I got the nagaoka mp-200 combined with schitt mani on my technics sl-1210gr. A lifetime setup. Superb sound! The mp-200 is truly the best value for the money on the mp series.
@@MD-cy6pe mani 1. Think of upgrade to 2 model. Hope 2 c some review on those two. But still with the mani 1 the sound is outstanding. I think the funk firm AMP will be my next upgrade before the mani 2.
I had thought of using an mp200 stylus in my 110, just to see what the boron provided, I am still not sure, 200 stylus in 110 body ? 200 cart? 300 cart ? IDK.
I have the Mani 2. It's a fine phono stage, but I found that my vintage Pioneer SX-1080 receiver's built in phono stage has almost no difference in sound. Apparently Pioneer used a pretty boss phono stage back in the mid 80's, lol. The Mani's strength is in it's versatility. It has a ton of different adjustment settings that would fit virtually any need. ✌
I currently own the MP-500 upgrading from the MP200. A good friend of mine has the MP300. Over here price of the MP500 about 20% more than the MP300 so I'd say it's worth the little extra. They do have a similar sound around the mids with the MP500 just having a bit more detail. It's the crisper high ends and the deeper low end where the MP500 stands out. It's also better at bringing out the more subtle moments like the faint and soft purcusion heard on 'Kind Of Blue' The rest of my setup is SL1210GR, Oyaide Headshell, Musical Fidelity M3X, Yamaha AS1200.
I got the MP200 a couple years ago and was mostly happy with it - it's the 'fastest'/'snappiest' cart i own but the high end seemed rolled off; after a year or so of waffling i ordered the MP500 stylus from a japan ebay seller and was immediately much happier. i still have my MP200 stylus with fairly low hours; i should do a comparison video of the two, but the highs are so much smoother/clearer/with more sparkle, espeically the inner grooves.
What type of music do you listen to? Also, have you had a chance to listen to mono recordings? If so, how did it sound? I’ve had the 150 for a few years. It’s good but lacks high frequency sparkle to my ears. I think a jump to 200 isn’t worthwhile but to the 300 or 500 it should. My feelings were if I don’t go for the 500 I’ll always be wondering?! My listening tastes range from jazz, golden hits and classic rock. I do wonder what the 300 or 500 would do for me. Thank you.
@@scottdavis0801 I would only buy the true zu audio cart and not a second hand rebuilt cart with a metal body. More to it than that. One thing to consider is conical stylus can create more wear on your records. Just higher surface point pressure. The mp 300 is amazing that reveals textures you probably never heard before but your system must be good enough to demonstrate this. A good preamp, amp and speakers. I will be getting the mp 500 stylus soon for a review.
This is only my personal experience. I have both the mp200 and the Mp500. When I switched to a more expensive High-output moving coil 'Sumiko Blackbird', it was clearly a huge step up in neutrality, resolution, upper extension, dynamics, soundstage, imaging - you name it. The Nagaoka's are very good in their price range, they have a very soothing and friendly sound, but in direct comparison with a good moving coil, they sound very rolled off, and closed-in, with a much smaller soundstage. And I have to stress that I used the very same RIAA the entire time. (EAR phonobox mm/mc) These experiences was had on a Technics 1500C
The MP 300 and 500 share the same body ! You can upgrade later to the 500 replaceable stylus ; huge bonus ! The 300 is an outstanding cartridge ; you’ll have to spend a hell of a lot more to beat it !
i have just bought 2 shure m70b carts unopened from the 70s ,they sound awesome and life beams out of them ,for 30 buck each ,i have highend gear to so comparing is easy etc,if it can be done decades ago why is everyone paying so much even for humdrum me to gear..
Most folk are obsessed with extreme cuts. They simply don't know that a quality elliptical can track inner tracks just as well, and of course, is much less exacting of set-up. I suppose it's because most have experience of poor performing ellipticals.
not obsessed but i hear a notable difference on my mp200 with its original stylus (same elliptical as the 300) vs the 500 fine line. it's physics - the groove spacing at 16khz is barely wider than the contact patch of the stylus, especially near the inner grooves. a fine line/shibata/vandenhul/microline etc is "skinnier" from front to back (and more elongated so it touches more of the groove wall) than hyperelliptical which is skinner than elliptical which is WAY skinnier than conical
I have the MP500 and love it. I have not heard the MP300 but I would imagine that the sound is very close to the 500. The specs are either the same or slightly different. The only real difference would be the stylist. The 500 has a superfine line contact where as the 300 has a superfine polished elliptical diamond. I wonder if you could put a 500 stylus replacement on the 300?
