2. analog
  3. 137758-17576

Nakamichi Dragon CT - Keep, Change Arm, Change Table?

I have a Nakamichi Dragon CT (I upgraded from a Yamaha PF-1000) with a ZYX Uni II. I did not like the sound of off-center LP's with the PF-1000.  I have thought about changing the arm to an SME (as I have seen others do, without losing the auto functions). Is it worth changing the arm or upgrading to another table?
vernonwtx
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,052 posts
 
Dear @vernonwtx: The auto functions in the Dragon is a must to keep. Other than the SME the Reed could be a good tonearm option for your Universe II.

I don't have experiences with your TT and I don't know if you can change the TT mat or not trying to achieve better performance and maybe a good TT platform that can reduce internal/external vibrations/resonances.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
amg56's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
amg56
887 posts
 

I have an original Dragon CT, arm and table. It has a Sumiko Blue cartridge and sounds wonderful.. I have recently replaced all the caps etc as the originals were a tad old. I am going to experiment with different cartridges, but, side by side with my Kuzma Stabi Ref and MS BL-91L, the Dragon still hold its own.

The Dragon came out of the MS factory matched with a beautiful arm. Like all my other tables, it is mello, but detailed.


vernonwtx OP
53 posts
 
Thanks all for the comments.
.
best-groove: the CT arm spec’s are closer to the the Jelco 50/200, but looks like the Jelco SA-250ST (Mission 774LC), but with an oil damping trough.
 .
raul: I definitely want to keep the auto functions. Reed and Durand Talea look like excellent options. I have a good platform, I tried different weights and mats (the original mat and a Stillpoint LP1 best; equal to Audio Technica AT665BX setup). Now I have a better tonearm upgrade path.
.
amg56: thanks for the turntables comparison... that was one of the things I was asking for.

More to discover