I own the M44-7 DJ version and have heard the old M44 version. If you ask any audiophile the question, he would almost by default say that the old M44 version was better. In my opinion the DJ version sounds more listenable with its louder and bassier sound. The original M44 version is a bit smooth, soft but is good in its own way. However I would prefer the current M44-7 DJ version which is commonly available today. This cart is so easy to set up and use, its sounds great and will play with virtually any phonostage on the planet. Like FM Sanjay Khanna said, the M55E is also a very good cart. I recently accquired one and when I tried it out, it sounded really smooth and detailed (with a Jico stylus). It was not as loud as the M44-7 but I thought it sounded more detailed (probably as it was softer). I have decided to retain it in my collection. I also tried out the M75-6 which I also accquired recently and found it to be better than the M55E as it sounded rich but detailed. I was very familiar with its sound as I grew up listening to it and may have been a bit biased. But given the choice for simple but elegant and robust LP listening, great value for money and un-matched matching and tracking ability, I would go for the current M44-7.
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