Yes, the same body but different stylus as you mentioned. I will try the mp-500 stylus in the future. My experience tells me the line contact provides a blacker background. So even better yet. Thanks for the comment
@@ThriftShopReviews better at the very top - a line contact has a thinner but taller contact patch so it will trace the highest frequencies more accurately
HI, 100% compatible, I put a Nagaoka MP500 stylus in a MP300 cartridge, It´s amazing, no more Inner Groove Distortion, tracks better than any stylus, Thats what a fine line stylus can deliver that no one else can, say (elliptical, hiperelliptical). I bought a MP300 cartigde sec. hand and two MP500 stylus replacement. So I can tell ther´re compatible, a think the MP300 (body) is the same as the MP500 except for the stylus. Specs are the same. Just get one cheap (broken catilever) and order an MP500 stylus, it seats perfect with the allen screw on the side. The best cartidge/stylus I´ve ever had.
@@klaymoon1 I plan to get the no-500 stylus so I can review. The gold does look nice. Just make sure with either you check your compliance with your tonearm.
Mp-200 and empire 2000z are the best mm and audio technica at-oc9xen mc. Had many different cartridges over the years but I still use my empire 2000z from the 70's and had ortofon different models nagaoka mp-200 and the empire cartridge are stuck and together with audio technica at-oc9xen are my favourites
MP = "Moving Permalloy", which is a kind of Moving Iron alloy. From Wikipedia: "Permalloy is a nickel-iron magnetic alloy, with about 80% nickel and 20% iron content." The Nagaoka MP series cartridges are not moving magnet cartridges. And I agree, the MP300 and MP500 are excellent.
I agree with you. However slightly different take on what it is. Yes, permalloy is 80% Ni and 15%Fe and 5 % Moly and is highly magnetic. Moving magnet designs use stable coils in the housing where moving coils use moving coils with fixed magnets. The Nagaoka MP series use both a permalloy moving magnet and fixed samarium cobalt magnets in its design. Its a very unique design. Companies that sell it list it as a moving magnet design as it physically has a permalloy moving magnet but yet also has fixed magnets!
I have an MP-500 and honestly don't love it. It's a good sounding cart but it's too laid back and polite for my taste. I've tried it on about 4 tables and 5 phono stages...all with good but not excellent results.
Ok. Holy Grail? On a previous video you were extremely happy with the Hana EH, which I have and truly like. I realize there is a price difference of $200-300 when new. Could you please compare/contrast the two since you have both. Apples to apples or apples to oranges??? Thanks
Nice table. I plan to get the 1210gr next along with a vpi prime. I love the Hana EH and probably the best under $500. I plan to do another shootout in the $700 to $800 range and will discus if the Hana competes. I probably should have called this holy grail of MM carts. Be on the lookout for an upcoming sumiko songbird review.
I started with the MP100. I quickly made my way through the range. The MP500 rivals my Dynavector 20x2. The differences are there. And yes the 20x2 is better. But the MP500 is a wonderful cart.
The only way for me is to get a great deal used. MP150 new is half the MP300 new price. Getting the MP300 used for new MP150 prices requires determination and patience. Worth the effort.
@@audioaficionado9494 I just hope it doesn't have too many hours on it or it'll be worn out before you know it! I got my MP-150 from someone I knew so I knew it didn't have too many hours on it. Enjoy!
These specific amounts aren’t etched in stone; patently, there is considerable latitude, but this is the gist of a “reasonable” breakdown… $200 turntable, $100 cartridge, $100 phono preamp. $1000 turntable, $500 cartridge, $500 preamp. 😉 You get the idea..
I recently picked up a Sony PS-X555ES and I have found an MP-300 for almost the same price as an MP-200, so I’m really tempted to pick one up. Carts I’ve used in the past are AT440MLA, DL-110/160/103R and M97xe. Like yourself I listen to metal (Black/Death) as well as other genres (Jazz and Classical especially). I know the MP300 is a bonded elliptical and some say that is detrimental compared to a nude elliptical, but others say it’s not a problem. How does the mp300 compare to Microline or Shibata styli/carts in regards to IGD? Do you notice any IGD on worn records? Is their anything about the MP-300 that you think it lacks?
