I never knew there was so much music out there that I have never heard of? A strange compilation you presented to us, that I can’t say I enjoyed or will ever hear again, but I still enjoy your viewpoints. Thank you.
Wow, if you already prefer the MP-110 over the 2m Blue, i'm excited what the review of the more expensive Nagaoka's will uncover. Keep up the great work and a happy new year!
Dearest Mike, YOU are so right. ..... honestly... I am actually scared. I also do not know what to think, regarding the more costly Nagaokas... I have them, the MP150, MP200, MP500 with me together with the 2M Bronze, 2M Black, more expensive Goldrings, Grados all starting running in now...and you are so right. I have the exact same feelings too. I am actually scared to uncover what the more expensive Nagaokas can do. I am actually scared. The solidity of the image, the clear harmonics, within that silhoutte, how every instrument GETS their respective clear silhoutte and standing on the stage, despite teh mix getting busy... IS JUST RIDICULOUSLY BETTER with the MP110 over the Goldring 2100, 2M Blue and Grado Red. And I realize recently that this is EXACTLY the reason why I felt like "somebody massaging my neck" as I had stated in my previous MP110 video: It is precisely the band, the instruments in front of you are just realistic that had me transported to the happy times when I always frequent a American Black Jazz band headed by Eldee Young, while they were touring in Singapore. And I always listen there alone to them right in front of me, till the wee hours of 2am+. Unplugged. Thank you Nagaoka MP110 for providing this magic at such a low price point to all of us. Sincerely yours Mike, ian :-)
So after hearing this I still can't wait to play with the Nagaoka Ian. I am glad to see the Ortofon 2M Blue performed well. I was always impressed with it but my experience base with carts is pretty small and I am glad to see you you are steering people towards the the Nagaoka. I agree with you sum up of why spend more money when you don't have too!
Dear Paul, the MP110 is really, an amazing, astoundingly great cartridge. I am speechless about how great it sounds, EVERY SINGLE TIME, i fit on the Nagaoka. It just completely floors the GroupC carts. I was listening to the Goldring 2100, Grado Red and 2M Blue yesterday for hours yet again AND THEN, when I switch over to the Nagaoka MP110, i was just shaking my head in disbelief, and smiling, laughing. Even my wife yesterday told me how the MP110 always makes her feel the music so well, and perceive the band right in front of her so amazingly, and how she always is able to tap her fingers, shake her legs and bounce her head about whenever the Nagaoka MP110 is running the grooves. Truly amazing. I tried to refrain from being overly excited by it... but i can't help it.... ... every time I get accustomed to that good level of performance from the Grado Red, 2M Blue and GR2100, and think to myself "ah ian.... the nagaoka mp110 won't be that much better"...to be always followed by me always wowwing away when I reload the Nagaoka after the three GpC carts... Always. It always impresses again and again. It is stellar. :-D Sincerely, ian.
The cartridge manufacturers are very interesting to me, it seems like they don't really compare some of the competitors products ;) Still waiting to hear if I am going to get the Technics and I should know tomorrow...I hope. I agree with your wife, if the playback doesn't get you engaged, then something is wrong. BTW is that an Icon Audio Phono I spy? If so what do you think about it? I was almost going to grab that one as a blind buy but opted for the Parasound since I was able to listen to it.
Dearest Paul, :-D yes you are sharp to pick that up, an iconaudio ps1mkii. Luckily for me it wasn't a blind buy... i managed to get a full home audition from my local retailer without me asking him so. To let you know more: I actually brought home the Leben RS30eq phonostage too (prior to the iconaudio) to pair with the outstanding CS300xs :-D (yes i truly think the CS300xs is amazing). But guess what Paul? The Leben RS30eq was not nice at all functioning as a pure MM phonostage with only that 23dB of gain. I returned the RS30ed and stumbled upon a British friend's recommendation of this brand iconaudio. Well I checked and to repeat myself, yes, i was lucky to get local representation AND a home audition! 50dB and 70dB of gain for MM and MC, ECC83-based... sounding dynamic, giving start-stop superb deep bass performance, audio spectrum linearity in representation (extended at both ends), on top of the usual tube's midrange beauty and treble sweetness and nonsibilance. It is not cheap sigh..., but i reckon for an all-tube, point-to-point wiring phonostage giving me what I rigorously insist how great sound should be, the ps1mkii is spot on :-D . Sincerely, and best regards always Paul... ian.
I've been plowing through dozens of cartridge reviews over the past few months. Hardly anybody has anything negative to say of the Nagaoka. Hoping it will work with my TT. Too busy at my regular job and sprucing up my old Marantz receiver to deal with it right now.
Another excellent review Ian. The 2m Blue goes for $225 US, with just a stylus replacement costing $175 US. While I purchased an Mp-110 brand new shipped from Japan for only $90 US, and the replacement stylus is only $60 US.
Dearest Brother Wes! You did the maths RIGHT. And thanks for showing the way!!! I have listened countless times again and again, but your MP110 keeps showing me its sonic prowess : definition of images, solidity and clarity of harmonics coming through, the resolution resulting in the believability of the live band before you, the total involvement of your body and psyche to the performance unfolding before you... is not touched by any of the Group C carts. Playing Doug MacLeod's acid test LP There's A Time, just cuts any rope linking between the GroupC carts and the Nagaoka MP110. The former just drifts away into the distance while your Nag sails away to the brilliant fantastic state of immense experience and enjoyment. My wife can tell the difference blindly and easily too within 5 seconds of listening to all the carts, on 3 different sets of systems. You have an absolute winner Brother SupraWES!!!!!! :-D
I got it on E-Bay, I just went and looked and it seems like the lowest price now is $125. Still not a bad deal considering Stylus replacements are only about $50.
Indeed Buddy :-D the MP-110 is better than the 2M Blue. Help yourself!!! Anticipating its arrival is a happy fun thing itself!! Enjoy the journey Buddy! Warmest Regards . ~Ian.
