Dear friends: As I posted this MM " adventure " help to learn many things and help me to achieve even better quality sound reproduction from almost all my MC cartridges. As good as all them are the real subject is that in the right " environment " and I refer here to have its right match tonearm ( tonearm/headshell ) all those today/" old " MC cartridges are better that what you or you are hearing/obtain right now.
Of course that chances is that your tonearm/cartridge combination is the best we can get for that cartridge but according my experiences about I'm almost sure that the higher chances is that that tonearm ( linear traking or pivot type. ) is not the best one for that cartridge and till you find the right tonearm you can't achieve ( maybe you can only imagine ) and enjoy what in almost all cases I'm hearing through all those MM/MC cartridges.
Now, maybe you can ask: how much quality performance am I achieving from my cartridge? is it worth to " work " hard to achieve the " 100% " quality performance?.
There is no universal answer to those questions, for what is my experience about I think that normally we are obtaining around 85%-90% of that 100% ( of course if other things like TT, cartridge set-up, Phonolinepreamp, cables, etc, are up to the task. ), looking for that 15%-10% on quality performance it is IMHO not only worth it but a must to experience it: my dear friends you can't imagine the quality sound reproduction when you are nearest to that 100% quality cartridge performance ( MC/MM ) that today almost of you are not achieving and that all of you can do it!!!!! and this is the real and good NEWS because you can/could be nearest to the recording and nearest to the live event/music!!!!!!
I have many other things that I would like toshare with all of you but right now I don't have enough time to post about. I just receive some other cartridges, MM/MC, that I'm testing ( between them the Air Tight ) and that I will repport like a whole cartridge performance report, well at least that is what I would like to do.
Regards, enjoy the music and remember that: " High end is who you are, not what you buy ".
Raul. |
Raul, could you list some favorite MM, MC and HOMC cartridges by price point? Also, I'd be interested to know what music you like and use in your review process. I've reread your posts and really can't figure out anything about your musical taste and how it might relate to your cartridge preferences.
Thanks,
Dave |
Dear Dave: I hear/heard mostly Classical and Jazz/Blues but I like to POP, Rock and other flavored music, I think that I like every kind but the Heavy Metal, however I own some HM recordings, like I say mostly C/J/B.
The next recordings are what I'm using to set-up any cartridge, when I'm satisfied though these recordings then the set-up is almost right on target an any other recording always be at its best:
Brakinng Silence---Janis Ian: side two, track 1 and 2. I use these tracks for preliminar ( almost always is definitive ) VTA.
Hell Freezes Over-------Eagles: record one, side two, track 2. I use this one to azymuth.
Cafe Blue--------Patricia Barber: the 33rpm recording not the 45rpm. Side one, track 2. I'm using it to confirm VTA/Azymuth/VTF.
Then if everything sounds good I use two other recordings that must be hear it just glorious:
Pictures at an Exibition: Classic Records 33rpm RCA re-issue and Morph the Cat.... Donald Fagen: Side one, track 1.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Amazing Raul, I've got all those recordings except that particular Pictures (I've got the Telarc LP). I lean toward some other recordings for my own test sessions, but I see the attractions of your selections. (Sheffield "King James Version", RR "Beachcomber", Eden Atwood "Ballad Session", Crystal Clear "Atlanta Brass" and Count Basie "88th Street" come up over and over when I want to test something).
Would it be possible to summarize some of your findings? You've done a ton of work and I'd be curious to know some of your favorites (MM, MC and HOMC) at several price points, like $100, $250, $1000 as well as your favorite overall.
