MM cartidges for a heavy arm

[MrEd]

After various interactions with my Toner Diabolic I find it more dynamic and bold than my Denon Dl103r, but lacking the last bit of top end sweetness.
I recognise the Tonars price point and would like to explore more MM catrs
I had a couple Ortofon and a one Signet that I like a lot back in the 70s/80s.
Looking for recomendation both vintage had new.

 

[airdronian]

Of modern MM carts, the Nagaokas aren't terribly compliant and might work well. MP-150, MP-200 or others. I'm just going by the numbers here, there's other Havenites who've actually used this brand before.

 

[joe83]

Least complient ive found was the old at95e, not sure about the new ones though

 

[mhardy6647]

Ummm... uhhh... I am not sure this is a recommendation per se, but it is an opportunity.

The... ahem... thirteen US dollar (give or take) A-T, perhaps?
The one with the plastic carbon fiber cantilever.

Full disclosure, after a long, long thread extolling them began Someplace Else, I did buy one.
It is still upstairs in its little box, though.




"Gemini CN-15 Stereo Turntable Phono Cartridge and Stylus" from www.parts-express.com! (e.g.)

 

[MrEd]

Ummm... uhhh... I am not sure this is a recommendation per se, but it is an opportunity.

The... ahem... thirteen US dollar (give or take) A-T, perhaps?
The one with the plastic carbon fiber cantilever.

Full disclosure, after a long, long thread extolling them began Someplace Else, I did buy one.
It is still upstairs in its little box, though.


View attachment 18312

"Gemini CN-15 Stereo Turntable Phono Cartridge and Stylus" from www.parts-express.com! (e.g.)

Pretty sure the stylus will last you forever 😂

 

[MrEd]

Of modern MM carts, the Nagaokas aren't terribly compliant and might work well. MP-150, MP-200 or others. I'm just going by the numbers here, there's other Havenites who've actually used this brand before.

Nagaokas are on my radar, never used one or heard one in anyone's system.

 

[mhardy6647]

Pretty sure the stylus will last you forever 😂

Based on the current rate of use -- yes, yes it will.

🧐

 

[MrEd]

Here is my first of hopefully more vintage finds to try.
Pickering V15 ATE2
u

It is nos by the best I can tell.
The stylus looks new and no junk on it, the screws and mounting hardware were in a sealed unopened bag.
35 dollars.
Playing a King Curtis record first try and am very impressed with how real the horns are and dynamics are wonderful.

 

[Tsingtao_1903]

Shure V15 Type 2 circa 1966. Will have to spend some time to set it up before playing.

 

[MrEd]

Shure V15 Type 2 circa 1966. Will have to spend some time to set it up before playing.

View attachment 18791

I did not know the V15 sure dated back that far.
I had a V15 from around the mid 80s

 

[Redboy]

Ed, have you listened to a Shure M3D? I'm not sure if it'll have all the "top end sweetness" you're looking for, but it's certainly a good match for a heavy arm!

 

[mhardy6647]

I did not know the V15 sure dated back that far.
I had a V15 from around the mid 80s

source: www.alliedcatalogs.com (1965)

 

[MrEd]

Ed, have you listened to a Shure M3D? I'm not sure if it'll have all the "top end sweetness" you're looking for, but it's certainly a good match for a heavy arm!

No I have not but that may be my next adventure.
The scavenger in me will watch for a bargain on one, even though I could order up one any day.

 

[je2a3]

My '80s Nagaoka MP11 works very well on an Audio Technica AT1501-II (ATP-16T here in the USA). I also have the MP10 conical stylus which I prefer in certain ways, but the MP11 elliptical has more top end. AFAIK, this is essentially the same cartridge as the currently available MP110.

 

[MrEd]

I have been eyeing the 110 and after the first of year taxes and other expenses are dealt with I will probably get one to try.

 

[Ernie]

I've used a few Nagaoka carts, up to the MP 200, on various tables that are no longer here, and found them all to be exceedingly musical, and fun to listen to, rather than detailed or analytical. They just seem to present the music, for enjoyment, so that the gear disappears.

The Prime Minister wrote something about these. Let me go look.

Well, there are several threads about Nagaoka carts. Happy reading.

 

[MrEd]

Thanks Ernie,
That description pretty much sums what I am seeking, but where ever I end up it most have really good dynamics. I find that tone and dynamics seem to be the flame I am drawn to.