2. analog
  3. 149658-7

Best cheapo Cartridge

In a bind, I have 2 cartridges that have seen better days.   My Ortofon Jubilee has at least 1500 hours on it and I’m starting to hear a drop in performance.  My Transfiguration Proteus only has 450 hours but is on the fritz and they are OOB.

I have too many irons in the fire to spend alot and need one to hold me over for a while.  Thinking about a MM, like Ortofon or Grado.  Would be mating with a Basis Vector 4 tonearm, Basis 2200 sig, and either Allnic H3000 or ARC PH 5.  Speakers are Thiels.  

Analog heads please give me some advice.   I have no experience with MM or MI or than many cartridges in my system  for that matter.  


pops
normansizemore
601 posts
 
I have an old moving coil Denon 103, it’s a little dark for an MC, but the midrange is killer.

My other favorite is the Nagaoka MP-11 Boron, which to me sounds almost exactly like the Denon.  The MP-11 is MM.   I’m not sure they make it any longer however.

Everything Audio Technica makes sounds wonderful.  

N.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@normansizemore 

Nagaoka MP-11 does not have a Boron cantilever, it's the cheapest Nagaoka in MP series, the cantilever is aluminum, read more about this model: https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/nagaoka_mp11_e.html

Vintage MP-50 has Boron cantilever, it was thr top model back then. 
normansizemore
601 posts
 
Chakster

Google “Nakaogka MP-11 Boron”.
This was a step up from the standard MP-11.  The cartridge body is Black and says BORON in gold letters on the front and sides. 

The stylus also says MP-11 Boron,
so I am pretty certain that Nagaoka made one. 

Email me atn@normansizemore.com  and I will send you photos. 

Norman
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Norman, thanks. Now i see this version, interesting, never seen before, wow.  Another reason why vintage is better, new versions with 3 digits number does not have Boron version for lower models. 
normansizemore
601 posts
 
Chakster,

Someone mentioned that the 150 or 200 series has the Boron cantilever. This will fit any MP cartridge except the 500. 

Personally, I prefer the conical stylus from the MP-10 for my vintage jazz Micro-groove LPs. 

I dont think there is much if any difference between the cartridge bodies. Just the stylus type and cut along with variations to the cantilever.  This cartridge is super smooth, especially the highs. 
Its not expected at this price point which is why it was so popular years ago. 

Best
Norman
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