Ortofon/Nagaoka

[Haselsh1]

Here’s another dilemma for you in the know. I currently use an Ortofon OM30 moving magnet cartridge which is at the end of its tip life. I am starting an upgrade of my vinyl system so the question is: Ortofon OM40 via a new stylus or Nagaoka MP150…? I am OK with the current sound of my system but find the OM30 very neutral and bland with a slightly uncouth high top end. I am looking for something slightly warmer with a very smooth top end.

Any thoughts please…?

[Haselsh1]

By the way, my future phono stage is to be either a Lehmann Black Cube or a Heed Questar MM. I seriously value stereo imaging.

[Haselsh1]

I guess no one feels qualified to comment

[DSJR]

The previous Nags over the MP11 had extremely high compliance which 'could' affect stability with some arms. Not sure if this has been addressed in the current repacements (I believe the bodies are the same) I'm afraid.

I rather liked the better Ortofon OM and 500 (now VM) series and found the sonics definitely better with each stylus upgrade. Surface noise goes down with each step and basic tonality and clarity improves too, the more basic '10' and 20' models sounding a bit raw and crude in direct comparison.

Sorry to be a bit biased towards what I know. if you like the OM30, you'll love the OM40 stylus I guarantee (you do have a 'Super' body don't you, which is different from the basic one?)

[loo]

Hi, surely you mean low compliance Dave as the Mp series are happiest in an arm with an effective mass of 20g+
personally I would spend the extra on the Mp200 over the 150 and yes I prefer the nagaoka preserntation to that of the Ortofon
Paul

[Haselsh1]

Many thanks for your comments guys. I was indeed tempted by the MP200 over the 150 and no, I only have the OM not the OM Super. I used to have a Super but it packed up on one channel a few years back.

[julesd68]

I am looking for something slightly warmer with a very smooth top end.

Well you have described the Nagaoka 'house sound' to a tee - if that is the sound you are after you will not be dissapointed. FYI I had an MP-10 for years and later the wonderful MP-50 ...

[Reffc]

Ortofon 2M Bronze. Superb line contact stylus, way more refined that your current OM30.

[Gmanuk101]

i've got the Nagoaka MP100 which i've found is really nice cart,, seems to love Jazz!

i've just purchased the Ortofon 2M blue - will let you know what that sounds like

[Haselsh1]

i've got the Nagoaka MP100 which i've found is really nice cart,, seems to love Jazz!

i've just purchased the Ortofon 2M blue - will let you know what that sounds like

I'd really appreciate your feedback on that.

[Haselsh1]

Ortofon 2M Bronze. Superb line contact stylus, way more refined that your current OM30.

I was led to believe that the OM30 uses a fine line diamond which in itself is excellent and has stunning levels of treble detail. I do know however that there is a huge difference between the OM Super cartridges and the OM Standard cartridges. It is a shame that my OM Super body packed up a short while ago and had to be substituted with a standard.

[loo]

Hi Shaun , I have an MP11 that's not doing anything its not quiet as refined as the 150 /200 but would give you a good dose of the Nagaoka sound to compare to your OM before you decide which brand is the one for you , yours to try over xmas for the cost of posting. if you want to try it just let me know
Paul

[Reffc]

I was led to believe that the OM30 uses a fine line diamond which in itself is excellent and has stunning levels of treble detail. I do know however that there is a huge difference between the OM Super cartridges and the OM Standard cartridges. It is a shame that my OM Super body packed up a short while ago and had to be substituted with a standard.

Only the OM30 Super uses a fine line stylus as you've pointed out there Shaun. The standard "30" uses an elliptical stylus.

[Haselsh1]

Then my OM30 hybrid uses a fine line diamond that originally came from my OM30 Super and may well soon be fitted with a Fritz Geiger OM40 stylus unless I change my mind yet again.