Dave |
Do you guys adjust vta on 180g records? I play mostly 120's so I adjust vta for the vast majority of my lp's |
Dear Headsnappin: IMHO I think that the people that like you and me that like to hear music make the same: adjust VTA in an average way. Of course that other kind of people that like hear music too but that are obsesive about VTA and change it with each record, this make sense for them thank God not to me, I want to use more time listening music that worried about hardware at any single minute/time.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Regarding VTA: My Sony tonearm allows VTA adjustment on the fly, and it has a scale so settings are easily repeatable. Using several MM-type cartridges (Astatic MF200, Signet TK7LCa, Ortofon OM10, Audio Technica AT13Ea, and a JVC Shibata made by Audio Technica) I have adjusted VTA while listening to favorite LPs. Adjusting VTA on the Sony arm is so easy and quick that I would do so if it improved the music. So far, any difference I hear is so small that I don't obsess over it. Some audiophiles really enjoy frigging with their equipment. Fortunately, I feel that I am well past that stage and prefer to spend my time listening to the music.
Raul, thank you for sharing your findings with us. I firmly believe that it is not necessary to throw big money at a stereo system to get good sound. I bought the NOS Astatic MF200 (Moving Flux, Shibata stylus) on ebay before Christmas, for the opening bid of $4.99, not knowing anything about it except for the brief description in the listing. Couldn't believe my ears when I mounted it on the Sony arm and auditioned it. Now, with 20-25 hours on it, it is sounding even better. My system consists of Sony DD turntable with PUA-7 arm, Roberts/Akai integrated mono single-ended tube amps and Dynaco A-10 speakers. With the Astatic cartridge installed, total cost of the system is $44, and the music just draws me in every time I play an LP. |
Raul...firstly let me say thanks for your enthusiasm.Also,your thread length makes me feel less self conscious about how long many of my posts go,but when you're on a roll,what the heck.-:) Also,as you know,I am happy to see you posting....alot-:)
A few points.....You mention many MC owners are not aware of,or don't care about the validity of some of the MM designs.NOT SO!!...From my own experience,I have owned a few of the designs you mention(yes,quite a while ago).MY first realization of "how important" the cartridge actually is,in the audio chain, came way back in the mid 1970's when a friend wanted to trade me his Ortofon for my Sure V-15( I owned Heil Air Motion speakers then).I remember the Ortofon being much more enjoyable(musical)than the Sure,so we made a fair trade.THAT moment,was when I ALWAYS paid close attention to ALL future cartridge choices! I believe the main reason why myself,and so many other hobbyists might not know very much about many other fine designs(whether they are MM or MC)is that there is ONLY so much time in the day!....I DO wish I was so financially secure,that I did not have to spend 40 hours a week running my business.Then I could enjoy my hobby(music first,then high end audio)at my leasure,and add more depth to my equipment exposure.Not to mention LP collecting. I would love to have multiple tables/arms/cartridges,and possibly different sounding electronics/speakers to experiment with,but I (WE) have to move in the direction that is best for me(others too,I guess). So,my approach is very similar to what you write on your "equipment listing"(a listing I re-read this week,and very logical and enjoyable)..."I am interested in getting the absolute best(live?) performance from the equipment I have come to like the best"!Performance comes first,to me.Then design/build quality,and I DO like my components/set-up to have an artistic and individual beauty,if possible. I realize your enthusiasm is directed to enhance other hobbyists,and you know how much I,and some others like this,but do not assume that many folks don't appreciate the performance of many designs!We just don't have the time to dedicate to checking out everything out there.-:) Of course,if you like me enough to send me a large enough amount of money to allow for me to pay off my mortgage,and business loans,then maybe I could buy more cartridge choices,and have more to talk about.How about it? I'm waiting for the donation....-:) Also,about two months ago,I read,on the AVguide website,an article entitled "The World's Greatest Audiophile".It showcased the AMAZING equipment/music collection of a wealthy hobbyist,living in the Far East!Check it out,if you have not already!Great fun to read about,and see pictures of this guy's stuff......YOU RAUL,are in "that" class,as far as information goes,since you always seek to help others! Best. |
Raul,two additional points....Many real music lover/LP collectors that I have met,at my local LP collectors store,are NOT audiophiles!They are music lovers,first!These are the people who have the widest variety of MM cartridges,because they spend the majority of their money on MUSIC.Not gear!!! Also,when many Gear lovers(of course music lovers too)had wide experience with MM designs when(mostly my own experience),"we"/"I" were still in the early stages of "equipment" developement.Still alot to learn,in the "music/sonic" appreciation development stage,I assume!!So,as we progressed,and the industry "machine" took over(the big influence of the audio press),we moved to MC designs.Still,not a bad thing,BUT the MM designs took a back seat,IMO!It is going to be hard for the "audiophile" to go back to that era,even with the very good performance of the beter MM designs.The power of advertising is very influential.That's why guys like you count so much!! Just my opinion. |
Dear Dave: I need time to summarize my findings from each cartridge, a s a fact I don't finish yet I'm still receiving cartridges to test it.
