The Nagaoka MP-500 is the closest sounding cartridge to my London Decca Reference. I have bought a couple of spare styli for it, plus a tonearm to mount it on. It's that good, and clearly beats the Grado Statement 3 and the SoundSmith Sussurro MkII. I do run a table with two MC cartridges (Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and Mono) as well, but they come behind the MP-500 for musicality.
MM or MI Cartridge?
Currently using an SPU Royal N with a Viv Labs 9" and Kuzma Stabi R, and I am looking for a great Moving Magnet or Moving Iron Cartridge that I won't feel short changed by.
A couple of options I am looking at are the Grado Reference "The Reference" Wood 2 and the Audio Note IQ3, has anyone had the opportunity to compare these cartridges, and any other options I should consider that you have heard against either of these cartridges?
Showing 2 responses by dogberry
@mglik The kitty is probably empty after buying the Epoch 3, so this may be immaterial. John Wright sold his business at the last moment, and a few people have reported having Decca cartridges serviced satisfactorily by the new tech. There was even a new version of the Reference promised, but I see that has gone from their webpage now. Maybe there’s more info on their Facebook page, but I don’t do Facebook. See: |