Linn Adikt or Nagaoka MP-500

Hello
I’ve had the Linn Majik LP12/Krane Tone arm/Adikt MM cartridge combo for just over a year now and I am very pleased with the overall sound from it hooked up to my Naim 52/Supercap/NAP 135/ Fyne Audio F501 SP’s floor standing speakers.
I’ve still got my old turntable sitting in the spare room, a Thorens TD160 Super fitted with a Nagaoka MP-500 MM cartridge . I’m in a bit of a quandary whether to substitute the Adikt cartridge for my old Nagaoka when the time comes to replace the stylus assembly? I used to love the sound of the Nagaoka, but I will need to purchase a new stylus for it. There is quite a difference in price between the two stylus options and I’m not sure which way to go! Also would the Nagaoka be compatible with the Linn Krane tone arm ? Would the Nagaoka wipe the floor compared to the Adikt ?
If anyone has any recommendations it would be appreciated.
Cheers guys

Was the Adikt new when you got it? If so, it should have plenty of life in it for a few years at least, depending on how much vinyl you play of course.
That said, I would definitely get a new stylus for the Nagaoka and put the Thorens back to work. They are such lovely Turntables😊

2 Likes

I think I can say it would ‘fit’. But compatible I have no idea - depends what you mean by that word.

1 Like

I can’t find the input capacitance for your preamp, but I think most if not all older Naims (and some but not all current ones), have a massive 470pF input capacitance.

For the Adikt the recommended load (inc. tonerarm wires and phono lead) is 150-200 pF, but for the Nagaoka it’s only (but most modern carts have this) 100pF.

So likely you’ll experience rolled of highs with the Nagaoka, so if you can I would first try it. Can you move the turntable or 52 to the other system?

If you liked your current electronics and speakers with the Thorens and Nagaoka, then I would definitely try the Nagaoka (with new stylus) on your Linn, when the Adikt has had its day.

My rationale is that the Nagaoka and your NAC52 were near contemporaries, so the NAC52’s phonoboards (assuming they are what you are using) will be a good match for the Nagaoka’s warmth.

It’s a good one because I think your Fi could be less Hi with the Nagaoka, but you might be more drawn in to the sound of your records. Part of what makes our hobby interesting.