2. analog
  3. 1269707765

Which MM cartridge?

I'm looking to upgrade from my current Dynavector 10x5 MC cartridge and I'd like a high end MM to replace it. With help from A'goners I've been able to improve performance on my TT and now realize just how good the rig actually is.
I'm considering the Clearaudio Viruoso Wood, the Clearaudio Maestro Wood and the Music Maker 3.

Can anyone comment on their relative strengths/limitations or recommend one between them, or even an alternative. I'm looking to purchase used with less than 200 hours.
I will mount the cart on a Rega P25 TT.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
jgiacalo
gopher
499 posts
 
As an owner of an MP-50, I will second the Nagoaka suggestion. I haven't actually heard the 500, but it is speculated to be the same cartridge as the 50.

Mine is sounding great on a Well Tempered Reference feeding a Ray Sammuels Audio Nighthawk.
bigmm79
10 posts
 
I recently picked up a used Grado Reference Sonata 1 and I like it better than any other MM cart I've heard, including the Ortofon 2Ms. Great value if you can find a good one used.
triode
263 posts
 
Clearaudio Maestro is very worthy.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Gopher: Agree, the MP-50 is really good:

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=NAGAOKAMP050&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART

as the Clearaudio Maestro that Triode point out but both are higher in price than the Ortofon's.

Anyway, I think that now Jgiacalo has very good alternatives to pull the triger.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
More to discover