Yeah that Boron cantilever is part of the secret sauce, when I read this I immediately thought of the AT MMs that should but don't have that: VM740ML, 750SH and the 760SLC. I have a AT OC9XSL which has the same line contact as the VM560 but it has a nice Boron cantilever (so does the ML and SH OC9 variants) and it sounds pretty much all around perfect. I have a 740ML and it does sound really good all things considered but it typically sounds like there is too much information in the upper frequency range and it could use being loaded down to like 34k or something like that, I have the capacitance overall at just under 200pf and while it does sound good it just has a bit too much delivery in the upper range, it's a marginal flaw as it sounds very good. Somehow I ended up with 3 of those SAE 1000LTs and I must say they do sound good in my system, since trying one out a SAE LT has been on the deck ever since, the one I've been using like crazy has turned out to be a low rider, to the point that it looks like the 'shroud' or whatever it is that the cantilever sticks out of is actually dragging on the lp surface! I noticed this about 2 weeks ago but there is no degradation to the sound so I just keep on keepin' on with it.
I was not exact with my language. The additional gain necessary for that phono to run a LOMC would further amplify existing surface noise. It would not add additional noise but the perception could be that the noise is more prominent because of the added gain.
I understand, but the music is further amplified by the same amount as the surface noise, so it shouldn't really make a difference. No biggie, though
You’re right, that is why I said the perception may be that the surface noise is greater. I found when using a phono that had gain for a LOMC but no SUT or high quality headamp that at LOMC gain levels, the surface noise was far more distracting than at the gain levels for MM despite the music to noise ratio remaining the same.
Considering you two aren’t getting a lot of feedback so far, I think I’m gonna combine your two questions in one omnibus thread elsewhere… sometimes having your Q in the thread title really helps. Btw Fox, my listening time with the mp-300 was limited, but from what I heard I wouldn’t expect a significant change in tonal balance from your current mp-200 to it… the improvements lie elsewhere. However, the mp-500 is different, and I would never characterize its balance as ‘dark’ (your issue w/mp200 + current system synergies)… the 500 sounds very open, extended, and airy in the upper registers while being incredibly clear. (Not excessively bright though, if that’s what you want (a few ppl do)… very close to neutral, rather. Won’t necessarily band-aid a really ‘dark’ system, but sounds so good it’ll make you fix the dark in order to hear it properly. Maybe a bit more treble energy than other Nagas, but not dramatically so… more a different kind/quality of treble, if you kinda follow.) Omnibus thread: Nagaoka MP-500 vs Hana SL vs Nagaoka MP-300 — Anyone heard at least two of these? .
I'm looking for an MP500 stylus , haven't found anything under $295 . Anyone know where I can get one for $225. Currently using it with sme non improved tonearm and td124 turntable , match made in heaven . Thanks
Under $200, but might take a while ... there's also a few listed on ebay from Japan for under $230 with free shipping, though you will pay US sales tax too ...
thank you , I'll order today. I'd like to say I have the MP500 on my sme tonearm for more than 2 years and have no desire to change it. I also have a Dynavector XXII mk 2 that was sent to soundsmith mounted on Lustre 801 tonearm that I will try soon . I noticed the MP500 stylus is a little low , have about 500 hours on it but it still sounds good. Thanks again
If you use paypal for Japanese orders, generally best to pay in Yen and set it to have your bank do conversion, but depends on bank, mine does market rates with no charge whereas paypal charges.
Somebody actually showed up in the omnibus thread who has both a Naga MP-500 and a Hana SL. Minor miracle, apparently. .
