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Post by iluvtech on Mar 1, 2020 17:11:29 GMT
I'm interested in any opinions on a potential upgrade to my cartridge. I'm not unhappy with what I have today, in fact, I'm very happy with it, I'm curious as to whether it could sound better... My current system consists of a Rega Planar 25 with a Groovetracer Subplatter and a Nagaoka MP200. The MP200 has probably had about 400+ hours of use. Recently I added a Moon phono preamp (sold by David), this goes into a Denon AVR, then an Arcam P25 power amp then into a pair of B&W CM8 floor standers. The Moon preamp was a real step up as was realigning the cartridge.
It sounds very good but the Moon is capable of handling LOMC carts, and my MP200 is going to need refreshing soon due to the amount of use. I could wait for it to start deteriorating and then either replace the stylus or upgrade the cartridge altogether to a different one. I have been researching many options, but for my budget, the AT-33PTG II seems to be a really nice cartridge, the MicroLinear Line Stylus being a definite upgrade to my current elliptical. I listen to most genres of music (not classical) and my LPs go back to the 70s and I also buy new LPs once a month.
So, get a new MP200 stylus or invest in a LOMC, either the AT-33PTG or something else?
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davidf
Administrator
Posts: 331
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Post by davidf on Mar 2, 2020 11:31:46 GMT
Is there an option to choose a step up in stylus from the 200? That’s a nice easy upgrade as it doesn’t involve changing the cart and re-aligning.
I’d honestly find it hard to recommend something against the Nagaoka as it has been so long since I heard one. I do normally prefer the detail level and delicacy that a good moving coil bring to a system.
I did have the pleasure of using an AT-33Sa on a Technics 1200G deck though, which sounded superb playing stuff like Massive Attack - plenty of detail and insight.
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Post by iluvtech on Mar 2, 2020 18:30:26 GMT
Hi David,
The MP200 stylus can fit into the head shell of the MP150, and I believe the MP500 can go into the MP300, but the MP300 will not work properly in the MP200. Yes, the SA does look like a step up to the PTG.
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davidf
Administrator
Posts: 331
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Post by davidf on Mar 4, 2020 17:43:46 GMT
Sounds a bit of a faff, what with some stylii working with some carts and not with others!
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Post by iluvtech on Mar 4, 2020 18:11:15 GMT
It's been a while since I've read about this and I'm not sure what the issue is, I just recall that there's no benefit. In the meantime, I've had a look at the cost of the replacement stylus for the MP200 and it seems to have shot up recently. I'll contact you directly about the AT carts. I've read very good things about the AT-33SA cart as well as the AT-33PTG. I would have gone down the Rega route, but I think their MC carts are overpriced compared to most. I've got the 'MC itch' that needs to be scratched.....
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davidf
Administrator
Posts: 331
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Post by davidf on Mar 5, 2020 22:57:18 GMT
Not sure what happened earlier, as my email to you bounced back as undeliverable...
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