@@HiViNywschannel i have a question: what about the compliance? for example i have the pro ject 2xperience turntable with 8g of effective mass in my tonearm, so? i need a high compliance cartridge. The compliance of the nagaoka is 6, the blue is 20, so? wich is better cartridge for me my dear friend? thanks for your time
Dear Ian, thank you so much for these passionate and very detailed reviews. It's great that you publish this information via these videos, not only for the unbiased and thorough evaluations of the cartridges but also for excellent suggestions towards extending my vinyl collection - it's a wonderfully varied selection of demo tracks you use! Please keep up the good work 👍 All the best from the Netherlands, John
Once again Ian your honesty is highly valued as you prove with detailed analysis that the world of HiFi is a very strange place. Price is no guarantee of "better" ... the 2M Blue is overpriced when compared to the MP110, which is genuinely a real spanner in the works for companies like Ortofon. I see you have the MP500 there - very exciting to hear your views. It's the only MM cartridge that (for me) was a genuine progressive development from the MP110, but of course, at a price. Well done Ian. Love your reviews. You're a spanner in the works to most HiFi magazines because you tell the truth 👍
Chris Bishop Dearest Chris. Really happy to see your message. Just had breakfast here 9:30am... and i hereby wish you a wonderful new year ahead for your family, you and your viny spinning friends.😄😄😄 we look ahead Brother Chris!! and thank you as always for the camaraderie and friendship😄
HiViNyws channel Happy New Year my friend . Wishing you the very best Ian 🍾🎈🍻🎶🎈🥂🔑 2017 👍 PS in regards to the MP500 (unlike the MP110) it needs a long run in period, though I'm sure you know this anyway 😉
Chris Bishop Gosh yes you💪 are right Chris! 🤓 Just had breakfast and going for a new year swim at the pool soon😄... rest well my friend!! A gret day ahead!💪
Thank you for another fantastic review. I received a 2M Blue and MP-110 as Christmas presents this year. I planned to do my own comparison between the two. I've installed the 2M Blue and have been enjoying it. Now I'm even more interested to hear what the MP-110 sounds like. Have a great New Year!
Yes the 2M Blue is a keeper! Please enjoy!!! :-D You have great presents!!!!!!!!!!! Who are the nice souls to give them to you!?!!!! :-D You are indeed blessed!!!! Hahahaha!!!! Happy, - ian.
Always a pleasure to watch your great detailed reviews, I am glad I ordered the Nagaoka MP110 few days ago, as I was still hesitating with ones from group C you still didn't compare 😎. Tx and happy 2017
Dear Buddy, thank you too for your time coming here to catch up with me! Have fun always!!! May you have a lovely 2020 with lots of warm friends in your vinyl'ing journey!!! ~ ian.
Another honest, thorough and very interesting comparison review, thanks Ian, just brilliant, I don;t know of any hi-fi magazine reviews as thorough and comprehensive as yours, cheers!
Dearest fellow brother in Vinyl, I am just humbled to hear of your comment... :-D we will execute People Power :-D and bring sense & affordability, and performance & joy to our beloved vinyl playback medium together!!!!! Audio magazines are tools of consumerism... - We consumers and best warm friends in the vinyl world will try our best to stem all these nonsense from audio magazines (newsstands or online) as long as they accept paid advertisments. i am sorry to say this, but it is so true, MANY A TIMES when countless friends make mistakes buying according to Stars and Choices and Moons... really horrid and despicable, coz they hurt many of us, and bring monies unrightfully to manufacturers for products that ARE really poor and substandard, and totally undeserving of the prices we have to pay. Cheers, cheers my friend!!! We friends will succeed. - Sincerely, ian.
Great review again Ian, I will wait to see your review of top of the line Nagaoka MP500 before making decision on my new cart. I know you have to spend your own money making these reviews for all of us thank you my friend and happy new year 2016 to you and your family!
Dear Brother Veeerasak :-D Hi hi!! I am happy to see you again! Happy New 2017 to you and your family too!!! Yes, I have spent my own money to do all these reviews for the community... hope all of these will really prove useful. The top three GroupB carts are really good value indeed. Great stuff and when paired with the Mani (which you have :-D ) , make for superb vinyl playback for all of us :-D! Hahaha.... I really believe so. I will get to the MP500 vs its competitors in time.... but considering how great the MP110 already is, beating even the GroupC carts... my goodness. We shall see how it goes :-) !!! See you soon my fellow SEAian!!! - ian.
Hello Ian, i know for you this is hard work, but for me its a great pleasure to watch your videos, you explane everything match better than every magazine i read . (and i dont trust the test article in that magazines) . Happy new Year to all vinyl fans.
Dear Brother Thomas , brother-in-vinyl, I sincerely thank you for your really supportive words that touch my heart... I am overwhelmed...and humbled. It is indeed a lot of hard work....many things have to be planned and sorted out and carried out. To explain everything will bore all of you... thus I am really glad you can imagine and understand the many bits of stuffs i need to do. Thank you Thomas. You really touch my heart, and my wife is happy to hear form you too. She said thank you too! Yours Sincerely, ian.
Excellent review Ian, I have had the Blue 2M a couple years now, and totally agree with your findings. I was interested in buying a Black 2M but now I might be buying a Nagaoka MP110. :)
Dear Brother in Vinyl! How are you doing?...still remember your planned trip to Japan this year 2017:-D!!! Roughly, which month? I will be going there in mid-June! Thank you for sharing with us your experience with the 2M Blue. It is highly valuable. Best Regards brother! :-D - ian.
Great as usual. What surprises me was the whole video sound pick up! Indeed Ian meant what he says, the midrange of this cart does stands out.. put on your earphone guys 😂
Hi Bro Jacob!!! Thank you for your kindness yet again... :-D I wasn't at Marina bay area last night, was at home to keep my wife company watching Red-White competition on NHK. Hope you spent a great time with family last night counting down to a joyous new year! :-D Best Regards bro! - ian.
For what it's worth, I don't think many of today's cartridges can compare, in terms of musical beauty and realism to a Glanz moving flux cartridge. I have a Glanz 31L (I think that's the model) and I compared it recently to an Ortofon 2M Bronze. While the Bronze was good, it didn't have the detail and rich sonority of the Glanz. The Glanz gave me the "P" of the pluck, the belly growl of a cello and the fruity tones of a clarinet. The "birth" of a note, as the finger plucks the string of a guitar, or the stick strikes a triangle is vitally important in creating the illusion of reality and, therefore, the enjoyment of the performance. Now I don't know if the Glanz sounds as good as it does because of its Moving Flux technology or something else, but whatever it was, it seems to have been abandoned, like so many other great ideas from 20 or 30 years ago. If moving flux is the secret ingredient of the now defunct Glanz cartridge, why doesn't one of today's cartridge designers resurrect the concept and do all us lovers of vinyl a favour.
