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?
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
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
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- 37 posts total
Thanks @absolutlahmi - I'm very excited to experience the VM540ML! And thanks again for your extremely helpful feedback, along with that from @chakster. And that's a good call on the Schiit Mani- I actually recently purchased the Magni 3+ heaphone amp for late night vinyl listening on headphones, and it's pretty great. |
Don’t know what you expected from Schiit. My recommendation is Australian made JLTi mk4 or mk5 with special mod from the manufacturer to expand optional MM loading up to 100k Ohm (he can do that by request). This phono stage is great for MC too. Optional RCA plugs is amazing feature to change cartridge loading. |
- 37 posts total