Just read Herb Reichert’s article where he enthusiastically agrees with you. I love my MP110, but I do get an inordinate amount of static and always looking for an affordable and noticeable sonic upgrade. Will be ordering a MP200 soon. Nice video, very helpful.
Thanks for your video. I made the same upgrade to the MP110 cartridge with an MP200 stylus about a year ago. I found there was an immediate difference in the clarity of the sound, and in the sound stage (much better stereo separation ). I hear the same results listening to your video. That confirms for me that the improvement with the MP200 is not just in my imagination. I have not experienced the static problems with the MP110 stylus when playing my older records. However, the last three new albums I have bought all had surface noise even after a careful but thorough cleaning. I've pretty much given up on new recordings since quality control in the vinyl manufacturing plants seems non-existant. One thing I would mention for the benefit of anyone considering this upgrade. Obviously moving from the bonded diamond chip to the nude diamond on the MP200 is a huge change. Equally huge is the switch to a boron shaft, which is more rigid (and fragile) than the aluminum shaft on the MP110. This definitely improves sound for the better as vibrations are better managed by the boron shaft. But be aware that the MP200 is more fragile than the MP110. Treat it with extra care. You don't want to damage a $170 stylus!
I bought the RT85N a few months back, and I had a similar feeling about its performance as you did, to be honest, and I've also had the same problem with static pops. I think that has a lot to do with the dry air here in eastern Washington State, though. The static buildup is sometimes so bad that I actually get tiny lightning arcs between my fingers and the headshell when lifting the tonearm (ouch!). I had a stupid accident with the cartridge just before Christmas and accidentally ripped the bonded diamond tip right off the cantilever when it snagged on my shirt, so I decided to do exactly the same upgrade as you did and bought the JN-200 stylus to replace the ruined one. Now that it's thoroughly broken in, I'm a lot happier with the sound overall: there's a lot more detail, and the high end in particular is much better defined than the stock MP-110 stylus, which I felt could be very muddy and "crowded" in places. I'm still having the same problem with static, but I think that's got more to do with the climate than the cartridge.
I'm glad that the JN-200 stylus is working for you soundwise. I am surprised that you are still having the static issues. Once I put the 200 stylus on I have had no more issues.
I can clearly hear brighter instrument representation. Clearer more realistic horns. Just a better performance. Thanks for the share. My mp200 stylus arrives tomorrow
I have the RT85n with the MP110 & I’m happy with it; find it very sensitive & get some occasional snap, krackle & pop on older lp’s. I definitely hear the different with the MP200 more clarity & the sound is definitely what I call jumping out of the speakers. It will be my next purchase to replace my MP110 in the near future. Thanks for sharing your experiences & knowledge.
Interesting comparison between the 110 and 200. I actually purchased a 110 just yesterday direct from Japan, free returns, so if the 110 isn't to my liking I can return it. I currently run a AT VM95ML on my SL1200 MKII which I really enjoy, but wanted to try the 110 just for fun. I guess I'll see if I get those same static issues. I find it interesting that the tracking angle on the 110 is so much steeper than that of the 2M Blue and for that matter my 95ML. I suppose adjusting my VTA will be able to compensate for that difference, but that remains to be seen. In any case, I'll see how much I like or dislike the 110. I did have the 2M blue, but for some reason, perhaps just my system, it just didn't provide a good listening experience for me so i returned it. On a different note, I see you run an Ampapa A1 tube pre-amp. Pretty cool pre-amp, I used to run a FOSI Box X2 with Voshkod Rocket tubes which sounded nice. I have since moved on to a pair of Klipsch r-51 PM paired with a Klipsch r120SW. But I still have the BOX X2 so I can always bring that back out if I so desire. Thanks for the reviews and updates, I enjoy your insight
I'm not sure to be able to hear the difference directly from my phone speaker, but I believe that I can hear the hihat more on the drum. the other song you have played seems appreciable on the high end like you said.
