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MM Cartridge for music on the heavier side

Hello,
I will be getting a Parasound Hint 6 integrated which has an MM phono stage.Speakers will be either ATC SCM 40 or JBL 4312G
Most of my music is on the heavier side, Iron Maiden, Slayer, etc. I do listen to a good amount of Jazz and a wee bit of classical.

TT : modified Technics 1200 wtih cardas wiring,silicon damper trough and external power supply.

Budget for MM cartride is about $400
The characteristics i enjoy are tight slamming bass, rimshots that can kill and crunchy guitars. Projecting tight drum sound and full rounded bass guitar are important.

I am not seeking lush airy vocals etc. I want solid sound, I want the music to punch me in the gut. I want to feel the music.

Please float suggestions.

thanks
Jag
jagjag

Showing 7 responses by uberwaltz

uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Raul
I like to give the benefit of the doubt in most instances.

Nice to hear you also hold the Nagaoka line of carts in high esteem, I have been and still am very impressed with my mp-150 especially considering the price.

Happy New Year my friend!
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Hell Yeah Jag!

Enjoy whatever Cart you choose and turn it up to 11.

Cheers!
😁😁
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
As Greg said...….

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9iff4-denon-dl-301ii-mc-phono-cartridge-dl301-mk-ii-new-21842-c...
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Greg
Glad you brought up the mp-500.
I did see lpgear had them on sale right now for $699 which is very reasonable.
Now I have read your testimony I may have to buy myself yet another Xmas present..... Lol.

Some of the Sumiko models might also be a good match for the OPs needs too, a number of new options under $400.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
While I share Chaks love of vintage mm I know not everyone wants to take the chance on a 40 year old cart.
Even if nos it has still aged.
40 year old suspension.
40 year old wiring.
40 year old Bonding.
These are physical facts.
Maybe some like myself have already been bitten by vintage mm where the suspension collapsed after a few plays.
This can happen.

Of course there are many modern alternative to my suggestion of Nagaoka but to just disgsrd most modern mm as a whole is missing a very valid concern for many buyers.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Chakster
Your opinions only remember!
Many very satisfied users of Nagaoka carts in these forums.
Being a modern cart means stylus are readily available to purchase unlike a lot of the exotic vintage mm you talk about.
Fine if you get a near nos example but not so great when you need to replace the stylus.
We both know this.
Not saying for one minute not great carts though.
You need move out of the vintage era sometimes and see what else there is out here.

And if you GENUINELY paid $60 for it then it was already worn out!
Cheers!
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Look at the Nagaoka MP-150.
Fits your budget at a hair under $400 new and delivers everything you ask for and more.
Still my goto cartridge for rock even though I have much more expensive options in my drawer to choose from.
It is a new current cartridge and replacement styli are easy to come by and fairly inexpensive.
Although I must have 600 hours on mine and it shows virtually no wear so you should get a long life from it.
Good luck.
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