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new Cartridge for Rega P1

New speakers have really revealed some deficiencies in my vinyl listening. Records sound muddy and boxy compared to CD’s. I’m after a more bright mid and highs. I also get some IGD. My TT/cartridge is about 13 years old.

My setup is Rega P1 w Elyse (purple), NAD PP1, Marantz 5009, NAD CD, ascend sierra 2 & rythmic F12 sub.

Budget is < 250. Pref ~100. Based on other threads, I’ve been considering Rega Bias2 or Elyse 2, Ortophon Red&Blue, Nagaoka MP 110. Probably the Nagoaka is of the most interest although the rega cartridges would be easier to install.

I’d probably install it myself. So I’d like to avoid anything where I need spacers.  But I've done it before.

Any recs?

Thx!!

wolfernyc
9 responses Add your response
adam18
670 posts
 
Hi Wolfernyc ..... For what it's worth, I have a Rega P3-24 with a Nagaoka MP-150 cartridge, and the sound of music is sublime.  The Nagaoka gets along quite nicely with the Rega arm (no spacers or shims needed) and was fairly easy to install (according to my local tech guy who installed it for me.)  Before the Nagaoka, I had a Rega Exact 2 which I enjoyed for many years prior to breaking the stylus.  Wanting to try something different at a more affordable price, I went with the Nagaoka and have been extremely happy with it.  So, the Nagaoka MP-110 may be a good choice for you.  Good Luck and Happy Listening !

wolfernyc OP
41 posts
 
Thx.

I’ve been thinking about the Blue or the Nagaoka MP 110. But I’ve also been eying the Denon DL110 as an MC. But it’s about 100 bucks more than the MP110.

btw just realized the rega is a P2.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
I can tell you from experience that the Elys 2 has extended highs, but many vocals will sound sibilant. It does not do very well with the high-end frequencies.

The Ortofon 2m Blue is a "best buy" cart. It performs well overall and has a good high-end response without being too bright.
wolfernyc OP
41 posts
 
Yes and probably.  Its been a month and they're on a lot.  The bass has really loosened up. They sound great btw. Hi end is way better than my prior speakers.

If it wasn't a noticeable diff between the CD and TT I'd be less likely to look for an issue.  I've played around with changing the inputs and using direct mode.  And the IGD can be a pain. It doesn't happen on all records.

I'd just buy a new needle in a second if that was possible.  But I think the elyse is all built in.  So I need to swap.


lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
 Did you buy your speakers new and are they fully broken in?
wolfernyc OP
41 posts
 
I don't think I'm going to ditch my system.  Maybe I'll upgrade the receiver next year but the rest sounds pretty good and will last me until I need hearing aids. 

The Elyse was checked out by a decent dealer who thought it looked fine. But when it was new, and I would A/B it to CD's, it held up a lot better than it does now.  Its just a bit muffled.




 
tablejockey
3,892 posts
 
Had a RP1 with the Bias cart when it was introduced. Great setup for the money.
For zero install issues and the ability to simply listen to records, I suggest the Bias2.

If you want "better sonics", dump your complete system and blow 5k+ and deal with audio nervosa. 
. 

wolfernyc OP
41 posts
 
Thx!

I think the purple ones are discontinued though, no? And the Elyse 2 is above my budget and seems to have mixed reviews. So I didn’t really consider it.

I’d just get a new needle if I could but it seems like that’s not user serviceable.
chayro
2,984 posts
 
I would think you could get at least another 13 years out of that cartridge :).  But I personally would just get the Rega Elys and be done with it rather than futz around mounting another cartridge in an entry-level turntable.  It will be fine. 
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