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
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
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- 37 posts total
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. |
@absolutlahmi You can read more about Pickering XSV/4000 on UKAM This one is much better than Stanton 881s and Pickering XSV/4000 But more expensive, mainly because it's still sealed (NOS). |
- 37 posts total