Sooner or latter I will do it. Stay tunned.
regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear Goofytwoshoes: Very nice that Sony tonearm, it is competitive with today tonearms.
I buy too NOS my MF-200 ( I think Ebay Canada ), the Astatic cartridges are really great, I own the 100,200 and 300 models. All are very good performers but what give me a little surprise was the MF-300 ( MF-100 is the top of the line ) it is really outstanding cartridge. Maybe I have to match in a better way the MF-100/200 and no I'm not saying that these ones are not good because they are it is only that the MF-300 it is already breack-in and in the right headshell/tonearm, I have to work harder with the other two models.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
02-08-08: Rauliruegas said: "Dear Dave: I need time to summarize my findings from each cartridge, a s a fact I don't finish yet I'm still receiving cartridges to test it.
Sooner or latter I will do it. Stay tunned."
That's great. I'll be looking forward to your summary.
Dave |
Dear Sirspeedy: Welcome a board!!.
+++++ " I believe the main reason why myself,and so many other hobbyists might not know very much about many other fine designs(whether they are MM or MC)is that there is ONLY so much time in the day!....I DO wish I was so financially secure,that I did not have to spend 40 hours a week running my business. " +++++
Yes I understand this fact that is the same for me. I think that to find out some extra/xtra time for enjoy/fun with our music home audio hooby it is only that we want/desire to find out that time, I'm sure that like me you and some other people can do it. Let me tell you that " playing " with all those " new " MM toys was/is amazing!! for say the least, the experiences are so " fresh " and learning that to day I'm motivated ( heavy ) to come in ( in deep ) into a cartridge research design along the tonearm design that we already are inside it.
I just return ( to a friend ) the Air Tight one that I already heard it in other system but not in mine, I borrowed from my friend because always is interesting to hear the new comers, I don't expect for something outstanding and what I heard in my system was a good cartridge with a little different performance that other top MC/MM cartridges: like I say nothing remarkable/outstanding I could say ( with respect ): " more of the same ".
Right now I'm wondering if I made a mistake with this thread title, maybe " who needs an MC cartridge when we have MM ones? " is a better title, who knows.
Mark, IMHO I think that due that every one of us have a better audio system a lot better quality performance system that 10,20 or 30 years ago ( when we heard some MM cartridges that I named here ) is a must to hear those MM cartridges ( any one ) in our today " heavy " systems, it will be a pleasure for all of you and a very nice surprise/discovery and you can have it for a few " cents ". Come on take the time!!!!!, we are here to take what the " life " give us well here and now it give to all of us the MM adventure/oportunity!!!!
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Raul, Great thread, also tireless and interesting research on your part!
I wanted to ask you about the Garrott Bros. P77. Are the ones you like so much an older vintage when the brothers were still alive? The reason I ask is that I can buy(from someone I know)one that is new but I have no way of knowing when it was made. I haven't been able to find out if the company still produced these after the brothers died or not and if so did they change anything when making the cartridge.
