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New cartridge for Rega P3-24

I have been really enjoying my Rega Exact 2 for the past several years, but a broken cantilever is now making it necessary to replace the whole cartridge. My budget is $500-600 new. I'd rather try something different at this point, and not buy another Exact 2. I'm also planning on continuing to use the built-in MM phono stage of my Rogue Audio Cronus amp. I'm considering the new Clearaudio Artist v.2 Ebony, Ortofon 2M Bronze, and Dynavector 10x5. What are you using on your Rega tables, and are you happy with what you've got ? And yes, I know I'll need a spacer under my Rega RB-301 tonearm. Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.
adam18
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
835 posts
 
Another to put on your list to check out is the Nagoaka MP-500.
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Any thoughts on the SoundSmith Otello ?
mmt
60 posts
 
Check out Acoustic Signature spacers for the Rega. Easy to install.

I had a Soundsmith Otello for a few weeks. Flat, uninspiring to my ear. My current cart, Ortofon LOMC Salsa has super detail up top, but a little edgy and doesn't have the bass response I liked about Denon.

I have a Denon 301mk2 LOMC on the way. Will post impressions later in the week.
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Well, after a lot of reading and talking to dealers, I made a decision and just ordered the Nagaoka MP-150 from NeedleDoctor. I wanted to stay at a particular "affordable" price point this time around, and really desire a "musical" cartridge that will match will with my table and my LP collection. The MP-150 will not require a spacer under my Rega arm, and should get along quite nicely with my Rogue's phono stage. I'm really excited about this purchase, and I will post my experiences once it's mounted and broken in.
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Well, today my local "stereo tech guy" installed the new MP-150 onto my RB-301 arm using the simple alignment protractor that originally came with my table. No spacers under the arm mount, and a minor raising of the cueing lift bar .... I brought the table home, hooked it back up into my system and started playing records. After just two hours out of the box, I am very, very impressed with the Nagaoka MP-150 cartridge. Sonny Rollins, Gene Ammons, Dave Brubeck, Allman Brothers Band, Cat Stevens, and Joni Mitchell all sounded absolutely fantastic. This cartridge, within the context of my system, is well balanced with realistic top to bottom musical range, throws a wide and deep soundstage, tracks perfectly, minimizes surface noise, gets deep into the grooves without any harshness or analytical edge, seems truthful to both musical timbre and tone, has just the right "PRAT" to complement my table and arm, and seems to be a wonderful means through which to enjoy the music. I will report back after another 20 - 30 hours of burn-in, but so far ..... so good.
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