I don’t care as much for the stylus type compared to the coil or magnet system being used. Other then conical that can wear records faster. I also never had IGD with a cart unless tonearm and Anti skate were not correct. The mp-300 is an amazing cart. One of the most detailed in the way it can retrieve textures especially in the mid bass area. Get it and don’t look back.
If you ever heard an original Nagaoka MP 50 Super with laser drilled hollow sapphire cantilever, you'll realize that it was the true holy grail (at least of moving magnet cartridges). The MP300 or the more expensive MP500 don't offer jewelled cantilevers and therefore fall somewhat short of the magic of the original MP50s. If you ever heard one you'd know what I'm talking about. There is a freedom from grain and distortion I've only heard from hollow jewelled cantilevers (sapphire, ruby or diamond) that even boron and beryllium can't quite match and aluminum and titanium fall far short of.
my next cart will be one of the soundsmith models with a fine line and this style cantilever. (or i might get my original mp200 stylus replaced with a new cantilever/stylus of this type)
HI, Sapphire stylus leaves residue in the grooves as it wears out. Can´t be cleaned, heat melts the sapphire into the grooves. Be carefull with that. All sapphire stylus does that, thats the reason stylus are diamond since early 1970´s
@@gerardoromano3436 I'm talking about the cantilever tube (not the stylus) being made of sapphire... hollowed out by lasers for lowest mass. Of course the stylus itself is a line contact polished diamond.
Okay you like this cartridge but compared to the Denon 103R honestly how much of a difference is there. I funded the Denon for the money the best value and I've had the bronze the black and Audio-Technica cartridges, just find them not as good as the Denon103r also I've Had The nakaoka 110 150 and 200 I still prefer the Denon??? You've compared all these cartridges what do you think??🤔✌
I love the denon dl-103 and for the value I would stick with it unless you feel you’re missing something. The nagaoka just provides another level of texture in the music that you don’t get with dl-103.
@@ThriftShopReviews alright sounds good so what do you think 10 20% better I always want to hear something a little different and would love to purchase this but don't want to make it if it's not a significant upgrade🤔✌
I actually Never has a MM cartridge, n the best Cartridge I ever had was many years ago a Shure V15 111 I used the Shure obstacle caurse record n it tracked well near its top weight limit still have the record sadly Not the V15 now am using an old M75ED that I managed to get a stulys for it Not original of course, shure cartridges I love for their Solid sound as few other European cartridges I tried where very weak in Bass response My speakers are also American the AR9s the real original AR9s with a 12 n 10 for the bass 8 for mid range a twitter n a super twitter 51 inches height, when it comes to bass response they go down to 28 HZs minus 3 Decibels, at my old age now i cannot effort that much for a cartridge but I could stretch to £300 very max,how does this compairs to a Shure V15? If you have heard the V15? n will my TT n arm an old early 80 Sony PSX7 direct drive manage this cartridge am not sure ops I mean a cheaper version of the one you got? TT still works perfect except the lowering mechanism so i lower it slowely from the up down lever but its NP, I love to get a MM cartridge mainly to play my Best source of music my 1959 ELVIS in glorious MONO that LP was only played few times with the V15 n the M95ED s I forgoten it in my late sis loft n it was saved from the heavyweight arms n ceramic cartridges of them days cheers great video mate thanks
MM cartridges generally has a lower noise floor due to lesser preamplification. However just like how many audiophiles will not give a direct drive TT consideration they will not consider a MM cartridge.
WHERE did you get the idea, that Nagaoka is pronounced as "nah gow kah"???? There is absolutely no cow, no oxen, and no bull anywhere near this video! Say this, and repeat 500 times, while standing in the rear classroom corner wearing a dunce hat: "NAH GAH OH KAH" (nah as in nada, gah as in a looong "gun", oh as in "oh, that's bad", kah as in kaputt!
@@owenlaprath4135 again, (respectfully submitted): my pronunciation guide was an NHK news broadcast which mentioned the city in the Nigata prefecture ... no need for any kind of hats, either - just enjoy your music with whatever equipment you feel is best
@@doctorpatient519 If that's your guide, you're not hearing it correctly. It's four mora. ga and o are not only separate sounds, they are separate characters. 長(naga)岡(oka). I can understand Japanese and it is clearly 4 syllables, or more accurately, 4 mora. Easiest tell someone doesn't know how to pronounce Japanese words is middle syllable emphasis, like ko-NICHI-wa. You are just objectively wrong.