Once again, another excellent review. Have been away for a while traveling the globe, from Iceland to Croatia to France and elsewhere in the US, but back home now for a bit. As I've had the 2M Blue over the years, I feel it is overpriced as well, particularly, as you have found, the improvements in sound over others is not that drastically different enough to warrant the increase in price. There are far superior options available, or at least equal options, for even less. Another great, honest, straight-forward review my friend. I hope all has been well and that you had a wonderful Christmas, holiday and all the best for 2017.
Dear Simon, Thank you, for your kindness again. Thank you for your support and encouragement. Thank you for your feedback and experience. You wowed me with all that travelling!!!! What a grand tour you had around the globe!!!! :-D Hope you have settled back well at home, with a lot of joyful memories from the various countries and cultures. Have a peaceful and joyous 2017, you and your family!!! - Sincerely, ian.
Dearest Mike... thank you too for catching up and sending your kind words of support. I need them to sustain my energy along the way. I am really thankful to your gesture my friend, Sincerely yours, ian.
Thanks for sharing this important information. I heard of Lp and the transparency is undescribable. I had always been listening to CD because back in SGP vinyl is kinda out of reach until I come over to the US, it is totally different. Vinyl is affordable within reach. But that goes to my little knowledge about the equipment and set up. You did provide some Shi-Fu advice. Really appreciate. Now I just need some measuring tools for the set for the turntable and speakers. As for getting LP, here is abundance like crazy. thank you again for sharing. 2 thumbs up
Hehheh Brother Lee!!!! Please enjoy vinyl shopping there to the max!!! It is crazy big there, so many records at accessible prices too!!!!!! Thank you for coming to see me and catching up with me! Warmest Regards, and may you and your family be well and happy, safe and healthy always! ~ ian.
Hello Ian. Another superb review now of the 2M Blue. Although I'm not a ortofon fan this cartridge sounds very good. But what a surprise later on in your new video. Unfortunately two weeks ago my stylos of my precious AT120EB just broke off. What happened there we will never know. I was in doubt whether to order a new stylos or try for a couple more euros a completely new cartridge this time. And guess what, thursdat I finally decided to go for the Nagaoka MP110. It's gonna be delivered today in few hours. Haha you just made my day and weekend. I can't wait to install it and give it a try. Have a great 2017. And even spin more.
Dearest Lars, Brother, I am really happy for you with your purchase. And what a great chain of events!!!: stylus broken two weeks ago, and just in time for greeting the New Year 2017 with a Nagaoka MP110!!! AMAZING Brother Lars :-D Hehheh alright, we spin more. Hi five bro. - ian :-D
Great review as usual. The setup at 2:48 looks interesting. I think it may deserve a review by itself. I've only ever heard one pair of Audionote speakers and they blew me away with their realistic tone. Keep up the good work and have a happy new year.
AnalogueInQatar Hi Brother!!! Always the first one to comment and i thank you for catching up yet again😄! May you have a great weekend and a better 2017 coming your way my friend!!! Best Regards!!! - ian.
Hello Ian! Thank you for your review of the Ortofon 2M Blue. This is the cartridge that I selected for my U-Turn Audio turntable. My turntable won't arrive until Jan 3 but you have assured me that I made the correct choice in the cartridges that were available to me. I can't wait to hear it for myself. Here is a list of what I have invested in so far... U-Turn Audio Turntable - acrylic platter, Ortofon 2M Blue, cork mat, cue arm, walnut plinth Viborg disc stabilizer / level Audioengine HD6 walnut Schitt Audio Mani phonostage Audioquest Evergreen RCA cables Audioquset Anti-Static record brush Onzow Zerodust Spin Clean LP washer system Mobile Fidelity Original Master Sleeves Still waiting on ordering the Schitt Valhalla 2, want to see how this sounds first without it. Will reply after my setup gets here. Thank you for the time you spend making these videos, my friend. If I am ever in your area I would love to have a few beers with you!
TheBasqueTerrorist Brother!!! You HAVE an impressive list going on there!!!!! 😄 AMAZING. Walnut-plinthed Orbit with thise AudioEngine HD6 in walnut as well!!!! With that Blue providing a great contrast too to walnut! Aesthetically top marks. Top marks!! It MUST look VERY visually arresting when they come together!!!! 😄😉😎 Isn't it great when great sounding gear LOOKS GREAT AS WELL?!?!!!!!! BEST REGARDS and what a way to start your new year starting tomorrow 3rd!💪✌ - ian😄
Hi Ian, fantastic channel, can't wait for the next video to come. I am always wondering what's next. FYI for the others out there wondering about swapping out their 2M Red stylus for the Blue, definitely! If you are at the stage where you need a stylus replacement, than it is worth while. I know the Nagaoka MP-110 is a great cartridge and I owned the MP 11 in the '80s, it came down to price. In Canada the lowest price I could find was $183 CDN for the MP-110. I got the Blue for $160. To me it sounds very nice.
...hello my friend, I just switched out my Red for the Blue... i have most likely 6 hours on it and I haven’t heard much difference except for the low ends... Did you notice a difference after weeks of usage or breaking-in point from the Blue...??? Thanks my friend.
great reviews sir! i am new to the hobby and wife has gifted me with a pro-ject 2xperience sb. currently have a 2m blue for my spining. your review has helped me understand a lot of information. i always appreciate your very detailed and helpful reviews. best of luck and look forward to learn more from you sir! thank you for your efforts and hope to be lucky enough to bump into you here in sg. cheers!
