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Need New MM Cartridge Recommendation

Hello All!

I need a recommendation on a new moving magnet phono cartridge. 

Here's my system:

Roksan Radius 5 (I think MK1 or 2) turntable 
Creek Evolution 100A integrated amplifier with Creek Sequel MM board
PSB Imagine T2 loudspeakers 

The Roksan came with a Roksan Corus Black MM cartridge, which was likely a Goldring manufactured cart.  It was great!  The stylus broke off after about 8 years use. 

I was wondering about the following but am open to all recommendations: 

Clearaudio Maestro (yikes! It's $1200)
Ortofon 2m Black
Goldring carts similar to Corus
Audio Technica AT150MLX

Any insight and recommendations will be super appreciated!

PS:   Sequel 40 mk2 MM Phono pre-amp is the device specifically suited for most types of Moving Magnet cartridges, with an output between 3.5 to 5mV and a matching impedance of 47k Ohms.
128x128jbhiller
mechans
3,048 posts
 

@ anna,

You shouldn’t tell people that cartridges are too expensive for he OP, The Op has decided what He/She is willing to spend. I find the cartridge plays a critical in the sound quality . There is nothing wrong with a lower priced cart. in your response.

I find the VPI high output 20X that allows the use of MM carts. I own one of those as well, a GoldRing 1042 (ithink) could be the 1022 or 1201 provided with my other table a Music Hall MMF-25. The SQs from each is very distinct..

It depends on the OPs choice in SQ.

The OP will have to make the choice.

Again the Dynector 20X high output that still retains the precision and detail retrieving fabulous and wonderful to my ears. I also prefer detail, and own Focal Electras   Sound is scary good, clean as possible holographic imagining  in  and sensitive 

The Goldring MM with warmth and beautiful tone.with  excellent PRAT.

dentdog's avatar
dentdog
506 posts
 
After reading this thread I have a question. Paraneer, you mentioned the Nagaoka MP 500, which has interested me for a while. I run a BAT VK P10 Se phono stage which is capable for up to 80 DB gain, making it suitable for LOMC carts. My Fidelity Research MC 202 is really low output but sounds very musical.
Is the Nagaoka musical in the sense that it has the sweetness, or at least some smoothness found in my rather vintage sounding cart? Or would you consider it more dry and punchy.
Having heard a Clearaudio Maestro was not impressed with the musicality. Don't want that sound but would like to try another MM. Always chasing that improvement.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
If you like Fidelity Research MC you should try FR-5E MM design from the master Ikeda San. This model also recommended by Jonathan Carr (designer of Lyra cartridges) in MM THREAD (i know it’s hard to read all 241 pages full of information about the world best MM cartridges). Worth to try.

I wonder why no one mentioned Australian Garrott Brothers MM cartridges - they are amazing. Not only legendary classic p-77 with Micro Tracer Diamond  (which i like a lot) and new p-77i with MicroScanner II stylus profile, but also their latest Optim and Optim Ruby with the most advanced Fritz Gyger stylus profile.
fleib
1,124 posts
 

Find a series 1 ebony Virtuoso with a busted cantilever. Send it to Soundsmith .  I heard he now has boron/micro. 

I like the Victor Z1/SAS

Try a Shure DJ cart for kick ass dynamics. Some models put out 9mV. For rock, you have it turned up to 11 right at the input.

Electrostats need faster transient response. Box speakers need a sound which unboxes. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,106 posts
 
Dear dentdog: The quality performance levels on any cartridge has to be judged along the tonearm used with. This couple is that a couple and not all cartridges performs at its best in a tonearm, maybe the Maestro was not to happy with yours.

In the other side you posted and I respect what you said:

"""  Is the Nagaoka musical in the sense that it has the sweetness, or at least some smoothness """#

I don't know where you attend to listen live music and listened that " sweetness and smootness " you are talking about. Live music has a natural agresiveness that is far away from what you like. MUSIC is not that.

Forgeret about that kind of FR recomendation on vintage cartridges. If you want a vintage MM experience try to find at least an Acutex 320. The other recomendation on Victor is a waist of time because SAS stylus replacement are no longer in production from 3 months now.

Btw, the OP of this thread already bought Ortofon many posts ago and maybe some of you did not read it because follow making recomendations.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R. 
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