There couldn't be the best cartridge with the worst specs in a channel separation and a channel balance. With a high compliance. Guys, pls stop doing marketing for lazy engineers who decided to make a review noise instead of making good coils. It sounds good. That's true. But the price must be twice cheaper to what they ask now.
I got the nagaoka mp-200 combined with schitt mani on my technics sl-1210gr.
A lifetime setup. Superb sound!
The mp-200 is truly the best value for the money on the mp series.
gonna get a 1210gr and put a carmen on it. do you have a mani 1 or 2?
@@MD-cy6pe mani 1. Think of upgrade to 2 model.
Hope 2 c some review on those two.
But still with the mani 1 the sound is outstanding.
I think the funk firm AMP will be my next upgrade before the mani 2.
I had thought of using an mp200 stylus in my 110, just to see what the boron provided, I am still not sure, 200 stylus in 110 body ? 200 cart? 300 cart ? IDK.
I have the Mani 2. It's a fine phono stage, but I found that my vintage Pioneer SX-1080 receiver's built in phono stage has almost no difference in sound. Apparently Pioneer used a pretty boss phono stage back in the mid 80's, lol. The Mani's strength is in it's versatility. It has a ton of different adjustment settings that would fit virtually any need. ✌
I currently own the MP-500 upgrading from the MP200. A good friend of mine has the MP300.
Over here price of the MP500 about 20% more than the MP300 so I'd say it's worth the little extra. They do have a similar sound around the mids with the MP500 just having a bit more detail. It's the crisper high ends and the deeper low end where the MP500 stands out. It's also better at bringing out the more subtle moments like the faint and soft purcusion heard on 'Kind Of Blue'
The rest of my setup is SL1210GR, Oyaide Headshell, Musical Fidelity M3X, Yamaha AS1200.
I got the MP200 a couple years ago and was mostly happy with it - it's the 'fastest'/'snappiest' cart i own but the high end seemed rolled off; after a year or so of waffling i ordered the MP500 stylus from a japan ebay seller and was immediately much happier. i still have my MP200 stylus with fairly low hours; i should do a comparison video of the two, but the highs are so much smoother/clearer/with more sparkle, espeically the inner grooves.
@@vinylcabassehow’s the difference in the lower registers/bass with the mp-200 and mp-500?
What type of music do you listen to? Also, have you had a chance to listen to mono recordings? If so, how did it sound? I’ve had the 150 for a few years. It’s good but lacks high frequency sparkle to my ears. I think a jump to 200 isn’t worthwhile but to the 300 or 500 it should. My feelings were if I don’t go for the 500 I’ll always be wondering?! My listening tastes range from jazz, golden hits and classic rock. I do wonder what the 300 or 500 would do for me. Thank you.
I own the Nagaoka mp-200 and absolutely love it. Before trying other Nagaoka carts, I'm going to mod my Denon 103 to a Zu audio denon 103.
Thanks. I still have the zu cart. Just can’t sell it!!
@ThriftShopReviews so I'm better off saving for the mp-300, or 500. Or the Jt-80bk? 🤣 I don't have alot of money, and saw the zu audio mod for $250.
@@scottdavis0801 I would only buy the true zu audio cart and not a second hand rebuilt cart with a metal body. More to it than that. One thing to consider is conical stylus can create more wear on your records. Just higher surface point pressure. The mp 300 is amazing that reveals textures you probably never heard before but your system must be good enough to demonstrate this. A good preamp, amp and speakers. I will be getting the mp 500 stylus soon for a review.
This is only my personal experience.
I have both the mp200 and the Mp500.
When I switched to a more expensive High-output moving coil 'Sumiko Blackbird', it was clearly a huge step up in neutrality, resolution, upper extension, dynamics, soundstage, imaging - you name it.
The Nagaoka's are very good in their price range, they have a very soothing and friendly sound, but in direct comparison with a good moving coil, they sound very rolled off, and closed-in, with a much smaller soundstage.
And I have to stress that I used the very same RIAA the entire time. (EAR phonobox mm/mc)
These experiences was had on a Technics 1500C
The MP 300 and 500 share the same body ! You can upgrade later to the 500 replaceable stylus ; huge bonus ! The 300 is an outstanding cartridge ; you’ll have to spend a hell of a lot more to beat it !
i have just bought 2 shure m70b carts unopened from the 70s ,they sound awesome and life beams out of them ,for 30 buck each ,i have highend gear to so comparing is easy etc,if it can be done decades ago why is everyone paying so much even for humdrum me to gear..
