[Phil_S]

I've narrowed it down to 2: Nagaoka MP-200 or Hana EL...

I'm working with a Technics SL 1200 M3D w/KAB Fluid Damper, Thick Mat, Cardas Wire/KAB Block, AT VM540ML cartridge, Van Alstine Vision Q Phono.  Speakers are OHM 100 MK3 powered by a Van Alstine SET 120 control amp.  Price point not to exceed $500, FIRM. 

Thoughts?  Other Options?

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I own an MP-200 and love it. It has a warmer sound with a tonally rich and full midrange, bass is powerful and punchy.  The top end is smooth.
Fair warning, it takes 30 hours of break in to sound good.  The first 10 hours are rough.

I did a review of your Van Alstine phono preamp and the control amp for Frank.  I think that the MP-200 would be a good match for the phono pre.  I actually listened to your gear with my MP-200 and DAC.

Another one to look at is the Sumiko WellFleet at about $450.  From its description, it may have a similar sonic character to the MP-200.

[Phil_S]

Yeah I'm leaning that way as the stylas is user replaceable and I don't have to change the phono preamp. 

Thanks for the reply.

[FullRangeMan]

I would suggest a Alnico magnet cartridge,
but seems the price are too high.

[SONDEKNZ]

From the VAN ALSTINE site...

The Vision Q+ Phono Preamplifier supports both moving magnet and moving coil phono cartridges, with adjustable gain and loading for MC cartridges. It provides 40 dB gain for normal moving magnet cartridges and switchable 54 dB, 60 dB, and 66 dB gain for moving coil cartridges. The load for moving coil cartridges can be set from 30 Ω to 1 kΩ, with many settings in between. This is all done with one 10-position DIP switch per channel.

Seems like there is no reason to restrict your options to MM.

With this in mind, I recommend the DENON DL-110 run in MC mode at 1K Impedance Load...

At a typical brand-new buy price of ~$US200, we are VERY big fans!



PS: Due to an unfortunate accident, we recently had our beloved DENON DL-110 fitted with a new boron cantilever and an even smaller elliptical stylus. The little Boron DL-110 now gives our SHELTER 501/2 cartridge a run for its money. Superb!

[1965]

  I assume looking for a bit different tonal character than the 540ML?  Your 2 candidates will do that I’m fairly sure, the Nag 200 is for sure. It’s a great cart. Don’t sleep on the Denon 301MKII.  I was shocked how good it is for the money. Less than $400 on eBay from that Hong Kong guy. Tonally it’s right in the hall park as as the 200 but pulls better detail.  It stays in rotation with my Grados and Soundsmiths.

[justjed]

I'm curious, OP, have you made a decision? Audio Technica has a new MM line, and the $329USD AT-VMx745ML has a boron cantilever, and a Micro-Line stylus. Might be worth looking at.
 

[Phil_S]

Pulled the trigger on the Nag, due in later this week.  In the process of listening to a number of my "reference" recordings, especially those I haven heard in a while. This should be interesting, I'll let you know how it goes. 

[justjed]

Fingers crossed for you! I've never listened to a Nagaoka for more than a couple of minutes, so really have no idea what you'll be hearing. But, a new cart is always fun! Interested to hear your impressions.

I just got one of the new Ortofon LOMCs, the MC X30. With only about 5 hours on it, I like this one already!

[I.Greyhound Fan]

The MP-200 is a very nice sounding cartridge.   I have 2.  Gave an MP-200 stylus to my son to use on the MP-150 body.  It made a nice improvement.

Let us know how you like it

It is going to sound like crap the first 10 to15 hours and settles in at about 30 hours.