Cartridge recommendations up to £400

[Shadowbox81]

Hi all

I know this has probably been done to death and I have spent a lot of time looking at forums but I'm looking for cartridge recommendations.

I'm currently using a Nagaoka MP-110 stylus into a MP-300/500 body mounted on an rega RB-250 arm and whilst I really like it, I feel that I could do with a little better imaging.

I'm thinking of making the jump to MC and within budget, I have a number of possible options including:

Hana EL
DENON 103/103R
Benz Micro Gold

I could also probably stretch to a AT33PTG or a Sumiko Blue Point Evo Special 3.

In the back of my mind though, I'm wondering whether I should just stick to mm ( my preamp can accommodate both) and plump for the MP-500 stylus.

Thoughts and opinions most welcome

N

[Zoidburg]

I have been very happy with the AT oc9-xml I bought last year. Not sure where prices are now but it was under £400 new when purchased.

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[walpurgis]

Funny how Goldring MC cartridges seldom get a mention. They really are rather nice and usefully have full UK manufacturer support. If you bust it, they'll fix it!

I've owned a vast number of decent low and high output MC's, but still find my Eroica LX very enjoyable. I understand the high output model is well worth a listen too.

[Lurch]

@Shadowbox81 if your in no rush then I will have a sub 70hr OC9 xML available, we'll within your budget, after 01/08. Need to hang on to it until then as have 2 Bake-offs (this Sunday & next Sunday) and the cart is currently on my 401\AudioMods II in my 2nd system.


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[Barry]

Of the two mentioned, I would recommend either the Hana El or the Denon 103. I have heard a Sumiko Blue Point cartridge (think it was a 'Special Mk II') but it made little impression on me.

I would also support Geoff's championing of Goldring cartridges - always the poor sister to the likes of Shure and Audio Technica but IMO just as goo, if not better. And they have a UK after sales service. A friend of mine has a Goldring Eroica, and it's a fine MC cartridge.

[Chas B]

There is a chap on Youtube, I think his channel is called HiVy, he's based in Singapore. He has done lots of cartridge comparisons of carts in your price range which might interest you. I don't know what he uses for his recordings but the differences are clearly audible between the different carts.The Nags have come out very well in his reviews...

[Shadowbox81]

Thanks Geoff.

I will admit that i hadn't really looked at the Goldring range for some reason but the Eroica LX is a good shout. I also understand that they give a discount off a new cartridge when exchanging an old one?

[Shadowbox81]

Of the two mentioned, I would recommend either the Hana El or the Denon 103. I have heard a Sumiko Blue Point cartridge (think it was a 'Special Mk II') but it made little impression on me.

I would also support Geoff's championing of Goldring cartridges - always the poor sister to the likes of Shure and Audio Technica but IMO just as good, if not better. And they have a UK after sales service. A friend of mine has a Goldring Eroica, and it's a fine MC cartridge.

Thanks for the recommendation

[Shadowbox81]

@Shadowbox81 if your in no rush then I will have a sub 70hr OC9 xML available, we'll within your budget, after 01/08. Need to hang on to it until then as have 2 Bake-offs (this Sunday & next Sunday) and the cart is currently on my 401\AudioMods II in my 2nd system.


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Thanks.

I think that was a little too high budget wise but a low hours one may be doable. I'll PM you

[Shadowbox81]

There is a chap on Youtube, I think his channel is called HiVy, he's based in Singapore. He has done lots of cartridge comparisons of carts in your price range which might intest you. I don't know what he uses for his recordings but the differences are clearly audible between the different carts.The Nags have come out very well in his reviews...

Thanks Chas

I watched his comparison last night between the Hana and the Nag MP-150 and was intrigued that the Nagaoka came out on top for him.

[Shadowbox81]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations so far, especially as i hadn't really considered the OC9 or the Eroica.

[walpurgis]

Thanks Geoff.

I will admit that i hadn't really looked at the Goldring range for some reason but the Eroica LX is a good shout. I also understand that they give a discount off a new cartridge when exchanging an old one?

I think they do. Everything you need to know is probably here: https://www.goldring.co.uk/

They are approachable people, so you could ring them with any questions.

I think some dealers may offer discount on new Goldrings.

[Chas B]

Thanks Chas

I watched his comparison last night between the Hana and the Nag MP-150 and was intrigued that the Nagaoka came out on top for him.

I agreed with his findings, the Nag was impressive. So much so that I was seriously considering the MP200 but I don't think any of my tonearms are a good match compliance-wise.

[Shadowbox81]

Thanks all for the recommendations.

I've decided to take Lurch up on his offer and have his AT-OC9 once he's done this it in a couple of week time. Will report back on my impressions once everything is set up

[chartz]

I used to have an Etoica LX (RB300, top mc head amp) and never liked it.
It sounded a bit raw compared to the G1042 which was far more refined.
These days, it’s AT all the way. Their top MM’s are fantastic. I’m not a fan of the Shibata stylus: too recessed.
I much prefer the ML variant, which I find more dynamic and CD-like (when done properly).

[Shadowbox81]

As as slight aside to the above, whilst I wait for Lurch's AT-OC9XML, I popped on the bay to see what MCs there might be on there and spotted an untested 80s Goldring Electro 11+ HOMC. Took a punt on it given that I could always px it. Received it today and have to say that I'm over the moon on initial listening. Cantilever looks nice and straight and it's got a lovely clarity, soundstage and detail to it.

Still need to put it though its paces a little more but it's put a big smile on my face tonight

[chartz]

Good! Isn’t that the most important after all?:)

[Pete The Cat]

I have a Benz Micro Gold MC and a (stock) Denon DL103. Having used various generations of the Rega arm - 200, 250, 300, fully OL-modded 250 and finally Origin Live Silver, I would recommend the Benz as the partner.

Pete

[Shadowbox81]

So having received Lurch's OC9xML earlier in the week, I finally got around to installing it on Friday and and settled down yesterday for a decent listening session. Discs played included Frampton Comes Alive, a Fats Waller compilation, some acid house and hardcore, and a great little Bossanova compilation.

First impressions are really good. Having really liked the Goldring Electro II that I've had on for the last week or two and the Nagaoka before that, there was an immediate increase in quality. Not as much as going from the Nag to the Goldring but certainly the bass was slightly more pronounced and tighter, giving a much better tonal balance than the previous two cart had. Imaging was great, and the depth of the sound was lovely, especially on the Bossanova comp which was mono and which I think has given me a new appreciation for how good mono recordings can sound.

The acid house records were as expected, rock solid 4/4 grooves but with an increased emphasis on the swing of the percussion showing how well produced some of those records really were for the time. And Frampton Comes Alive sounded great with a real sense of the live environment of the recording.

Finally, whilst I expected greater detail etc. I was really surprised by the almost total absence of surface noise. I'm in the process of cleaning my collection and some of the vinyl played was quite dirty yet the AT had no issues in tracking nor did any of the dirt manifest itself through the speakers. Everything was very quiet.

Overall, I'm very impressed and very happy with the cart.