Thanks, and keep up the good work. The audio world needs more people like you with such an open mind(and ears)! Steve |
Dear Steve: What I understand ( from here: http://www.decibelhifi.com.au/category35_1.htm ) about the P-77 is that all those cartridges were build by the Garrot brothers and what these company make is to change the original cantilever>/stylus to a new one and different that certainly sounds different from the original too.
For what you have I can't tell you if that P-77 is an original one or a re-typed one. What I can tell you is that the P-77 is a great sound performer. No I never heard/hear the P-77 with the " new " re-tip, so I can't help you about.
Now, IMHO I think that a P-77 with that " new " re-tip can't sounds wrong/bad, if I was you I will buy it ( I assume a good " low " price . ), try it and enjoy it.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear Sirspeedy: +++++ " So,as we progressed,and the industry "machine" took over(the big influence of the audio press),we moved to MC designs.Still,not a bad thing,BUT the MM designs took a back seat,IMO!It is going to be hard for the "audiophile" to go back to that era,even with the very good performance of the beter MM designs.The power of advertising is very influential. " +++++
I agree, the audio market is an audio business and what a cartridge designer/build want is to make business ( $$$$$ ) in the best way for him, the ones that can/could help are the professional magazine reviewers but unfortunately all these people are part of the audio business and they don't care about customers or Music but audio business. Well that is what it is and certainly that I can't change it.
I can tell you that over my many years of audio experience and experiences this time/days ( today ) is the best that I remember about my audio/music enjoyment not only because today we have ( some audio items ) better gear but because my audio knowledge is greater/higher than in the past and because today my sound music reproduction targets are more real and precise than in the past and because ( too ) my music appreciation ( ears ) grow up for the better.
My MM cartridge adventure it is not only an " adventure ", the results trying all those MM cartridge are enjoyable thanks to that know-how that I obtain/learn day after day trying to be nearest to the recording and nearest to the live event and you know what: today I'm nearest of it !!!! and this is my " name of the game ".
I learn that to obtain/achieve a hihg level quality sound reproduction through our audio systems it is not ( it is important but not the primary subject ) a matter of high money gear but to know what to do with those all audio gear ( it does not matters of high/low prices. ) out there and I mean to real know what to do and why.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Raul,you are definitely correct!!!Also,some of the best systems I have heard were not of the latest,most expensive components.From my using the internet,to see so many different types of systems,enjoyed by many hobbyists,I realize there is a wide chasm of "great" set-ups out there!!Many different points of view,but all leading to good sound!! I respect those hobbyists who can identify good sound,in a home environment,and "build" upon a solid foundation.Using common sense,careful listening and being open minded about modifying existing equipment,as opposed to selling stuff,because a good review came out,is a very good way to build upon what we like. You seem to go in that direction,and I'm sure your set-up sounds great! Best. |
"Who needs a MM cartridge type when we have MC?"
Those of us who can't afford the costs of MC cartridges, amps with MC inputs, outboard phono stages, etc.
That's who. |
I haven't had the budget to try a lot of different cartridges, but the MCs that I have tried (Koetsu Black, Denon 301, Clearaudio), left me decidedly underwhelmed. I could never figure out why a moving coil is the standard for high-end cartridge design.
I'm using a Grado Prestige Silver right now, which has the dymanics and musical coherance that I just don't hear with the MCs that I've heard.
To my ears, MCs are superior in retrieving ambient information, and that's about it. |
Dear Chris: I put this thread name in a " procative " way trying , over the thread explanation, to say the audio people that the MM cartridges are a lot more important and lot better performer that what all of us think or can remember about.
This is what I posted ( somewhere ) about:
+++++ " Right now I'm wondering if I made a mistake with this thread title, maybe " who needs an MC cartridge when we have MM ones? " is a better title, who knows. " +++++
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear Cacote: +++++ " left me decidedly underwhelmed. I could never figure out why a moving coil is the standard for high-end cartridge design. " +++++
Well there are several MC cartridges that performs great and at the same level than the best MM type ones. What I don't figure ( exactly: why?, when? and who?. I can/could say maybe for this or that or maybe because..., you know only maybe: nothing more. ) either is why the MC " comes/transforms " in the " standard " one, this IMHO is unfair for the MM type ones that are great performers too.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear friends: I wonder who/whom of you already try a MM type cartridge with 100K on impedance and 100pf on capacitance.