Eizar Tolentino Heh bro you're in Sg? Sure we can "bump" into each other somehow in Adelphi! 😄hahaha.... thank you for your time writing in to me and catching up Eizar! Enjoy your Pro-Ject and 2M Blue!!!! You are so lucky your wife bought you the 2Xperience and 2MBlue!!!!!💪😄✌
indeed very lucky =0 sure hope so as i find my self frequenting adelphi since i got my table and slowly building up my record library. currently browsing for an mp-110 to keep in stock as well as if it impressed you, it must be something to hear =) cheers sir!
Eizar Tolentino Yes indeed... Adelphi..the land of hifi & vinyl (+Vinylicious+ForTheRecord+VinylKakis{just opened yesterday} all at Peninsula)!!!! Bro i was at 313 with family earlier buying some new year presents for some friends. Just reached home and now listening to records of course!!!😄😄😄😆😆😆
hello ian,i am currently spinning with the 2m blue for sometime now and have added a tube box ds phono stage with belden interconnects.is the difference of 2m blue and nagaoka mp110 greatly noticeable in your opinion?i seem to be looking for more detail and "realness" but do not want to break the bank yet. greatly appreciate your thoughts =)
Hey Ian, them's fightin' words! The Mp-110 better than the 2M Blue! Great review as usual. By the way, I have a Schiit Mani on order (based on your review) and I got my Denon DL-110. The DL-110 is just awesome, I must say it seemed bright at first but coming from a Shure M97XE, it takes some time to adjust. The detail and soundstage blew me away. Doing some A/B with CD, I was amazed at superior imaging and soundstage, something unexpected actually. Anyway, keep up the good work.
I see that this post is 3months old (as of writing). How are you faring now with the schiit maani - dl110 combo ? I also have the maani currently paired with a 2m red (which I hate). So I am upgrading the cart now and need something to give me the oomph. I am after soundstage and dynamics mainly. Will the DL110 live up to my expectations? Tx
Eman Abela Dear Eman😄🖑... hi! I am sorry as i will only come to the DL110 towards the end of the year, with some concrete comparisons and shootouts against some competitors🤗. Apologies my friend...apologies...i can't be of help now. (Fyi: I will be using the avid pulsare2 and icon audio ps1mkii phonostages in these MC shootouts.) I hope to my best job for you dear friends🌞. Best regards, Ian
Hey Ian. Thank you for taking the time to write back. My post was originally intended to wcg66 as an owner of the DL110. I have bought the Schiit Mani after following your reviews. My next step is now to upgrade my cart and I'm inclined towards the DL110. Will continue to follow your series before taking the leap. Keep up the good work Ian. You are doing some priceless work to the audiophile\vinyl community especially to guys like me who have limited opportunities to audition equipment and solely rely on online resources to have an inkling what their next buy might offer.
Eman Abela sorry, I missed your comment. The Mani and DL-110 combination is still sounding great. I think Mani is the best choice in its price bracket. I bet any of Ian's recommended cartridges would be a good match.
Ron Bernard Dear Brother Ron👋😄it is a fantastic album given to me as a VCLT gift by Paul of "barakapdub" channel. He told me about the new mastering genius that is Scott Hull who did this album. I am really glad to have this album...so much so i bought another safety copy. Very good album. Mastering-wise and musically-wise😄🎵🎶.... help yourself my friend. Have fun! Warmest Regards Buddy.
Is there a mistake towards the end of the video? all the sound clips are marked as "2M Blue" in the video, but I think you are trying to compare clips between the 2M Blue and the MP110 so the names should change in that case..
Another great review Ian. Wishing you and your family a fantastic 2017 and thanks for all the good advice this year in improving my vinyl setup. Cheers! I am a little surprised by this review. Nagaoka, Wow! Interesting also because the Blue Ortofon uses the same body as the Red so I figured it would have the same flaws you mention with the AT cart. Glad to know that is not the case.
Yes same body, but the synergy is there... 2M Red just lacks the outright detail and harmonics retrieval to touch the GEMs, but tonally the 2M Red is pretty okay in the first place. The 2M Blue did keep the tonal balance and added much needed details. A good execution in design :-D Dear Luis, thank you for catching up again, I really love to catch up with you. I always remember you and all the stories and journey we have been through. An even more fruitful and joyous year ahead for you and your family in 2017!!! - ian :-D
Thanks again Ian. It's been a good year of vinyl experience for me and I couldn't have done it without your assistance. Thank you for your hard work and your great reviews!
Another great unbiased review, great work Ian.I've often been sceptical about perceived differences between carts as the price increases so your reviews are a fascinating insight. I guess if you increase price further the same would apply (group D I guess).Btw rewatching I noticed you hadn't reviewed one of the best selling group A carts of all time the AT95e !
kidoftheseventies Dear Brother! Thank you. The perceived differences are very often due to the "price"😄 , consumers influenced by the price increase over the lesser carts... hahaha you ARE RIGHT my friend! As i say, i am not a tool of consumerism like paid magazine reviewers...they need to be in the "ring" to promote and sustain the newer product launches and more costly products from manufacturers. We shouldn't let that happen but reward the TRULY HONEST-TO-GOODNESS products their rightful sales from us the consumers. 💪😄People power. We can make it happen. A better and more rewarding vinyl journey for all of us vinyllovers. Best regards my friend!!! Thank you for your kindness and time replying again and catching up!! - ian.
Superb Ian! I've been happy with my setup for some time, but the Nagaoka MP 110 sounds very interesting indeed ;) I await with great anticipation for your next video. Happy new year mate.
Dear Nelson!!! How are you?!! Yes, what a great journey for you thus far, your Green "blowing" your previous 2MRed "out of the water completely" and your amazing Mani doing its duties with aplomb in your system!!! :-D I am really happy to hear from you, always around and so supportive. Thank you my friend. Peaceful and happy 2017 ahead for you and your family too! - ian.
HI Ian. I am on a 2M Red In a Technics SL-1210mk2. I like the Sound but would the Nagaoka MP110 be worse or better In this configuration. Great video and review.
