Nagaoka MP500 vs Victor Z1. Hifi Cartridges. Divine Fits - Would That Not Be Nice

[@highmentalabilities]

Hi. What differences are there among the Z1, Z1s, Z1e, Z1eb?? I see the latter three a lot but rarely just the Z1.

[@porcostereo]

Z1-S is the "basic one": S for "spherical", is the very cheap one, low specifications. Z1-E for "elliptical", better traceability and specs. Z1-EB for "elliptical beryllium", seriously good one (when still was allowed to use beryllium to make stylus). Z1 (pure) is the best of the best, with impressive 10Hz-50.000Hz frequency range. The cartridges are different in between them. The best one is absolutely Z1, hard to find but still possible mostly in Japan. Jico has a very good stylus replacement. Z1-EB is a good cheaper option as well and easier to find.

[@highmentalabilities]

@@porcostereo Thank you so much for that info. You just saved me from making the mistake of purchasing the Z1-S! I will go search Japan auctions for the Z1 and purchase a Z1-EB as a second-tier backup, just in case. I heard about how great the Z1 is from audio forums, which is what led me to your KZbin channel and audio sample of this excellent-sounding cartridge. Thanks again for your help, and happy holidays to you and yours.

[@porcostereo]

@@highmentalabilities happy to help you!

[@bstatmeister]

The Z1 is more meaty and dynamic (drums sound better!). Im surprised i like it better since im such a fan of nagaoka.

[@porcostereo]

I agree with your feeling 👍

[@YOU7U3E]

Hi , i found this video looking or infos about my Z1 , and discover this music. The intro is superb ! but what's crazy is that i couldn't find anywhere else ! except in one live session from 2013

[@roscoejones4515]

I think I prefer the Nagaoka, I'm kind of surprised! Tighter bass and more mid/high extension? Anyway, I ordered this album because of your vid, so thank you!

[@porcostereo]

I think is a great album. Direct Disc means of course that the recording is cutting directly to a master disc: no another process (digital) in between the music session and the record. This (my) version was made using a phono preamplifier Solid State, the Sutherland Ph3D with batteries and no wall plug electricity (very silent and "dark" background). I´ll do the same soon but now with a tube phono preamplifier. And we will see what happens with that new version of the sound.

[@roscoejones4515]

@@porcostereo Be sure to post that! I knew Third Man did those DD records, but this will be the first one I've bought, looking forward to it. BTW, I think your vids are great, you deserve more subscribers.👍

[@porcostereo]

@@roscoejones4515 Thank you! I´m just learning how to make videos and how to use KZbin to share with my hobby.

[@porcostereo]

@@roscoejones4515 the new video with tubes preamplifier is ready!

[@1mctous]

The MP-500 sounds leaner than the Z-1 but has a lot more stereo separation and quicker transients. I have found the Nagaoka MP cartridge line to have a consistent house sound.