the MP-200 and never feel the need to hear anything better. It somehow manages to stay engaging despite it's mellow ways, this is through the detail it provides. So, if advanced stylus would pick up more flaws I'd never try that Goldring with a better stylus (1012-1042) but to throw it out the window.An old record collector trick (one that I don't recommend) is to turn the treble down to mask noise. Before the hype I didn't even know much about that brand Nagaoka, beides they make nice inner sleeves.

the AT 440mlb , I tried one of those for a while and didn't really like the sound, I found it a bit 'bright' and tiring to listen to .top end and high midrange was noticably restricted,high treble in particular sounded muffled and generally absent. That Hi-Fi World article definitely was interesting, especially the way it put the 2 brands on completely opposite ends of the spectrum. I've aligned it to the best of my ability, so even if it's not perfect, it shouldn't be causing this much popping/sounds.