Cartridge Upgrade - Nagaoka or Goldring

1042 is a fine cartridge but can be bit harsh with classical .

Though I don't listen to classical, I do listen to acoustic guitar and vocals.
It never sounds what I would call "harsh" but it can be a little edgy for some tastes. Of course, a lot depends on table, arm, phono and cable.
Also, classical is a very broad genre, piano solo is one thing and full orchestra another.
If going with Nagaoka I would go with top of the line MP500. Another possible option is Audio Note MM, more expensive, I think. I have not heard it. But after the table upgrade not before it. In my view, you start with a very good table and go from there. Besides, table can last for decades if you take care of it, and it does not require a lot of care.
When I bought my Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm lightly used for $1350, it was very expensive to me but I am glad I did buy it.

Every cartridge is fine until you will compare it to a better cartridge. And if you’re doing it often you know how many times you can upgrade to a better sound. An interesting process. I wish i could cancel the deals on some cartridges, because what i have found later are so much better. My advice is to ignore mediocre cartridges and start with some serious carts, it will save a lot of money and time, but more important - it will bring satisfaction. So the choice is not just between Nagaoka & Goldring, but you could add 15 more superb MM cartridges to the list.