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I installed a new Nagaoka MP-700

I installed a new Nagaoka MP-700 cartridge on my tricked-out AudioGrail Garrard 401 turntable with Jelco TK850L tonearm.

I wasn’t looking forward to dealing with London Decca to replace the stylus on my Decca Super Gold (Paratrace Decapod) as it involved sending it to the UK, so I thought I’d give this new top of the line Nagaoka MP (moving permalloy) a shot. I bought the model complete with the headshell. 

It’s heavy and pushed the Jelco to its near end limits getting the arm balanced. Tracking is 1.4g. Setup was a doddle.

Initial impressions are very good. Black backgrounds, low noise floor, powerful and well-delineated bass. Fine detail and sharp leading edges. Sweet midband. Nice separation of instruments with good tonal color. Imaging is very good. Not as wide or deep as the Decca, however. I’ll see how it is after 50 hours. First few sides, it was a little shouty but seems to have settled down. Male vocals have a lovely wooden tone. It’s definitely tight like a well-rehearsed band, almost making the Decca sound slow. Low levels of surface noise.

Thomas Dolby, Crocked Still, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Leonard Cohen, The The, Doc Evans, Eagles, Pat Kirby

It may be the best cartridge I've had in by system.

More anon.

noromance
kennyc
2,860 posts
 

@lewm Kennyc, most gear made for japan market wants 100V. That is never a problem in the US. Inexpensive step down transformers are readily available on eBay

I’ve been avoiding voltage conversion transformers for fear of sonic degradation. Maybe it’s just for major components like the per and amp matter more than the DS energizer. My main SS system Avenger>VDH Grail>AufionetHumboldt>VimbergMonoD focused on neutral transparent low noise floor .

On a similar note, hoping to not sound hypocritical 🙄, I have a Corralstone which of all cartridges seem to really benefit from adding a SUT. I’m struggling which SUT and if I need to purchase a “voltage” phono. I do have Lejonklou Slipsik 3 but since the latest model is Lejonklou Slipsik 8 I’ve not sure if the 3 is good enough.

syr1990
28 posts
 

Have you heard the MP-500 in your system? I own it and its a fine cartridge--curious how it compares to the 700. Although I did recently install the Grado Opus 3 and am quite surprised that I might prefer it to the MP-500 even though its quite a bit cheaper. The Grado is a little more meaty in the midrange and lower frequencies. MP-500 sounds neutral in comparison.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,711 posts
 

@kennyc 

I’m with lewm, I use a 120/100 volt transformer for my 100v TT.

Have no concern, just size the watt capacity of the transformer over the equipment’s watts needed, a decent (avoid cheap, but not expensive) unit will let the 100 volt device work. Often, just inside your audio device, a transformer changes it again to 24v or 18 v .... we/you just are unaware.

these come in various capacities

https://www.amazon.com/120V-100V-Converter-appliances-Certified%EF%BC%BD/dp/B07L56PYZS/ref=sr_1_3?sr=8-3

 

noromance's avatar
noromance OP
10,461 posts
 

@syr1990 I haven't heard the MP-500 in my current system. My understanding is that the 700 has more of everything without the 500 roll-off in the treble.  

lewm
14,658 posts
 

Noro, How on earth could providing the correct AC voltage to the power transformer of a TT possibly degrade the sonics of what comes out of the cartridge?  In fact, if anything, the outboard stepdown transformer may reduce noise overall and actually improve sonics.  This is because any TT motor puts EMI back on to the incoming AC line, when there is no stepdown.  The stepdown acts as an isolation transformer such that EMI is effectively blocked from contaminating the AC that is also supplying the other components. Don't let your fear prevent you from enjoying 100V components.

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