Most folk are obsessed with extreme cuts. They simply don't know that a quality elliptical can track inner tracks just as well, and of course, is much less exacting of set-up. I suppose it's because most have experience of poor performing ellipticals.
not obsessed but i hear a notable difference on my mp200 with its original stylus (same elliptical as the 300) vs the 500 fine line. it's physics - the groove spacing at 16khz is barely wider than the contact patch of the stylus, especially near the inner grooves. a fine line/shibata/vandenhul/microline etc is "skinnier" from front to back (and more elongated so it touches more of the groove wall) than hyperelliptical which is skinner than elliptical which is WAY skinnier than conical
I have the MP500 and love it. I have not heard the MP300 but I would imagine that the sound is very close to the 500. The specs are either the same or slightly different. The only real difference would be the stylist. The 500 has a superfine line contact where as the 300 has a superfine polished elliptical diamond. I wonder if you could put a 500 stylus replacement on the 300?
Yes, the same body but different stylus as you mentioned. I will try the mp-500 stylus in the future. My experience tells me the line contact provides a blacker background. So even better yet. Thanks for the comment
The MP300 and 500 are compatible so when the time comes to get a new stylus you can get a MP500 stylus or 300…
@@ThriftShopReviews better at the very top - a line contact has a thinner but taller contact patch so it will trace the highest frequencies more accurately
HI, 100% compatible, I put a Nagaoka MP500 stylus in a MP300 cartridge, It´s amazing, no more Inner Groove Distortion, tracks better than any stylus, Thats what a fine line stylus can deliver that no one else can, say (elliptical, hiperelliptical). I bought a MP300 cartigde sec. hand and two MP500 stylus replacement. So I can tell ther´re compatible, a think the MP300 (body) is the same as the MP500 except for the stylus. Specs are the same. Just get one cheap (broken catilever) and order an MP500 stylus, it seats perfect with the allen screw on the side. The best cartidge/stylus I´ve ever had.
Great review! I'm about to pull a trigger on a new cartridge. Your personal recommendation among Nagaoka MP-300 vs Hana EH vs AT AT33SA? Thx.
It depends on your system and preferences. Both the Hana and mp-300 are good. Hana is cheaper if that helps
@@ThriftShopReviews Actually, I just got introduced to Nagaoka series by your video. I think I will be saving for MP-500. I like that Gold color! 😄
@@klaymoon1 I plan to get the no-500 stylus so I can review. The gold does look nice. Just make sure with either you check your compliance with your tonearm.
@@ThriftShopReviews Thanks! Will check the compliance!
Mp-200 and empire 2000z are the best mm and audio technica at-oc9xen mc. Had many different cartridges over the years but I still use my empire 2000z from the 70's and had ortofon different models nagaoka mp-200 and the empire cartridge are stuck and together with audio technica at-oc9xen are my favourites
For some reason this cartridge delivers where others leave off. Not like a lower end cart. Full spectrum of sound without harshness. Worth a try
MP = "Moving Permalloy", which is a kind of Moving Iron alloy. From Wikipedia: "Permalloy is a nickel-iron magnetic alloy, with about 80% nickel and 20% iron content." The Nagaoka MP series cartridges are not moving magnet cartridges. And I agree, the MP300 and MP500 are excellent.
I agree with you. However slightly different take on what it is. Yes, permalloy is 80% Ni and 15%Fe and 5 % Moly and is highly magnetic. Moving magnet designs use stable coils in the housing where moving coils use moving coils with fixed magnets. The Nagaoka MP series use both a permalloy moving magnet and fixed samarium cobalt magnets in its design. Its a very unique design. Companies that sell it list it as a moving magnet design as it physically has a permalloy moving magnet but yet also has fixed magnets!
Permalloy does what Aramco iron ( pure iron ) does ... Only better ! Niether of these materials make a good permanent magnet.
The mp-300 is a moving iron cartridge not moving magnet
See other messages. It’s a moving permalloy magnet with also fixed samarium magnet. No fixed coils. It’s a hybrid system.
I have an MP-500 and honestly don't love it. It's a good sounding cart but it's too laid back and polite for my taste. I've tried it on about 4 tables and 5 phono stages...all with good but not excellent results.
