Which MM, MI, or Hi output...Nagaoka 300/500, Clearaudio Maestro, Soundsmith Carmen
Which one has the most organic and natural tonal qualities. I’m looking for something with a minimum of 2.0 mv to play in to a Naim XS and Harbeths. As much as I’m intrigued by the idea of going vintage, I’m now looking for a currently produced cartridge. I’d like to stay between $600-$1,500. While spending $1,500 should buy better performance, there are some dark horses like the Nag 300 and Sumiko Amethyst, both of which seem to have ardent fans. I’m an MC guy, and this is my first foray in to the world of higher output carts.
I don't know what you did to your Nagaoka, but the last things I would call it would be boring, dull and lifeless. I've got the Soundsmith cart. and the Nagaoka MP-200. Have had both for a long time in my system and I can tell you from my own experience that the Nag. will kick the crap out of that Soundsmith. |
I have a Soundsmith Sussurro MkII (just below the Hyperion in their range) and the MP-500 is easily better in my system. It is also clearly better than the Grado Statement 3 that I also have. I'd say it is just a bit better than the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and Kontrapunkt C. The London Decca Reference can best it though. But that's my ear and my system. |
Dear @dogberry : The Nagaoka is a very fine quality performer by any standards. The dover system is how that systems sounds and NO the Nagaoka is everything but dull or lifeless but the other way around and as you experienced very competitive even vs LOMC cartridges. Nothing wrong with the dover opinion it’s his opinion and at least in this thread no one is in agreement with him.
R. |
