Mm cartridge recommendations wanted
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Turntable Audio
Forum Name: MM: Moving Magnet | MC: Moving Coil
Forum Description: Learn about the differences between moving magnet and moving coil cartridges here
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4697
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 2:11am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Mm cartridge recommendations wanted
Posted By: Bags
Subject: Mm cartridge recommendations wanted
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2019 at 9:31pm
|
Hi there. I currently run a DV10X5 on a modded Gyro/rb250 combo. The cartridge is heading for 10 years old so I'm thinking about a replacement. I like the bouncy (dynamic) nature of the 10X5 and it seems to cover most bases pretty well but its a long time since I heard a modern mm cartridge. Listening encompasses jazz, classical, pop and classic rock. Electronics and 'beats' are not my cup of tea. What would other forum members recommend.
|
Replies:
Posted By: Lucabeer
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2019 at 9:57pm
|
If on a splurge, Nagaoka MP-500 is the best I have ever heard for those musical styles. As a cheaper alternative, you probably can't go wrong with an Audio Technica VM540 (I have the previous 440MLa, which is reportedly almost identical). |
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 5:55pm
|
What is your budget and where in the world are you located? IIRC the RB250 is somewhere around 11 or 12g effective mass, is that correct? |
Posted By: Bags
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 8:10pm
|
Correct re effective mass. Budget is a replacement 10x5 or thereabouts. I'm particularly interested in the views of those who have heard a 10x5 up against the latest mm competition if there is anyone on the forum who has done that.
|
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 8:28pm
|
I can't help you with the 10x5, but it is interesting to note that Dyna put a new, better stylus on the latest iteration of the 10x5 vs. the old one so that takes some of the sting out of the price increase. |
Posted By: Pwog
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2019 at 11:06pm
|
I just put an Ortofon 2M Bronze on my AR ES-1. It replaced a Sumiko Blue Point Special; an Mc cartridge. So far, I am thrilled with the Bronze. I found the Blue Point Special a bit bright on higher frequencies. To me, the Bronze sounds warmer and more accurate all around. Hope this helps. ------------- Paul Acoustic Research ES-1, Ortofon 2M Bronze, Ayre C-5xemp disc player, Dynaco SCA-35 (updated), Dynaco ST-70 (updated and modified), Revel performa M20, Accession M, CuSat 50 interconnects |
Posted By: Bags
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2019 at 7:19pm
|
Can I just bump this thread. I had other demands on my finances last year but I'm intending to purchase a new cartridge in the spring so any updates/recommendations? I should add that quite a lot of my vinyl is less than perfect so I'm looking for a cartridge that is happy with less than perfect vinyl. Thanks.
|
Posted By: Pwog
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2019 at 7:27pm
|
I am still extremely satisfied with Ortofon 2M Bronze on my AR ES-1. A lot of my vinyl is 50+ years old and still sounds terrific. ------------- Paul Acoustic Research ES-1, Ortofon 2M Bronze, Ayre C-5xemp disc player, Dynaco SCA-35 (updated), Dynaco ST-70 (updated and modified), Revel performa M20, Accession M, CuSat 50 interconnects |
Posted By: sheepskinstu
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2019 at 8:57pm
|
I bought a AT-VM95ML a few weeks ago and installed it on a stock 1200 MK2. It sounds very capable to my ears although it's early days. Some people might think it's a load of old rubbish but I'm tight when it comes to spending money on hifi.
 |
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2019 at 11:02pm
|
+1 for the 2M Bronze as an excellent yet forgiving cartridge. Also, the Hana cartridges are terrific value for money! Merry Christmas to all! Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Cyreg
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2019 at 11:42pm
|
on my TecnoDec with RB250/Tecnoweight I use a Nagaoka MP110 and that sounds very good allround ------------- TecnoDec/RB250/MP110>GramAmp2C/PSU1; Cyrus CD8SE; > Exposure 3010S2D INT > Harbeth C7ES-3 '35th Anniversary' cabling: IC 2x DNM V3; LScable Exposure DMF-two; Furu TP60 + MWaY and BlackCable pc's |
Posted By: patientot
Date Posted: 25 Dec 2019 at 5:06pm
I've been using the same cartridge for months as you know. I liked it better in every aspect over my Goldring 1042, which is a much more expensive cartridge here in the U.S. ($675 vs. $170). In my objective and subjective testing the VM95ML easily won. I ended up selling the Goldring in the end. RE: OPs choices, it would seem the effective mass of Rega tonearm will work with a decent variety of cartridges, so lots of choices out there. ------------- SL-1200 MK7 (modified) + Reflex M + PSU-1 used with AT150-40ML, AT VM610 MONO, AT VM95ML, Stanton 680mkII + Ogura, and Shure M35X cartridges. |
sheepskinstu wrote:Posted By: Doug The Snail
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2020 at 3:16pm
| I love the Nagaoka line of MM carts. Very sweet, warm, and musical cartridges. Not extremely analytical but just a fantastic balance. |
Posted By: Cyreg
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2020 at 3:39pm
Really like my MP110 (already replaced three styli in 9 years) on the Rega RB250 arm into GramAmp2 Communicator with PSU1 (very big improvement)  ------------- TecnoDec/RB250/MP110>GramAmp2C/PSU1; Cyrus CD8SE; > Exposure 3010S2D INT > Harbeth C7ES-3 '35th Anniversary' cabling: IC 2x DNM V3; LScable Exposure DMF-two; Furu TP60 + MWaY and BlackCable pc's |