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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
128x128absolutlahmi
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,747 posts
 
Since you like the M44-7 just replace the stylus with a new one!!
https://www.lpgear.com/product/DJSUBN447-G.html
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
M44-7 has extremely high output for MM cartridge ( 9.5 mV) , cheapest bonded conical stylus with rolled-off bass and highs. This cartridge is very popular on club scene, even after Shure officially discontinued this one and many other cartridges. Why it’s so popular ? The answer is OUTPUT and very good tracking abilities for professional use (DJing).

If you will buy a great MM or MI cartridge to replace your Shure M44-7 the output will be 2-5 mV (some MM/MI have lower output). Prepare for this, because loudness has nothing to do with the quality!

The best cartridges you can get for under $350 are Stanton 881s and Pickering XSV/3000. Both carts have nude Stereohedron stylus tip and sound like a mastertape. You will never find anything close to this (in the same budget) buying modern MM cartridges. If you can spend more there are better cartridges, but still not modern MM.

P.S. If you want to improve your M44-7 search for Jico S.A.S. (Super Analog Stylus), but this stylus will cost you like a whole new cartridge. I'm not sure they made SAS for M44-7, but you can email them and ask for SAS. 


fstein's avatar
fstein
199 posts
 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/STANTON-881S-CARTRIDGE-AND-NEW-JICO-STYLUS-WITH-BRUSH-IN-PLASTIC-DISPLAY-CA...
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Stanton cartridge must be with original Stereohedron stylus, you can't upgrade this cartridge with JICO, it is a downgrade. So when it comes to serious Stanton or Pickering models you'd better buy only original Stereohedron styli. 

  
absolutlahmi's avatar
absolutlahmi OP
14 posts
 
Thank you all for the suggestions, lots of directions to go in. I really appreciate it. 

@yogiboy I've played around with some JICO replacements for the M44-7. While they will totally pass in a DJ booth setting, at home they fall short, with a distinctly duller, woodier sound. 

@chakster Thank you for the suggestions, will look into them. I wrote to Jico about the SAS option, and they said they don't make one for M44-7.
@jjss49 thank you, will look into your suggestions. Re: Nags, I just read way too much hype before trying it, I think it messed with my expectations. 

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