Q: I am looking to replace my 30-year-old Bang & Olufsen RX-2 turntable because its MMC3 cartridge is fading out. My preamp has a phono input, so I don't need an integrated phono preamp, although I know many turntables now have them. I want very good sound with the convenience of the RX-2's automatic operation, along with a dust cover and a "cue" function. I love my RX-2 and would prefer to keep using it, but B&O stopped making its proprietary cartridges and nothing else will fit. My budget for the turntable/cartridge package is $400 to $500.
A: Once you get to the $400 price point, the best-sounding turntables are manual models (there aren't many automatics to choose from, anyway). The best option I could find for you is a Denon/Ortofon package with built-in preamp from the Needle Doctor (needledoctor.com). It features a Denon DP300F with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge for $419. Needle Doctor will mount and align the cartridge for you, ensuring everything will sound its best. I think a manual turntable without a built-in phono preamp selling for the same price likely would sound better, but if you want automatic, it is a nice package for the money.
But hang on a second: You will be happy to know that you can get a new cartridge for your B&O, and this is what I suggest you do. Soundsmith (sound-smith.com) reversed-engineered and improved upon the old B&O cartridge designs and offers many cartridges that are superior to anything B&O made. You can get the Soundsmith SMMC4 cartridge for $199 and keep that beautiful B&O turntable running for decades to come. Higher-priced models are available, as well, and they have played to rave reviews in the audiophile press.
This question leads to a good tip for everyone looking for a turntable: Used Bang & Olufsen turntables often sell for a pittance on Craigslist because people gave up on finding cartridges for them. For example, I found a working RX-2 without a cartridge on Craigslist in the letter-writer's hometown for only $35. Add the $199 Soundsmith cartridge and you have an unbeatable $235 turntable. Do a web search for "RX-2 turntable" images, and you will see what I mean.
Hop to it
I'll conclude my Consumer Electronics Show product highlights with the Dish Hopper 3 Smart DVR. The Hopper 3 is the latest in Dish's extremely innovative whole-house DVR system, offering class-leading features and wireless "Joey" set-top boxes. All the pay TV providers provide television content, so beyond price and packages, a key differentiator is the equipment. I've been using Dish for almost 20 years, and I think the equipment is a big reason I've been so loyal.
The Hopper 3 has 16 tuners, so you can record 16 shows at once. Besides the fast and intuitive interface and voice remote, the Hopper 3 supports 4K content, Netflix and has a "Sports Bar" mode so you can watch four channels simultaneously on your 4K TV. This is just scratching the surface of what this amazing piece of equipment can do, and it recently earned a very rare 5-out-of-5-stars review from PC Mag. If you subscribe to Dish and crave an upgrade — or simply want the best equipment available supplying your home entertainment — it is definitely something you should check out. See it at dish.com.
Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.
