I own several different cartridges from different brands, and here's my opinion (emphasis on opinion).
Didn't care for ANY of the Nagaoka line (had the opportunity to get them at cost, so I bought several in the line). I love detail and clarity, and I found them too warm and fuzzy.
Love the Ortofon line. Again, have heard at least a dozen representing 3 different lines. Can't go wrong with the 2M Black LVB 250 or the MC Cadenza Bronze.
I'd also look at the Goldring 1042 MM. It's a happy medium between Nagaoka and Ortofon. I'd recommend their Moving Iron 2500 as well, but it looks like they don't make it anymore.
Finally, I LOVE Clearaudio's Charisma V2. Everything that's great about MM and MC combined. However, it BETTER be great considering it's price.
There, THAT should thoroughly muddy the waters.