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.