My experience has been very similar to @knotscott in regards to Nagaoka vs Grado. I own and enjoy the Nag MP-500 and the Nag 50th Anniversary JT-80 BK. Both are wonderful sounding. I have not heard the MP-200, but based on reviews, it should be closest to the JT-80 BK in sound.
$300-$500 Cartridge for Thorens TD-1601 Turntable
Hello. I am considering the purchase a Thorens TD-1601 TT. My dream table, so please don't try to talk me out of it. Trying to decide a good cartridge to go with it. I am a higher-end, Mid-Fi kind of guy, pretty darn good is good enough. I value ease and reliability over esoteric. The TT will be a splurge. Relevant Info:
- Budget $300-$500
- Moving Magnet (simplicity, more connectivity options)
- Natural/organic sound. No fatigue or harshness!
- Robust and durable. No breaky.
- Connect either to Parasound Z-Phone Pre and/or Vintage Sansui AU-5900 integrated (newly refurbished)
- Current speakers: Paradigm SE-1 or Classic Dynaco A-25 (Speakers will be upgraded one day).
- I play a good bit of used vinyl, though I clean them with a VPI vacuum machine, and discard the scratchy ones.
- I like the idea of being able to replace/upgrade the stylus over time.
- Buying the TT now because my old Dual CS-5000 needs service and I'm ready to move on.
- Small wood-paneled room. There will be no room treatments.
Looking for a good match, organic sound, durability and ease. Cartridges under consideration are, inno preference order are (sample prices for reference):
- Nagaoka: MP-150 ($300), MP-200 ($425)
- Grado: Opus 3 ($275), Platinum 3 ($400)
- AT: VM95SH ($200 low cost Shibata), VM750SH ($450)
- Ortofon: 2M Bronze ($500), 2M Black ($545 from Germany)
- Sumiko: Wellfleet ($450), Amethyst ($600)
Thanks in advance for your input.