Exactly Brother :-D... I am bewildered too!!!!! I think you should know the answer too.... it should be that, ortofon, is the only company (besides audiotechnica) to be able to support turntable manufacturers volume sales of their cartridges. Goldring, Nagaoka and Grado simply can't cope with the demand : "oh supply my company with 50,000 cartridges for my 50,000 turntables". And, Technics wouldn't want to give this contract to AudioTechnica, which produces turntables too (which means, it is Technics competitor in the turntable market). AND THUS, Technics go with a company that makes purely cartridges by the volumes: Ortofon. And with volume sales, most turntable manufacturers can get good bulk discounts from Ortofon. Economies of scale :-D makes business sense for them. Warmest Regards my friend!!! and thank you for coming to see me again!! Thank you for your kind time Buddy. Have fun! ~ ian.
@@HiViNywschannel Yeah... But Ortofon also could make 50000 of 2M Blue cartridges. For about $10-15 more per cartridge. Now, Reloop sells it's TURN5 model with Ortofon 2M Red for $800 and Technics wants $1200 for their SL-1500C with the very same cartridge.
Thanks for this video about the Ortofon 2M Blue. I am seriously considering buying one for my refurbished Technics SL-23. However, after reading the comments about the Nagaoka MP110 I have to consider it over the 2M Blue. Thank you for your comments and videos.
Dear Brother in-Vinyl, definitely, anytime, the MP-110 is much better. For your information, my test decks now include the usual Technics Mk5, GAE, G, Avid Sequel with SME V and the Rega Planar 3. I need to let you know so that you know I have been thorough. The MP-110 is superb :-D !!! Hope you have a wonderful time ahead! ~ ian
The cart that EVERYBODY recommends... If I didn't love my Grado so much, I might be looking at this guy. Did you ever do a shootout of the whole family line together (like Red and Blue back to back) - would the same opinions stand are would they stand out more (or less)? I actually have no idea, but I do trust your ears!
Dearest Kris, Thank you :-D... I do have the Black, Green and Red and yes, the Red's review is coming out soon within the next few weeks... the scoring as well :-D... thank you for trusting my ears brother Kris!!! Hope you have returned from the Disney trip, fresh and even more energized!!! Best Regards!!!! - ian :-D
Especially for those with glass turntable platters, you'd do better to buy a $100 Achromat and any of the Group B top three cartridges (Grado Green, Goldring Elektra, Nagaoka MP110) than buy one of the Group C top three. Glass rings like a bell and the Achromat nicely dampens it without adding its own resonance.
I see Sir! :-D Thank you for suggesting the $100 Achromat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-D THUMBS UP. I really value yours and Brother "Nebulus's very resourceful ideas. Really take my hats off to you both. May you enjoy the Kohaku show starting at 7:15pm in Japan with your family of friends!!! Yours Sincerely, ian :-D
Another great review Ian and a Happy New Year to you - I am looking forward to all you reviews to come in 2017!! Your reviews and high praise of the Schiit Mani and Nagaoka Cart etc is so helpful to all us Vinyl fans. Correct me if I am wrong here Ian but I truly believe your faithful and 'humble' turntable the Technics SL1200 is perhaps worthy of it's own independent review from you!! I do not mean that you should gather other turntables to compare it against. Just review it as it is using all the head knowledge and experience that you have from memory of other turntables you have used or owned like your old Rega Rp6 etc. I think the 'humble' Technics is worthy of it's own performance review after all those carts and phone stages it has been utilised for for your reviewing purposes!!! :-) Have a great New Year Cheers David
My Musical Adventures Wow. Your breakdown of facts and your reasoning is spot on. It is indeed worthy a cause...to talk about the Technics SL1200. And the past history of use of the RP6. Indeed worthy to talk about it... Thank you for your extremely kind consideration and immense thoughts. Thank you, is not enough. .... But still i say, thank you brother. Yours Sincerely, ian
Some carts just do not track well as others :-D luckily we all have options!!! Thank you Buddy for coming by saying hi and accompanying me on a Thursday afternoon!!! Warmest Regards, ~ ian.
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones, Ian. Thank you for tirelessly producing these eye opening and extremely helpful shoot outs. I love how it turned into another boost for the MP-110 towards the end - but then again, I could see this coming based on the hints you had dropped in your last video. ~ Josh
spinalcrackerbox Dear Josh!... i simply have no choice. Got to say it upfront early this time. The MP110 simply walks over them for realism, separation, soundstaging. I simply cannot take it when i compared the GroupC top3 carts to the MP110. Makes my jaw drop. Best of music and joy for you brother Josh!!!!!!💪😄✌ - ian
One question: Where in Tokyo would you recommend buying a MP-110 (I guess there is no store that would also mount it on a head shell at the same time)?
spinalcrackerbox Dear Brother!.. *MANY* of my friends bought their Nagaoka MP110s from Yodobashi Camera at Akihabara!!!! They swarmed it and apparently ransaked their stocks... though the MP110H (with the attached headshell) will still be available usually coz it is more expensive and people want the MP110 a-la-carte (cheaper) without the headshell :-D... Best Regards Josh!!!!!!!!!! :-D Let me know of anything you want to know... I will do my best for you. Best Regards, ian.
I think the H version is costs about 2,000-3,000yen more😅. Hahaha ian-san is just another nerdy consumer who ever passed by their store. March i hear?!? CONGRATULATIONS MY BROTHER!!!!!😄👍 HAVE A JOLLY GOOD TIME THERE!!!
Thank you very much again, Ian. If you had two hundred dollars to spend would you buy an Orofon 2m Blue cartridge or would you buy a Nagaoka MP 110 cartridge and a pair of "Music Matters" 2 x 45 RPM Records? Now we know the answer! All the best for the New Year!
Brother... you are really resourceful to throw in a pair of "Music Matters Jazz" double gatefold 45rpm records. Happy New Year dearest brother...and may your family and friends gather around your turntable revelling in joyous cheers for a better and peaceful 2017, - ian :-)
HiViNyws channel Hello Ian! First time writing, but enjoying your reviews for many weeks now. Would like to know your feelings about the Hana cartridges - great reviews here in UK, especially the SL with its shibata stylus. Wishing you a Happy New Year in 2017!! 👍
WOW the Hana cartridges!! Tell me about it brother! Luckily I do have local representation for Hana here in Singapore, and hence would love to get to them in time. They always interest me, a lot. I passed by the retailer today a few hours ago too! :-D Best of regards for AVFC and your gang of brothers in UK! - ian :-D
Goldring Elektra is nothing else than a vintage Nagaoka C51E/II, also sold rebadged as Empire 105LT & 205LT, Fisher MG-29DE, Nagaoka C51E/II, Sanyo MG-29DE and Toshiba C51M/IIE.
