Nagaoka MP-200 vs Shure M55 with Jico N55 new improved elliptical.

[Hifibythekg]

Hi.
I have a Shure M55 with an original Shure nude elliptical which despite its age looks to be in excellent condition under the microscope.

The turntable is a Systemdek II with a serviced Linn Akito arm.

It sounds really good!

My only concern is that resolution and detail retrieval in mids to high frequencies might be lacking when compared to the very best.

My question:

• Would a brand new Nagaoka MP-200 probably be an improvement?

OR

• Would a Jico N55 improved nude elliptical for the Shure M55 be the better choice?

(Realise that there’s quite a difference in budget for these two alternatives but don’t need to factor this for this question.)

Remaining components in this set up are:

Yamaha C4 preamp.

Yamaha PC 2002M power amplifier.

Celestion Ditton 66 speakers.

All kit recently serviced, recapped and tested.

Music:

Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Neil Young, Radiohead, Miles Davis, Lou Reed, Tom Waits, Bjork, Massive Attack, to start with…

 

[knotscott]

The Nag JN-P200 stylus has the benefit of a boron cantilever, which I believe is a fairly significant plus. You could also add the JN-P500 stylus to down the road if you wanted to pursue a further upgrade.

 

[ripblade]

What load capacitance are you using? Shure reportedly need >400pF to balance the treble.