I really appreciate that if you can share your experiences with us. Thank you in advance.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
I use 100k input impedance tubed phonostage with Shure M97XE and result is very good. My front-end is Linn LP12 with Naim Aro/Armageddon. I used MC's for years but now have no urge to change Shure at all. Match to Aro is exellent. I have no capacitor in parallel with loading resistor. From my experience 60% of performance are deck quality and setup/matching issues, another 20-30% - phonostage and 10-20% - cartridge itself. With good deck and phonostage all you need is good matched MM cart. Don't see any reason to buy this overpriced and thin-sounding(ok, not always but for what money!) dreck. |
Dear Mmhifi: Very nice front-end. I already experienced the Shure V5MR and sincerely I don't like it for its price, I was hopping for a better quality performance.
For what you posted the M97XE seems very good I will try to buy it, do you know of a good source about?
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul |
Amazon and LPGEAR. LPGEAR has Jico SAS N97HE stylus for M97XE cart. It's extremely good and you get even better performance-much better tracking,detail,timbre and ability to play cleanly even damaged 2ndhand records. |
Dear Mmhifi: Thank you, I already buy it and report about when I test it. Maybe this cartridge is the one to go in the Shure catalog.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
When it comes down to it, the MM cartridge sounds more like the real thing on my records where I've both heard Artist(s) live, and have their records. Although the only MC I've had extensive experience with(early Koestu Black replacing an ASAK) sounded much "superior" using HI FI criteria. Just recently I replaced my worn-out Rega Elys2 with a used Denon DL-160. Whilst the latter was in comparison more spectacular and wow-inducing, after a while, I began to yearn for the REGA's more "Real" presentation on many of my records. One needs both types,AND an arm with a well-designed (i.e lossless)dismountable headshell... |
OK - so I have tried to find some of the cartridges tested by Raul with very limited success - since they were 30+ year old designs and no longer appear to be available.
I have a custom plynth with a Rega rb250 + Rega Glass Platter/Bearing/Motor, therefore some catridges are a eliminated due to cartridge hum (e.g. Grado).
So what widely available MM's perform as good as (if not better than) those tested by Raul for $300-$500?
I've tried a Goldring, nice and warm, but found it lacked punch! My current cartridge is a 2007 Rega Elys which I find is very dynamic but a little thin on the top end
Music styles: Jazz, blues, orchestral, accoustic strings
Any suggestions welcome.
Many Thanks |
Dear Williewonka: Please read thislink: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&openflup&30&4#30
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
This is an update to my prior append...
I have a Rega Elys - it (now) sounds amazing - no need for a new cartridge
The problem was in my phono stage - I upgraded from the Cambridge Audio 540p to the 640p - WOW - what a difference!
Great air, seperation, fidelity, P.R.A.T., 3d image
Some people knock Rega for their design approach at times, but on my system this cartridge performs way past my expectations - i.e. with the new Phono Stage
Gonna try Moving coil at some point - finding one to match the 640p will be the challenge
Regards... |
But not his new MM expermient !!!!
I just can't beleive it Rau!!! - I have been following your steps for the past 10 years on the Vinyl side (you know I am more into tubes which you hate) :) - and now you come in telling us to go to MM - goshhhhh :-)
Always a pleasure to hear from you !
I will make an appointment to go to your place and hear that carts! |
Dear Fernando: +++++ " you know I am more into tubes which you hate " +++++
First I don't hate tubes it is only that IMHO those devices are not helping to improve the quality sound/music reproduction and worst than that: it does not help for the whole audio industry growing up in favor of higher quality sound reproduction level.
