Paul McShart
Member
Hey so I've decided to just send it to Joseph to inspect the stylus and cartridge, and if he thinks it needs retipping, I'll follow through with it. Thanks so much for all the help you guys, I've learned a lot
Need help finding the right cartridge for my system
- Thread starter Paul McShart
- Start date
he's a good guy, you're in good hands
Paul McShart
Member
Yeah, I feel good about it, everything I've read about him is positive
Paul McShart
Member
ugh I wish man, it's the only cart I own...maybe I'll just buy a cheaper AT with a conical stylus to enjoy my music in the meantime
Redd House
If she dont love me no more I know her sister will
Crab33
Super Member
Good idea. Or you could buy the AT-VM95E or C and upgrade the stylus later to the ML stylus that you wanted to try.
Paul McShart
Member
hmm they're both enticing, might go with the AT-VM95C to try out the conical stylus
Paul McShart
Member
AT3600L is a move too for so cheap might just get both
Paul McShart
Member
btw ddid you guys fine the 500s cart to be much better than the 95s? or is it more of a nuance thing. I just got some extra funds and am considering the vm510 with conical stylus
Crab33
Super Member
While the AT-VM540ML has quite a following, I'm not so sure about the VM500 cartridges lower down the line. I tried the AT-VM520EB (just out of curiosity) but didn't much care for it and found myself preferring the AT-VM95E, which has a fuller and in my opinion more likeable sound.
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I would definitely spend the money for the VM540ML. Grados always sounded "off" to me, everywhere from the Grado Black to some LOMC Wood Reference. I have a Reference High output here and it pales in comparison with my reference MM carts (Stanton 881s, Shure V15VxMR). The MIcroLine stylus is far more refined, lower mass, and retrieves more detail from the groove than the massive stylus Grado uses (the physical diamond on Grado carts is HUGE under a scope, and I can't figure out why).
The VM540ML also allows an upgrade path to higher end stylii down the road, and has amazing amounts of stylus avaialbilty. The Grados are basically locked to the Grado company-no one does an aftermarket. Grados also hum with many turntable motors, though Technics seems to be fine.
The VM540ML also allows an upgrade path to higher end stylii down the road, and has amazing amounts of stylus avaialbilty. The Grados are basically locked to the Grado company-no one does an aftermarket. Grados also hum with many turntable motors, though Technics seems to be fine.
alex213
Active Member
Kinda asked this in the champagne/beer thread but since you guys are talking about a Technics TT and conical carts that can be upgraded to more fancy styli, I guess I can ask here too 
Any love for the Nagaoka 100 (red conical) and 110 (yellow elliptical)? Or are AT carts in that price range better value for money?
(Mostly interested in a conical myself).
Any love for the Nagaoka 100 (red conical) and 110 (yellow elliptical)? Or are AT carts in that price range better value for money?
(Mostly interested in a conical myself).
Crab33
Super Member
I tried the MP-100 and it is impressive, being quite detailed for a conical - it sounds more like an elliptical to me, but I can think of cheaper cartridges with elliptical styli that I prefer, like the AT-VM95E. I also prefer the AT3600L.Kinda asked this in the champagne/beer thread but since you guys are talking about a Technics TT and conical carts that can be upgraded to more fancy styli, I guess I can ask here too
Any love for the Nagaoka 100 (red conical) and 110 (yellow elliptical)? Or are AT carts in that price range better value for money?
(Mostly interested in a conical myself).
KinoRodori
Member
Hi @Crab33 sorry to be mentioning you out of the blue. I am desperate to know something on these Nagaoka MP styli, mostly in terms of measurement. I need to know the size of the gold pipe/barrel on the stylus. Also the size of the square hole opening on the cartridge. Also the length of the gold pipe. Measured on millimeters. Hope you could help me.
Crab33
Super Member
I'm sorry, these measurements are extremely difficult and involve fractions of a mm - I don't have very accurate measuring instruments and the best I could come up with for the first measurement for the pipe is about 1.5mm. The hole will be mariginally bigger, of course.
Kinda asked this in the champagne/beer thread but since you guys are talking about a Technics TT and conical carts that can be upgraded to more fancy styli, I guess I can ask here too
Any love for the Nagaoka 100 (red conical) and 110 (yellow elliptical)? Or are AT carts in that price range better value for money?
(Mostly interested in a conical myself).
The MP-110 seems to be a good cartridge, for the $$$. Check this review.
Of all the MM cartridges I've tried, I like the MP-200 the best. Need one more turntable.
KinoRodori
Member
Thank you so much! This info is really helpful. I'm on the hunt of a stylus for my mystery cart see.
And MP styli seem to fit my estimation just by looking on the computer screen
The hole on my cartridge is about 1.7-1.8mm on each side. But i'm only using steel tape to measure and the ticks on the tape are printed a bit wide too.
I'm taking my chance on an MP10 stylus for about $10. The MP11 would seem a waste of $35 if it wouldn't fit