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MM Cartridge Recommendation

Hello Everyone, 
Over the past year I've been slowly building up my first system and have just recently upgraded my turntable to a Clearaudio Concept w/ Satisfy Carbon arm.  

My current total system is as follows:
- Belles Aria [Integrated w/ MM phono] 
- B&W 705 [original series from 2004 stand mounts w/ matching stands]
- Clearaudio Concept w/ Satisfy Carbon tonearm 
- Ortofon 2M Black MM cartridge 

Overall I've been very happy with my system especially working within a reasonable budget.  
The Clearaudio has also been a great upgrade from my original entry level [U-Turn Orbit] turntable. 
I bought it used with the 2M Black already mounted, and it is very smooth/neutral sounding with a lot of detail. 
However, at times I find it almost too neutral.

Would anyone have recommendations on another MM cartridge to pair with my existing system?
I'm still trying to determine if I may like another sound better [perhaps more warmth or even just comparison for a different sound] as I explore and still learn what sounds I like. 

I know many people prefer MC, however at this time I do not want to add a MC phono preamp to my system.   
I'd consider HOMC [ie Hana cartridge] but I'm not sure if they would work within my exiting Belles Aria MM system?

My budget is ~$800. 
My preference is to buy new however would consider an easily accessible used [I just don't want to have to search for some obscure hard to find cartridge].  

Also please keep in mind that I am still new to this hobby so am by no means an expert in cartridge setup & alignment. 

Any advice or feedback is really appreciated! 

Thanks! 

 

dsjs4
knotscott's avatar
knotscott
994 posts
 
I didn’t find the Nagaoka MP carts anymore difficult to setup than any other cart. The MP500 weighs about 8 grams. The line contact stylus is more sensitive to VTA and alignment than conicals and ellipticals in general, but that’s more the nature of the LC profile than having the Nagaoka logo. They do seem to take a while to break in fully.  Either way, it’s a well rewarded endeavor.

I put a Nagaoka JN-P500 stylus on an MP150 body... its not the recommended upgrade, and not quite at the level of a true MP500, but it’s sounds like I’ve wanted all my previous carts to sound. Lush midrange clarity with lots of separation, and a huge soundstage. Treble is very refined, and detail is clean, precise, and very pleasing. Bass is dynamic and natural sounding, and micro dynamics are fast and explosive. No glaring flaws. Most importantly, it’s a very intriguing easy to listen to cart that sucks you into the performance.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Find yourself a GRACE cartridge (F9 or F8C) with broken stylus for cheap ($200) and send it to SoundSmith for rebuild or buy his new styli for Grace F9.  

Grace cartridges are excellent and Peter specialized in Grace service for ages.

I prefer original Grace F14 and LEVEL II models, but those are very expensive and extremely rare, you can read my latest posts here.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,106 posts
 
Dear @dsjs4 : You already own TT/tonearm by Clearaudio and I agree with the advise for the Clearaudio Maestro that's is very good quality performer.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,025 posts
 
+1 on the Grace cartridge recommendation.  I was a dealer for most of the time they were around.  I still have quite a few, (sorry, none for sale).
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I use a Nagaoka MP-200 on a very light weight Well Tempered Labs tonearm. It works beautifully. It easily bettered my Soundsmith cartridge that cost $1200. 

The Nag has a timbral accuracy and sweetness that plays up there with some of the big boys. And has very good bass reproduction.

My Nag has the elliptical stylus, as the MP-500 has more of a line contact one .
The 500 would be a good choice for you as it is squarely in your price range of $800. I know some will say it's low compliance will not work well with lighter tonearms but my combination shows it will work.
Cheers,
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