That you like it ( I respect that ) only tell me that you choose to live in the " wrong/error audio " way, I don't know if you deserve it but what I know is that the music don't, no I don't want to open a discussion about here.
Btw, my home is always open to you , just call me.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Is there a diagram for an adapter to change 47 ohm to 100 ohm without chopping up my pre amp? Thanks for everything Raul |
Dear friends: Right now there are at least two-three great MM cartridges opportunities to buy:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1212337930 this one through Agon ( great cartridge at fair price ) and Nagaoka MP-50 and Grace Ruby on Ebay, you can't go wrong with either.
Regards and enjoy the usic. raul. |
Dear Mrclarkie2: This is what posted Pryso about:
+++++ " In stead, simply find a phono stage that offers whatever else you want (gain, switching, etc) and replace the 47K resistors on the input with 100K. If you are uneasy about soldering or poking around inside your components, any service tech can do this in less than 15 minutes. You can then use "Y" adaptors with resistor loaded RCA plugs if you want to experiment with lower values. Pryso (Threads | Answers) " +++++
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear friends: Right now there is a rare opportunity, you can buy an almost impossible to find MM cartridge ( one of the best quality performer ever made ): Audio Technica ATML-170 OCC in NEW condition ( boxed ) through ebay Canada.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Raul,
I would just like to say thanks for the advice. I bought the Nagaoka MP-50 as recommended. I started off with it on my Morch DP6 rep point and (straight out of the box) it was something very special. The soundstage, dynamism and frequency range were something exceptional - especially the high end which was possibly the best I have ever heard. It did sound a little glassy/shrill in the high end on percussion and cymbals at this initial point and the lower-mid and low end were a bit thin.
After about 30 hours of play I moved it over to my Audiocraft AC3300 tonearm with the s-shaped armwand and a magnesium headshell. WOW: by 50 hours it was simply sublime. Regarding a natural live presentation, its imaging, speed, frequency range outperformed my Allaerts MC2 Finish gold (mc) and Ikeda IT407 combination. The price diffential - with the Nagaoka only setting me back $400 (including shipping)- makes this fact frightening. In all my experience, the only comparable performance I have had is with my (currently damaged) Dynavector XV1s on my Ikeda. When I get this fixed, I think these might form the basis to my future analogue.
It is just as close to a live performance as anything I have ever heard and I cannot recommend this cartridge too highly. Those that have seen my threads will know that I had liked the Music Maker 3 (whose designer I know and like). However, Raul is correct that this is simply not in the same league as the Nagaoka: a must hear.
Thanks |
Dear friends: This is a fragment of an email that an Agon's friend send me on the MM subject ( as fact I receive sevral/many too post here ), I take it to post here because I think is interesting and learning about:
+++++ " , I decided to try a B&O MMC20CL that I bought on EBay for $150...to put it politely, I was friggin' floored by the performance of this mm cartridge...mc or mm this cartridge is amazing...very, very musical. I don't have a ton of analogue savy but I do own a decent analogue setup and overall a quality music playback system and I have owned the likes of the ZYX UNIverse cart and various Benz carts and a Denon or two, so I'm not completely new to analogue either. I will continue to seek out other mm carts that you have listed in prevous posts - you continue to give incredible insight into the great gift music...thanks! The MMC20CL is my first mm cart. but believe me it will not be my last. " +++++
Interesting, in the last two posts that persons speaks about quality performance of very top MC cartridges against the MM cartridge quality performance and they are very happy with the MM ones, good.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Raul, Most of us knew what you were d riving at with the title of your thread, that you weren't "dissing" moving magnets at all. You deserve thanks, as many have given you, for all your research and hard work! I currently use a Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood only because my pre-amp is a re-built Conrad Johnson PV-5 that doesnt hav e the proper gain for a low-gain MC cartridge (without a step-up transformer). I perceive the wood body as giving the mid-range a tad more fullness, but doesnt do much for the top of the treble or the low-end of the bass. I've used high-gain MC's such as the Bluepoint Special 2 and Benz Glider; still, I find the music with this cartridge thoroughly enjoyable, even if the Clearaudio is not the sine-qua-non of cartridges. Your thread was obviously thought-provoking for many of us, and after all, is that not the object? Thanks again-Mrmitch |
Raul my friend, are you still planning a summary of your MM favorites?
