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Anyone have experience with an Ortofon 2M red?

I am currently using a Shure 97xe in a Denon 300dpf,

Wondering to spend $42 on a replacement shure stylus , or try a new cartridge such as the Ortofon

@monsterworship what's your budget on the cart?

Was looking around <$150 unless i was convinced otherwise, but from what i read higher end carts might be wasted on this TT.

I've had the 2M red for 3 months now, solid performer for me.

Here's another option.

http://www.lpgear.com/product/e007498.html

JICO is a Japanese company that makes very high quality replacement stylus' for a wide range of carts. Apparently their SAS (super fine line ) really elevates your cart to another level.

Shure 97xE and Audio Technica AT95e have always been my favorites.

They perform well with my amplifier, so I never looked for more expensive alternatives.

@monster - What did you decide to go with? I am looking to upgrade my cart as well and interested in any feedback.

I use Shure M44G. It's marketed as a "club DJ" cart but I find it to be versatile and good for general listening. The sound is good, it tracks well, the recommended tracking force is 1.5g, and if you get the DJ itch you can backcue without excess wear. Replacement stylus are readily available, and the price is about $45 for a cartridge. The files I ripped were from that cart, which probably needs a new stylus soon.

Someone with an audiophile setup and without any inclination to mix will want different or more, but m44g suits my "mixed use" needs rather nicely. I also hear good things about both of NMA's recommendations, but you can't backcue with those needles. Shure M44-7 for a DJ scratch needle.

I also like the integrated carts. I have some Stanton Discmaster V3 that I really enjoyed, but replacement stylus are not available. The integrated stuff costs more too, and the wiring went bad in one of mine which couldn't be fixed.

The Shure m44g isa great cartridge, light tracking conical, minimal record wear, great tonal balance.
One caveat: shure's quality control has suffered lately, many reports about poor tracking ability or channel imbalance in individual cartrdiges, so make s(h)ure to test your cartridge and any spare stylii you buy , so you can return the bad ones while you still can. (I also had to return one that would distort at the mere thought of a crescendo, the replacement was much better)

Kept with the shure 97xe since I only had to upgrade the needle for less than 50 bux.

replacing my stylus again on the 97xe.

kind of bummed the price on amazon went from $44 to $59 for the replacement, the whole cartridge can be bought for $99.