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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
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. 

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@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). 

nickpish
11 posts
 
@absolutlahmi Did you end up finding a cartridge that you're happy with? I'm in a similar position, looking to upgrade the M44-7 on my MK2.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Nick, look for Audio-Technica with MicroLine stylus if you want something new, relatively cheap and good sounding (not dark sounding like those cheap Conical m44-7). Stylus tip responsible for frequency response.

Better carts than new AT are those vintage MM or MI with advanced profiles. The best AT MM is AT-ML170 and AT-ML180 (absolutely killer carts).  
nickpish
11 posts
 
Thanks, @chakster - I'm looking at the AT carts and trying to find an entry-level/budget MicroLine; would that be the VM540ML? That one is a bit more than I'd like to spend (not sure if there are cheaper options?), but if it constitutes a major upgrade from the M44-7 and offers high value for the price, I'd probably go for it.
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