Dave |
Dear Dave: Yes, it is on my " front desk " but I need a lot of time to do it, I will try to find the time as soon is possible.
Right now I'm trying hard with our self tonearm design ( a collaboration between my dear friend Guillermo and I ) first prototype and next week I must try the second protoype, very exited!.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Raul, what do you think of the AT 150 MLX? It appears it's current production. Thanks. |
Dear Plinko: It is a good cartridge but if you have any doubts about why don't you buy this very low price AT cartridge that in many ways surpass the one you are asking for?: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1212794574
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Because, Raul, the very second you mention these deals, somebody buys them. *laughs* :-) Perhaps I'll look around some more and be a little more patient. I'm looking for a really good MM that is obtainable...something close in performance to my DV XX-2. Perhaps I'll try the Nagaoka.
Best,
Paul |
Dear Paul: I´m sorry to hear that was not you who buy it.
Btw, the Nagaoka that you name it has a very good quality performance and IMHO very good choice. Do you already read what Dgob posted about it?
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Raul,
Yes, I did read those comments. I'm considering:
MP 500 3mv, Line Contact, Boron cantilever, 8 grms MP 300 3 mv, Elliptical (.4 X .7mil), Boron cantilever, 8 grms MP 50 2.5mv, Superelliptical, Boron cantilever, 9 grms
Any others that might be obtainable?
The MP 500 looks the most appealing based on the stylus and ouput...is this a poor assumption?
Btw, perhaps I should explain to you how I came about to considering a MM (besides your welcomed encouragement and others' as well). I have found that on almost every phonostage I have tried that has enough gain for a low output MC, that I prefer the MM section with a step-up. I know your feelings on step-ups and I don't necessarily want to have that debate but I just wanted to point out that given this situation, I think it's best to pursue a MM and eliminate the step-up. This is why I explain that it is crucial that an MM that I choose must be on par with the XX-2/Step up combination (K&K step up).
Also, I am not concerned with soundstaging and imaging. My priorities are tone and rhythm/timing...which, I have learned are the most important sonic priorities for my tastes. I do like a nice full image but all is lost if the tone, dynamics, and musicality are not there. I tend not to hear precise audiophile imaging at live music events anyways.
Cheers! |
Dear Mrclarkie2: Here it is something that could help you ( I don't know how much degrade the cartridge signal but you can try it ): http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=vinyl&n=512326&highlight=resistors+john+elison&r=&session=
Regads and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear Mrmitch: I own your Clearaudio virtuoso and loaded at 100K has very good quality performance. Do you already try it loaded in that way?, you could try it and decide about.
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear Plinko: Yes, you are right the MP 500 is the way to go with Nagaoka.
+++++ " I do like a nice full image but all is lost if the tone, dynamics, and musicality are not there... " +++++
The Nagaoka cartridges are really up to the task, you will be happy with it, even the quality performance of your Dyna and in some areas is a little better ( now I don't have any experience about MM through step-up transformers, but you can try it with and with out and please let know us about: if you can. )
Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear raul,
Thanks again for the wonderful thread. Can you please tell me, you or someone else, if the B&O mmc4 is a good choice, or the MMC20E ? I am also looking at the Technics P540, TP550, they come with an adapter and look weird. I will also really appreciate advice on good arm for these types of cartridges, I mean high compliance cartridges. budget is around a thousand used or fifteen hundred max. Thanks in advance.
p.S.And one last question -should I go for the nagaoka Mp50 instead of the Mp 500? |