GOSH, YOU ARE RIGHT BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!! I Just looked at it. Sorry for being late to reply you Brother Marko. Thank you immensely for showing it to us. Thank you. Grateful, and warmest regards to you and your family and friends too :-D ~ ian.
Wong Ang Lai Dearest Brother Ang Lai! Happy New Year to you too and a joyous one for your whole family too😄✌ Thank you for chatting up and i cherish your support always.💪 PixelStick working for you my brother?😄
I am having difficulty to set my new Ortophon 2M RED on my P1. I used the calibrator to install it as required and set the downward tracking to 1.8 as recommended . But it jumps track on almost all my vinyl records. I watch your video of antiskating on Rega P1 and I would like you to tell me what spacing I need to adjust my antiskating magnet for the Ortophon 2M red.
The Nagaoka MP-110 by miles. Buddy Berwin😄, I have done the cartridge reviews on many cartridges. Do browse through them too for your reference. Warmest Regards my friend🤗 and hope that you and your family nf friends are safe from the ash. ~ ian.
Hi friend, I like your instructive videos. I would like to ask you what quality is among the portions of gramo: Shelter 201 vs Nagaoka MP-110. Thank you very much in advance for your help. Have a nice day to Japan Hi Kamil Pařez
Revisiting this video and having now ran my 2M Blue close to 50 hours, I can attest that it has a good tonal balance over the frequency range, doesn't do anything exceptionally well, but on the other hand doesn't do anything bad either (much like a balanced cart with sound settings set to flat). Very clear and detailed for a cartridge in it's price range and I'd recommend it for folks who like a more CD type sound with good stereo range separation. I have my cart matched to a blue colored Ortofon SH-4 headshell and that cart/headshell combo is a match made in heaven. Very easy to install since there are no nuts needed, the mounting screws go mount directly into the top of the cartridge body itself. Only gripe is the pins are spaced close together so you need tweezers unless you have super thin fingers.
HiViNyws channel I’m fine. Gotta wash the car and some other errands then hopefully do some needle drops for my channel uploads. Really eager to hear your next group tier of carts to review. Hoping that MP-200 does well with your review. Take care Ian!
hello my friend, I just upgraded to the Blue from the Red... I haven’t heard much of a difference accept with the low ends... Did you notice any difference in the Blue performance over the days and weeks of play....???? Thanks my friend!
Dear Michael, :-) thank you for coming by and lending your support, i really cherish you friends' kindness. Thank you very much!! Yes, I will be doing more on Group E and Group F higher range cartridges, and some more affordable MC cartridges on the market, with a lot of care, patience and diligence as usual :-D. Hope you have fun too along the way!! Warmest Regards, ian.
Would you recommend an 2m blue or Elys2, as an upgrade for a Planar 2 record player? Or should I stay with original Carbon? You reviews are great. I like how you compare short parts of the music to directly compare differences.
So before looking at this video I was thinking Sumiko Pearl (not black Pearl) or Grado Red (currently on sale for $15 more than the Pearl). I called the vendor and he said I should consider the Sumiko Rainier ($25 more). They do not carry the MP-110. I have a Denon DP 400 turntable, Denon AVR 2500 and Klipsch RP-250s. I know you love the MP-110, if the vendor can't (or won't) get the MP-110 which of the other Sumiko Pearl, Sumiko Rainier or Grado Red would you suggest? I've learned a lot from your videos and appreciate the work you've put into them.
Lovely review with a great selection of LP records for this test. Eva Cassidy - Songbird vinyl record sounding so beautiful on your setup. Is it your that Technics SL1200 being played here? So you mean Nagaoka MP110 is better sounding than the cartridge featured here on this video, the - "Ortofon 2M Blue"?! After your suggestion, I did buy Nagaoka MP110, though yet to hook up.
Hi lan! Very nice review. I’m writing from the U.S. I currently own a Sumiko Peal cartridge, I’m contemplating upgrading to the Ortofon 2M blue or one of the Nagaoka cartridges either the mp110 or mp150. In your opinion which one will be a very nice upgrade from the Sumiko pearl. Thank you very much.
Dear Buddy Sergio😄👌... The MP-110 is already a big upgrade from the Pearl. The MP-150, though more expensive, has a level of performance that far outweighs the price difference. Totally satisfying to see our hard-earned money worth the while💪😄👍🎶🎵🎶🎶 Thank you for catching up my friend!!.. Warmest Regards.
Hello Ian Another week I have to thank you for your great work with the revisions of the cartridges, which is not easy because of their sonic characteristics. (Thumbs up) It would also be interesting if you put some classical music, because of its texture and musical complexity, if possible, thank you. I sent you an email, I do not know if you received it, tell me something. Enjoy the new year with family and good music. :-D
Dear Josep, thank you so much for your kindness again. Okie, i will include classical pieces in future rounds of assessment :-Din the next Group D round. Promise. THANK YOU!!! Brother, i will continue putting in my hard work... you friends are all my beloved family. A warm vinyl community that everybody is so involved in. Merry 2017 and happiness for your family and friends too! - ian
Hello. You've convinced me to buy Ortofon 2M Blue (actually to Nagaoka, but, unfortunately, my tonearm is to light for this one). Sounds good, but without bass! It's good but so silent! It is possible for cartridges from one type to sound such different, or there can be some compatibility adjustment/problem I don' know? Could you give me some hint according to your wide experience?
Brother :-D just enjoy your 2m blue.... have fun! Btw many the Nags sound great with light tonearms, with my SME V as well!... and my friends' Rega 330 tonearms! More important than compliance matching, there are many otehr factors that count more: the level of engineering of tonearm bearings, how smooth they are to bring out the beauty of the cartridge, the resonance control of the tonearm tube itself, etc... many of my friends have put aside respectfully those equations and formulae to calculate compliance vs tonearm weight for many years beacuse they realise they are not as reliable as our human ear. Use our ears, rely on the strength of engineering of the deck, control of rumble, tonearm smoothness and engineering, and we will be rewarded absolutely :-D!!! Thank you for coming by and catching up, we can talk again! Warmest Regards, ian.