If that sound bite at the beginning of video was the Nagoaka MP-300 WOW!!
sorry to hear you had a bad experience with the AT740ml
I know you've been using the Denon 103R for quite a while now. Is it a sonic leap with this new cartridge?
York phone stage is a giant killer for sure best I have had
Ok. Holy Grail? On a previous video you were extremely happy with the Hana EH, which I have and truly like. I realize there is a price difference of $200-300 when new. Could you please compare/contrast the two since you have both. Apples to apples or apples to oranges??? Thanks
Oh, forgot to add. Running Hana EH and Sumiko Wellfleet on Technics SL1200gr thru Darlington Labs MP7 phono preamp. Thanks again...
Nice table. I plan to get the 1210gr next along with a vpi prime. I love the Hana EH and probably the best under $500. I plan to do another shootout in the $700 to $800 range and will discus if the Hana competes. I probably should have called this holy grail of MM carts. Be on the lookout for an upcoming sumiko songbird review.
Thanks for the heads-up on next shoot out. I'll be interested in how it goes!
I started with the MP100. I quickly made my way through the range. The MP500 rivals my Dynavector 20x2. The differences are there. And yes the 20x2 is better. But the MP500 is a wonderful cart.
twice the price 😵
@@kenm116 yes. But if your equipment is resolving enough you’ll see/hear the difference.
I have the MP-150 and it sounds great. I have a variety of MM carts and two MC carts, but on my next venture I'd love to own someday is the MP-500.
I would like to try the mp-500 also. The mp-300 is in another game all together.
The only way for me is to get a great deal used. MP150 new is half the MP300 new price. Getting the MP300 used for new MP150 prices requires determination and patience. Worth the effort.
@@audioaficionado9494 I just hope it doesn't have too many hours on it or it'll be worn out before you know it! I got my MP-150 from someone I knew so I knew it didn't have too many hours on it. Enjoy!
One thing to consider. Nagaoka carts are only rated for 150 hours, while the Audio Technica ml's are rated for 1,000 hours.
150hrs? What then , you replace stylus?
@melovemusic69 That is what Nagaoka suggests. I guess I would look at it under a jewlers glass to see what the diamond looks like first
@@jonnoyes6082 that is what the factory claims
After 700 hours running, i take a photo of needle tip today. It is almost same condition as new product.
These specific amounts aren’t etched in stone; patently, there is considerable latitude, but this is the gist of a “reasonable” breakdown…
$200 turntable, $100 cartridge, $100 phono preamp.
$1000 turntable, $500 cartridge, $500 preamp. 😉
You get the idea..
I recently picked up a Sony PS-X555ES and I have found an MP-300 for almost the same price as an MP-200, so I’m really tempted to pick one up. Carts I’ve used in the past are AT440MLA, DL-110/160/103R and M97xe. Like yourself I listen to metal (Black/Death) as well as other genres (Jazz and Classical especially). I know the MP300 is a bonded elliptical and some say that is detrimental compared to a nude elliptical, but others say it’s not a problem. How does the mp300 compare to Microline or Shibata styli/carts in regards to IGD? Do you notice any IGD on worn records? Is their anything about the MP-300 that you think it lacks?
I don’t care as much for the stylus type compared to the coil or magnet system being used. Other then conical that can wear records faster. I also never had IGD with a cart unless tonearm and Anti skate were not correct. The mp-300 is an amazing cart. One of the most detailed in the way it can retrieve textures especially in the mid bass area. Get it and don’t look back.
@@ThriftShopReviews Thanks for the quick reply. Very much appreciated 👍🏻
@@vbathory3757 good luck my friend. Report back if you get it.
@@ThriftShopReviews I just made the order, got it for $363 USD in total. Should receive it by the end of the week 🤞🏻 Will let you know how it goes 👍🏻
@@vbathory3757 wow great deal
If you ever heard an original Nagaoka MP 50 Super with laser drilled hollow sapphire cantilever, you'll realize that it was the true holy grail (at least of moving magnet cartridges). The MP300 or the more expensive MP500 don't offer jewelled cantilevers and therefore fall somewhat short of the magic of the original MP50s. If you ever heard one you'd know what I'm talking about. There is a freedom from grain and distortion I've only heard from hollow jewelled cantilevers (sapphire, ruby or diamond) that even boron and beryllium can't quite match and aluminum and titanium fall far short of.
my next cart will be one of the soundsmith models with a fine line and this style cantilever. (or i might get my original mp200 stylus replaced with a new cantilever/stylus of this type)
HI, Sapphire stylus leaves residue in the grooves as it wears out. Can´t be cleaned, heat melts the sapphire into the grooves. Be carefull with that. All sapphire stylus does that, thats the reason stylus are diamond since early 1970´s
@@gerardoromano3436 I'm talking about the cantilever tube (not the stylus) being made of sapphire... hollowed out by lasers for lowest mass. Of course the stylus itself is a line contact polished diamond.
