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Logical cartridge upgrade for a long time Shure M44-7 user

I've had a Technics SL-1200 MK3D turntable, with a Shure M44-7 cartridge forever.
I wanted to experience a different cartridge in my setup recently, and went for a NAGAOKA MP110. I took the time to set it up properly, and used it for 10 days for many hours a day. I couldn't believe how dark and quiet the NAGAOKA sounded, but more importantly it just wasn't extracting the details, especially in mid-highs. Vocals sounded veiled, muffled even. It wasn't a case of the cartridge sounding subtle or muted, it just couldn't reproduce some of the details I'm so familiar with M44-7.
For someone who enjoys the somewhat exaggerated top and low end of M44-7, (and again, I just perceive it to be much more detailed, because the cartridge seems to work so hard to get the most out of any record you put under it), what are some logical options for an upgraded sound? I wouldn't mind something more natural (I've had a GRADO GOLD, and that was OK), but I don't want to feel like I'm missing details just because I'm going for a rounder / warmer sound.

Rest of my system:
Sonus Faber Venere 2.5 speakers
Schiit Vidar Power amp
Schiit Saga+ Pre
A no-name custom built phono pre

Very interested to hear everyone's suggestions.
Abso
128x128absolutlahmi
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
It depends on your phono stage, tonearm and many other factors.
Some great MM can do as low as 5Hz up to 60kHz, it’s impossible without advanced profiles originally designed for Quadraphonic records (like Shibata). When a cartridge can do 10Hz (like this one) you don’t have to worry about bass at all, if you can’t get a proper bass from such cartridge then your phono stage is guilty, your tonearm, speakers and so on, but definitely NOT a cartridge. The main problem with cheap MM cartridges is rolled-off highs and this problem is much more serious than bass.

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absolutlahmi's avatar
absolutlahmi OP
14 posts
 
@nickpish As you mentioned, it's nearly impossible to come to a universally accepted definition of descriptors, including 'brightness'. To me VM540ML sounds more detailed, with more information extracted especially in the high registers, and most importantly without distortion. 

As I mentioned in one of my previous post, I'm also skeptical of some of the descriptors where lack of detail, and a darker, dead-er sound is described as 'musical'. To me there is nothing 'musical' about lack of detail. In the same vain, there is nothing excessively 'bright' about the increased detail in the high registers, which I experienced with VM540ML. But then, that argument gets us back to atmasphere's point about whether you have access to master tape, and really know how something was meant to sound in the studio. And that's where I jump off the audiophile ship :)
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
well said @absolutlahmi 
nickpish
11 posts
 
Thanks again for the feedback @absolutlahmi & @chakster - I've actually gone ahead and placed an order for the VM540ML as something of a Christmas gift for myself- I can't wait to set it up. I realize terms such as "brightness" are rather murky/arbitrary, but it's helpful to hear your feedback on the sound, particularly as someone coming from the M44-7. I think my next upgrade will be a new phono stage- I currently have a Cambridge Audio Azur 551p, which I purchased 5+ years ago- it seems to do the job, but I frankly haven't had anything else against which to compare, so I have no idea how its performance/sound would compare to that of another (i.e. better) phono stage. I'm not sure if either of you would have any recommendations for a (budget-friendly) phono stage to pair with the VM540ML?
absolutlahmi's avatar
absolutlahmi OP
14 posts
 
Congrats, @nickpish. I have a feeling you will enjoy the upgrade as I did. 
In terms of budget friendly phono stages, I've heard nothing but good things about the Schiit Mani, performing way above its 'pay grade'. 
 
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