Thank you very much for so fast and kind answer. I found a solution which seems to work, more or less. I changed the Vertical Tracking Angle like it happens, when the tonearm is mounted deeper. The basses are now more noticeable. It required a little engineering, because my turntable is completely different level, than than the models you show and mention (Philips GA 312 from 1987). But you made me think once again about Nagaoka. It worked alrady with 10um/N so there's hope knowing the 6um/N at 100Hz gives about 9um/N at 10Hz. By the way. If you plan to do some comparison once, I suggest AT-F7. I had it short time before Ortofon and enjoyed it really. The problem was my iron :-) platter. So I had to change it. But it sounded really impressive for my simple man's ear. Thank you and kind regards!
Hi, I am a big fan of yours and appreciate your knowledge. I had a question for you. I have a project debut esprit carbon turntable and would like to upgrade my cartridge from the ortofon 2m red but I can't decide on the right cartridge. I am considering the ortofon 2m bronze or the nagaoko 150. I would like to ask for you opinion as to which you would recommend. Thank you
Dear Friend :-D Thank you for your kind words and support. Do move along taking your time, and not rushing. Enjoy the journey ;-D As for the advice: it will be the MP-150. Proceed confidently.
HiViNyws channel Dear Friend :-) Thank you for your reply and the time you take out of your day in order to help and educate us in the beauty of the Vinyl World. I am currently running a project debut carbon esprit SB with the schiit mani ( like you recommended) but now i am unsure on what cartridge i should thank invest in. I watched your nagaoka mp 150 or 200. I trust in your wisdom and would love to hear what you think would be a better treat for my ears and life. To be able to sit back after a hard day's work put on a vinyl and get absorbed why the sounds and beauty that comes from the Vinyl and TT. Have a blessed day bro
Hi Ian, thanks so much for the marvellous reviews. They are invaluable for people like me who are starting out in vinyl. I’ve recently acquired a TT with 2M blue installed and practically new, but I have the option to get it without the cart and purchase a new MP110 at the same price. Which would you recommend please? Thanks!
Dear Friend, :-) get your new turntable with the Nagaoka MP-110. You are fortunate that you have the option to get your new turntable without the cart(2MBlue). Brother, if you find that you can purchase the MP-110 from some Japanese reputable ebay seller at a cheaper price, then purchase it yourself from ebay instead :-D... I am happy to receive your message and kind words! Have fun my friend, ~ ian.
Hi! What's the best choice? Nag MP110 or Ortofon 2MBlue? Is the lifespan on the nagaoka inferior? Will the 2m blue last longer (with same care on both stylus of course)? Nagaoka mentions a lifespan of 150-200 hours. :/ Thnaks!
Hi! Thank you for all the details. May I kindly ask what should I do to improve the sound on my Planar 1? Is the 2M Blue better than the carbon? Is there such a wow difference. What cartridge should I choose? Or should I be looking for a new turntable? Thank you!
How much time do you give the cartridges to play in? I have multiple Ortofon cartridges; especially the 2M Blue and the Concorde Century need a lot of play in time, about 40 hours. Some cartridges, like the 2M Black, Shure M97xe and the Micro Benz Glider S don't need that much time, about 6 hours to really get up to full performance. However, the Ortofon DJ cartridges like the Nightclub MK2 and MK2 Club don't even need any play in time.
Dear Buddy :-D thank you for coming by and catching up!!! How do you do? Brother, after unboxing and filming the process much earlier (usually 2-3months) before the rest of the filming catches up (the auditioning, the recording of sound files, speech and review). Each cartridge is runned-in for more than about 100hours easily as the eager me like to know the honest truthful performance of each. I am not doing this for any monetary returns, and this is purely my efforts to answer to the vinyl public. My reputation is at stake, and also the only thing I hope for for all the time and monies i am putting in, is that things are properly done and revealed to the vinyl community. Thank you for all that you have written about all the carts listed...their run in time and more!!! :-D I hope for you are super weekend!!!! Joyful and Peaceful vinyl'ing journey ahead Brother!!! ~ ian
@@HiViNywschannel Wow nice, I like your turntable collection btw. I also have a Technics SL-1200G, but I never had the chance to buy a 1200GAE (was sold out way too quickly imo). Does the 1200G sound different from the 1200GAE?
You have to be extremely proficient at cartridge setup. I'm curious to know how long does it take you to set up a cartridge from the box? Fine job as always. Thank you!
Dear Brother!!! Still enjoying your stonkingly SUPERB Rega Aria I believe!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-D You have a champion up your (records') sleeve (pun intended)!!!!!! Hahahaha!!! Usually it takes anything from an hour to 1.5 hours to get all the parameters right (sra,azimuth,overhang,etc) :-D. Others may be faster. I do it at my own pace :-D Best Regards my friend! - ian.
Wow, you remembered me!.... LOL. I'm enjoying the Rega very much. I smile everytime I play a record. Money well worth it. It take me a little longer than you to set up a cartridge. Probably a couple of hours. But it's a labor of love. My eyes are not as good as they use to be. I have to use jewelers Eyewear with built-in flash light.... LOL. Thanks again for your reply and another highly informative video. Happy spinning! Cheers!
Dear friend, ME too, eyesight not as good as before!!! Hi five!!!! :-D hahahaha!!! Oh yes, it is a labor of love! And boy do we love it!!! "... I smile everytime I play a record." Thank you brother! Happy spinning too!!!! - ian :-)
Dear Brother, you are right about it. I have considered it. But because the $300 Elys2 which I had used in the P3 video, really was outperformed by the GEMs of GroupB which cost only $90-120 each, I had omitted the $160 Bias2 in this test.... I am sorry about it. I do have positive feelings about Rega, this brand, offering great quality plug-and-play decks RP1-P1....P3...RP6... and I owned a RP6 with Exact2 cartridge for two years as well in the past. But as to individual cartridge performance, it would be best to retrofit these great decks with cartridges from other brands. Ever since I had unwillingly sold my RP6 earlier this year to fund the GpA and GpB cartridges' shootout for the vinyl community, I never missed my RP6+Exact2 because I cannot escape from my true feelings that the current Technics SL1200Mk3D or Mk5 that me and my friends have, coupled with a Nagaoka MP110, sure easily beats out the RP6+Exact2, and I now own the Mk5 and has been enjoying all these GpB GEMs ever since. GEMs = Grado Green, Goldring Elektra and Nagaoka MP110. :-D Best, best regards my friend, Really appreciate you talking it out loud to me and asking why the Bias2, Elys2 and Exact are omitted. Sincerely, ian.
