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MM Cartridge recommendation

I am in the process of upgrading from my current project debut carbon(with acrylic platter and ortofon blue) to a vintage Micro Seiki DD-5.  It will come with the stock tone arm and Micro H-303 headshell but no cart. I am looking for any recommendations for a MM cartridge sub $500?  This turntable will be used with a Cronos Magnum III powering a pair of Triangle Acoustics Comete 40th anniversary speakers.

I was thinking of a Nagaoka MP150 or 200 but have no experience with cartridges other then the Ortofon 2m line  so all suggestions are welcomed. 
Thanks in advance. 

tritube
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,828 posts
 

Very much enjoying the Goldring E4 with my Technics 1210.  

https://www.soundstageaccess.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1330-goldring-e4-moving-magnet-phono-cartridge

 

Rich

mwh777
111 posts
 

If you do go with a Nagaoka cartridge, do choose the MP-200. It's the sweet spot in the lineup. The Nagaokas are for the listener who wants a warm, smooth, rich musically engaging, natural sound. It is mid level on resolution, detail and instrument separation. It won't be bright or forward. Compared to the more expensive Hana SH MKII (high output) and the ClearAudio Maestro V2, the MP-200 can't match the clarity, resolution and detail of those two. The Hana will be more analytical and the Maestro will be brighter and more forward. I have no experience with Ortofon but, have never been attracted to them on the basis of reviews and testimonials.

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,167 posts
 

I love the natural musicality of the better Nagaokas.  The MP150 and MP200 share the same body, but the MP200 adds the significant benefit of the boron cantilever.  I added a JN-P500 nude fine line stylus w/boron cantilever to my MP150, and find it sublime.  In the end, it’s always subjective, and a matter of synergy with your system.  

lewm
13,773 posts
 

Mwh, when you say MP200 is a sweet spot, does that mean you have auditioned several others in their line-up?

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