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Nagaoka MP-110 Phono Cartridge
Nagaoka MP-110 Successor model of MP-11 that won a grand prize in Europe. “Collected and decent younger sister”
True, European-Like sound
Well-balanced fidelity
Tranquil to cacophonous tones
The Mp-11's successor, favored in Europe
Nagaoka MP-110 Features:
Superfine polished elliptical bonded stylus tip
Powerful samarium cobalt magnet
Lightweight aluminum alloy cantilever
Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic pole shoe
Anti-ferro-magnetic permalloy shield casing
Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge Specifications:
Stylus Type: Elliptical (0.4x0.7mil, bonded diamond)
Cantilever: Aluminium alloy
Frequency Range: 20Hz - 20.000Hz
Compliance: xxµm/mN
Output Voltage: 5,0mV
Tracking Force Recommended: 1,5 - 2,0g (13 - 18mN)
Type: MM / Moving Magnet
Type: Half-inch mount
Weight: 6,5g
Nagaoka MP Series Flyer PDF
I am very pleased to have bought this nice "budget" cartridge. I bought the MP-110 to see if it would address an issue I was having with my budget reference, the Sumiko Pearl, on my "new" table/arm(Systemdek IIX 900/modified Rega RB250)--end-of-side sibilance/mistracking. Happily, the MP-110 seemed to track better than the Pearl in this setup. This is a little counterintuitive, given the MP-110's argueably less advanced stylus, but it appears to be more compliant than the Pearl. Perhaps the Rega likes that better.
As far as sound characteristics are concerned, the MP-110 is slightly more forward sounding than the Pearl and subjectively brighter, though not abrasive. It presents a nice broad and deep soundstage.The bass is a little more reserved than the Pearl's (a strength of the Pearl, in my opinion), but it is convincing enough for my taste. Surface noise is subdued.
As a vinyl fan, I am glad manufacturers like Nagoaka continue to update their products. While I've heard more expensive cartridges do what the MP-110 does better, I can confidently recommend this cartridge to someone building a reasonably priced system who values musical expressiveness and trouble-free operation.
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