What setting for the tonearm height (VTA) would you recommend for a 2m cartridge on a Technics 1210 M5G when using the original Technics rubber mat? The height of the cartridge is 18mm. According to the turntable manual it should be at height control position 1.
Greetings Dr.Ian... My MP 110 is in the mail and I should receive it early this week. I'd still appreciate your input though. Do you think it can be upgraded with the MP 200's stylus? Would upgrading it be worthwhile in your opinion? Any help is as always, greatly appreciated! You vinyl buddie, Vic aka Don Vito...🔊🎼🎵🎶🎶🎹🎸🎷🎺🎻🥁💣💥😎🥩🥜🥗🍷🍰☕
Yes Buddy Don!!! Hehheh!!! MP-110 in the mail!!! I don't think it should be loaded on with a JN-P200 stylus. Apologies my friend...... :-) I am sure you know my heart. Brother, enjoy the MP-110 in its entirety and as a lovely satisfying whole.... Another day, you can get the MP-200 :-D ...you are enjoying the journey and learning great stuffs as you listen along! I still thoroughly enjoy my MP-110 all the time ;-D Warmest Regards Buddy.
@@HiViNywschannel Hey Dr.Ian, The World's Vinyl Ambassador! ... Thank you very much for your sagacious input! You are saving me time, $ and aggravation. I will take your advice and wait until I can budget for an MP200. In the meantime I can enjoy the MP110 as I have 2 tonearms mounted on my Denon VL12 TT... This will be an interesting audio exercise! 😜👍👊
@@HiViNywschannel Dr.Ian, World Vinyl Ambasdador!... I'm back..I'm not wanting to be a bother but I forgot to ask you IF ... you've heard and/or had time to eval either of the MP300 and MP500 and what are your impressions? Is the MP200 as far as we need to go? Is there even more to gain with the MP300 or MP500? Sometimes I say: "Go BIG or go home!" ... lol... so I'm interested if it will be worthwhile to increase budget and go for "the whole enchelada". Inquiring minds want to know... Vic aka DonVito! 😎👍👊💣💥
Thank you, we love your friendly reviews! I was wondering what to choose if you have a lower quality turntable (other than get a better turntable!)? Would the 2M Blue or MP110 work better on a poorer system (ie Akai AP-D40)? thank you
@@rachelkim1027 If you reside in the U.K. I would have recommended the Goldring 2100/006 coz Goldring 2100, 1006 are great value for money. If you are not in the U.K., I would recommend the Nagaoka MP110💪😄!!! You can go ahead my friend!!!🎵🎶🎵🎶
Hello ,and congratulations for your channel.Do you know how to achieve 92 deg. rake angle for 2m blue with the Technics 1200mk2?I suppose I have to raise arm's height above 3 which is the correct set for the height of 2m blue?
I have a Fluance RT80 and I'm looking to upgrade the cartridge/stylus. I was thinking about going with the 2M Red but now I'm thinking of going with either the 2M Blue or the Nagoaka MP110. I'm mostly concerned about overall cost if I have to buy a new headshell due to the light counterweight on the tonearm. I know I need an official Ortofon headshell because it's lighter than the stock Fluance (Audio Technica) headshell and thus it'll cost me more in the end. Do you think the Nagoaka MP110 will be ok with the stock headshell? I don't want too much weight obviously.
hello Ian!! i'm a bit stuck between getting the MP-110 or the 2M Blue and i don't know what would sound best with my current set-up. i have the AT-LP120 USB with a pair of Klipsch R-15M bookshelf speakers and a Pioneer SW-8MK2 powered subwoofer. it's a bit budget, but i was wondering what you think is best. Thank you!!
Dear Buddy :-D, thank you for coming by and catching up! The MP-110 please. Performs much better in all sound parameters, and much more joyful to listen to, than the 2M Blue. In the Ortofon line up, the cheapest one that matches the MP-110's performance, is the 2M Bronze. I have all of them, and have tested them comprehensively :-D. Help yourself to the Nagaoka. May you have a wonderful vinyl appreciation journey!! Warmest Regards, ~ ian.
and what about the MP-150 against the 2M Blue?? i want something that isn't so much colored by warmness and has a great amount of detail but isn't harsh sounding as some say the 2M Blue can be. if there's another cart you can recommend in the same price range as the carts i've mentioned, please do!! i am still very stuck. Thank you!
Steven Zagony Dear Buddy👋😄 i have just done the reviews of the 2M Bronze and Grado Platinum2 cartridges, and the MP-200 is coming soon a fortnight🤗!!! Thank you for coming Brother! Warmest Regards!..
HEEY! I was wondering if you knew if a manual clean with record cleaning fluid and a mofi record brush would be enough to get rid of the mould release agent on the record. I dont have enough money for a RCM since im a teenager (might get one down the line)
So it seems that Nagaoka still rules over cartridges in group C? I was just wandering, when you test cartridges, how long does it take for them to "settle in". To give the full balance of bass, midrange and treble ... is it 20, 50, 100 hours ... ? Because it seems to me that you really test them thoroughly, and it must be very time consuming.
Miljen Maletin Dear Miljen!!... Great to see you again!!! Yes indeed. A lot of hard work. But if one really puts his mind to it, one will be able to accomplish it. Just need to put in hard work, anybody can accomplish it😄. Best regards and look forward to more updates from you again regarding your beautiful vinyl system coming up! 😁🖐
Brother :-D, do get the MP-150. Super CART!!!!!! I have not completed the shoot-out between the MP-200 and its peers and hence I cannot recommend the MP-200 currently. Apologies my friend!... The MP-150 is what I can fully vouch for!!! :-D SUPER CART!
