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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
nickpish
11 posts
 
Thanks @absolutlahmi - I'm very excited to experience the VM540ML! And thanks again for your extremely helpful feedback, along with that from @chakster. And that's a good call on the Schiit Mani- I actually recently purchased the Magni 3+ heaphone amp for late night vinyl listening on headphones, and it's pretty great.
nickpish
11 posts
 
One other question for you, @absolutlahmi - do you have any tips for aligning this cartridge on the SL-1200? Do you use the Technics overhang gauge or another method?
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Don’t know what you expected from Schiit.
My recommendation is Australian made JLTi mk4 or mk5 with special mod from the manufacturer to expand optional MM loading up to 100k Ohm (he can do that by request). This phono stage is great for MC too. Optional RCA plugs is amazing feature to change cartridge loading.  
nickpish
11 posts
 
@chakster Are you referring to the Schiit Mani? As for the unit you linked, that looks nice but way beyond what I'd be willing to spend. I've read many good things about the Rega Phono series as well- not sure if you have any thoughts on those?
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Shiit Mani is what I recommended to my 24 y.o. nephew for his first analog setup, but I can't recommend this cheap unit for serious listening to anyone of audiogon, it's just basics even in it was made in the USA, same about Rega and related cheap units, they are nothing special.  

JLTi is very special phono stage with long history, used mk4 is about $750 or even cheaper and this phono stage is outstanding in comparison to units that cost over $2k. The price on JLTi website is in Australian Dollars (not USD). 

This is the stage with RCA polug-in LOAD RESISTORS and user can make any value to load or unload MM or MC (for MM a special mod from the manufacturer required, but this mod is free). 

Anyway, if it's too expensive never mind, for someone else it can be a perfect choice. 

This is not a conventional phono stage, see below (from my chat with the manufacturer) to spread the light: 

"Have you noted there is a movement towards 'current mode' phono stages for MC cartridges? These are really only suitable for MC cartridges as they convert the higher current of MC and this only works for low impedance cartridges.

The JLTi Phono also uses 'current mode' but in a different way. Again, trying not to be too technical, it is a trans-conductance circuit where even the RIAA EQ takes place via current being dumped into the EQ components and from here forms the voltage that we finally end up listening to after it has been buffered and converted to low output impedance of the phono."  
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