In fairness, the Nagaoka MP-500 is more of a direct competitor (than the MP-150) to the Audio-Technica VM540ML because both use line-contact type styli.
Well the MP-500 is around $600 more than the 540ML, so not sure if it would be a fair fight. Would be fun to compare, nonetheless. I would be more interested in the 150 vs 500 in the Nagaoka line since the 150 is already so good...
I have the M97Xe and the glue came loose just like the OP. I did the super glue thing and replaced the old stylus with a JICO Boron SAS. I'm using it with a Fluance 85. I aligned the cartridge with a Technics alignment tool which doesn't depend on the cartridge body but the cantilever for alignment. When it was first fitted it was extremely harsh and peaky in the 4K-8K region. But after about 72 hrs of play it has evened out nicely. It doesn't sound like the old 97N stylus. In fact it is very flat and uncolored which is what I prefer. I also have a Ortofon 2M blue which is rather bright compared to the M97x SAS.
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