Very informative video. I own a nagaoka mp110 running on a project debut. I was on the fence about upgrading the stylus but the mp200 cartridge is 500+. So I might as well just get the stylus to go with the mp110 body (150 dollars). Do you think it's a wise decision? By the way I loved the album you played on the background
So far it’s been great for me on Fluance. It sounds better and now I have no static issues. The mp110 stylus is bonded and the mp200 is not so you should notice a difference.
Thanks for the great video! I also have the RT85N and have installed the MP-200 cartridge! I kept the anti skip and track force the same has I had with MP-110 (1.8). Did you adjust yours? If so, what did you go with? Thanks in advance!
Yes. There is a difference! You are correct! (1) So if I had to buy just one Fluance turntable, would you just buy the RT85 with the Ortofon Blue cartridge? (2) who supplies the second cartridge for the RT85N? Fluance?
@@bellisariosonic Ahhhhh . . . it’s one thing to buy something, then quite another to find replacement parts or alternative parts. Thanks for the info!
BTW: I have been repurposing older equipment: 1976 Dual 1228 turntable with a 1979 Ortofon red stylus, a 2013 Marantz 5012 receiver - mated to two 2023 Polk ES15 bookshelf speakers. The records are as old as the turntable or even a decade earlier. Thought that given that I have more time now, it was time to see if after more than 40 years (of not being used and carted around from place to place in boxes, laid FLAT!) . . . if any had survived?! Surprise! . . . most did! However, the Dual is showing its age now, well documented that it is a bit of a pain to repair according to those who have attempted it, SO, I am thinking that the Fluance RT85 might be the right replacement choice. I lose the fully automatic function, but don’t see that as a deal breaker. 😄🥳 Again thanks for all the info overall! Most appreciated.
I can't tell the difference really.. if I had to pick, the 1st play seemed more full. I'm having trouble understanding this static? Do you have a short sample of the noise? I have the 110. ..along with a vintage AT14s
If the difference between RT85 and RT85N platter height is just 0.5mm wouldn't that much variance occur with just playing a new 180 gram LP vs a vintage 80 gram? Thanks for the insight - you've convinced me the RT85 with 2M Blue is the way to go.
As i understand it, from Fluance, actually it's not the platter but the tone arm is .5mm higher on the RT85N. I have the RT85, and am curious about the Nagaoka MP-110 and I'm going to give it a try. I can't imagine that.5mm would have that much of an impact on the sound. But I'll find out for sure when the Nagaoka get's delivered. Wish me luck!
@@roncochran4979 right the tonearm is higher but you can put a thick mat on the 85n to bring it back up to accommodate the Ortofon Blue. I prefer the Blue to the 110.
The 200 body is also important, you would have had a bigger upgrade going with the full cartridge. People have done tests with 150 on the 110 body and it loses clarity for example.
fantastic video! and very important as well for nagaoka users like me. i have the MP200, and i was tought about upgrade to the MP500. for awhile i was thinking of purchase the JN-500 stylus and to try it on my MP200 body - but i decide to save some money and get the top of the line of nagaoka. btw i'm using the Yamamoto headshell - and i highly recommend it. not sure if it will fit to the fluance but still... here a video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-r8EVyIpZiiE.html
Forgive me as I’m new to this. Is there any benefit to just ordering mp-200 body along with the stylus as opposed to just changing the stylus? I know it’s more money to do that wasn’t sure if there was an added benefit
@@bellisariosonic I’m confused by all the terminology between body and cartridge and head shell. What I’m looking at getting looks like I could just unscrew the current whatever off the tone arm and screw the new one back in without worry with wires or screws. It’s quite a bit more expensive tho.
@@maxfischer469 Yes. You can get the cartridge premounted on the headshell which then twists on to the tonearm. That makes it easier to swap out. However, you still want to check your alignment to make sure it is correct. Just because it comes premounted does not mean that it will be aligned properly.
@@maxfischer469 yes but whenever you get a new headshell with cartridge mounted you still have to check the alignment as to how the cartridge is mounted to the headshell. It has to be straight. I suggest watching a video about it so you can do it right. Also check the tracking force with a scale just to be sure.
