Waxy
17 April 2025 22:37
1
So far…
Ortofon Red
Nagaoka MP200
Nagaoka MP500
Hana SL
Hana ML, latest cartridge
I have an unused Hana SL to put on next but I am thinking ahead about where I might go after that.
I tried a Dynavector XX-2 a while back and quite liked that sound. Is there anything else at that level which might match the XX-2?
I listen to all sorts so an all-rounder is what I am after.
Budget up to £1500.
Any recommendations for an MC cartridge? Key aspect really is that it needs to be an all-rounder music-wise.
Front-end is Technics SL1200g > Allnic H-1202 if that makes any difference.
What has sounded good to you within my budgetary constraints?
Obviously, I will ignore all replies and buy something else.
Acoustic Signature MCX-1 - this has been a revelation in my set up and is only the entry level cart in their MC range.
2 Likes
Waxy
17 April 2025 22:52
3
Thanks Al, that’s Hana SL price territory which would be a good saving.
I got it ex-demo from Audio Emotion and doubt there was more than 20 hours on it. I’ve hammered it since I got it and it still sounds tremendous.
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Waxy
17 April 2025 23:01
5
The Hana ML I have now was ex-demo and it has been excellent, despite the seller upon hearing my musical tastes stating “this is not the right cartridge for you”.
2 Likes
I’m sure with some creative shopping and a little wheeler dealering you could get a hana umami blue at the top of your budget.
After my old transfiguration Phoenix got past its best I knew I’d struggle to find its spiritual successor, but the umami was actually very similar. Clean, neutral, but smooth. Dynamic and expressive. IMHO it’s a great value proposition.
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Ortofon Cadenza Red or if you can stretch a little bit Blue. My Techie got on really well with a Kontrapunkt b
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Waxy
17 April 2025 23:12
8
I was tempted by your recent Blue but the timing was wrong
I was also VERY tempted by the Luxman amp
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Waxy
17 April 2025 23:17
9
Whatever I go for needs to cope with Death Metal, Alice Coltrane, Cocteau Twins, Tangerine Dream, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Beck to name but many.
This covers my musical tastes and the umami played well. It even held up to my German techno!
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Waxy:
Whatever I go for needs to cope with Death Metal, Alice Coltrane, Cocteau Twins, Tangerine Dream, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Beck to name but many.
I can vouch for everything apart from the death metal
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Waxy
17 April 2025 23:25
14
The Acoustic Signature MM cartridges look an awful lot like Ortofons…
Waxy
17 April 2025 23:34
18
Sure, if I decide to sell it.
They are Ortofons but tweaked by AS.
They might tweak fuck all apart from themselves, who knows, but at least they’re not charging a big premium.
The only MC carts I’ve had have been Ortofon on the end of a top notch Pro-ject deck but I much prefer my set up now.
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I’ve also got the AS tweaked Ortofon 2M Black and it’s a good 'un as well.
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