@@socksumi oh sorry , I was rong, thanks for the info, cheers
how does the mp-300 compare to the hana eh? i have been eyeing the mp-200, any experience with that cart?
@@MD-cy6pe Hana eh is a great cartridge but I prefer the mp-300 much more. I plan to try more of the Nagaoka carts in the future.
Okay you like this cartridge but compared to the Denon 103R honestly how much of a difference is there. I funded the Denon for the money the best value and I've had the bronze the black and Audio-Technica cartridges, just find them not as good as the Denon103r also I've Had The nakaoka 110 150 and 200 I still prefer the Denon??? You've compared all these cartridges what do you think??🤔✌
I love the denon dl-103 and for the value I would stick with it unless you feel you’re missing something. The nagaoka just provides another level of texture in the music that you don’t get with dl-103.
@@ThriftShopReviews alright sounds good so what do you think 10 20% better I always want to hear something a little different and would love to purchase this but don't want to make it if it's not a significant upgrade🤔✌
How does this cartridge deal with inner groove distortion?
Never had an issue on my turntables
Best cartridge? Depends on tonearm, plinth, interconnects, amp, speaker wire and speakers. Oh yes, the carbon based lifeform listening.
What phono stage are you using this time?
IfI iphono 2
What is the music at the end of the video?
I found the MP-500 and the Rega P3 is not a good match.
I can imagine the problem with the rega!!
Astatic MF-200 Shabbat best cartridge on my Dual 1229 a giant killer
Lyra Kleos, Elam HSP 796 Anniversary J Van den Hul!
Yes good examples of expensive carts. Perhaps my title should have been more clear. A cartridge that costs less than gold for its given weight.
I actually Never has a MM cartridge, n the best Cartridge I ever had was many years ago a Shure V15 111 I used the Shure obstacle caurse record n it tracked well near its top weight limit still have the record sadly Not the V15 now am using an old M75ED that I managed to get a stulys for it Not original of course, shure cartridges I love for their Solid sound as few other European cartridges I tried where very weak in Bass response My speakers are also American the AR9s the real original AR9s with a 12 n 10 for the bass 8 for mid range a twitter n a super twitter 51 inches height, when it comes to bass response they go down to 28 HZs minus 3 Decibels, at my old age now i cannot effort that much for a cartridge but I could stretch to £300 very max,how does this compairs to a Shure V15? If you have heard the V15? n will my TT n arm an old early 80 Sony PSX7 direct drive manage this cartridge am not sure ops I mean a cheaper version of the one you got? TT still works perfect except the lowering mechanism so i lower it slowely from the up down lever but its NP, I love to get a MM cartridge mainly to play my Best source of music my 1959 ELVIS in glorious MONO that LP was only played few times with the V15 n the M95ED s I forgoten it in my late sis loft n it was saved from the heavyweight arms n ceramic cartridges of them days cheers great video mate thanks
MM cartridges generally has a lower noise floor due to lesser preamplification. However just like how many audiophiles will not give a direct drive TT consideration they will not consider a MM cartridge.
are you reading? Just wondering.
The specs are incorrect. The MP-300 has an elliptical diamond, not a bonded diamond.
Astatic MF200
Say it with me 'Nag-oh-ka'
Wrong. It's nah-gah-oh-kah.
Nagaoka mp300 has elliptical stylus = distortion on last tracks
A fool and his money are easily parted.
pronunciation suggestion (respectfully submitted):
3 syllables: nah-GOW-kah
WHERE did you get the idea, that Nagaoka is pronounced as "nah gow kah"???? There is absolutely no cow, no oxen, and no bull anywhere near this video!
Say this, and repeat 500 times, while standing in the rear classroom corner wearing a dunce hat:
"NAH GAH OH KAH" (nah as in nada, gah as in a looong "gun", oh as in "oh, that's bad", kah as in kaputt!
@@owenlaprath4135 again, (respectfully submitted): my pronunciation guide was an NHK news broadcast which mentioned the city in the Nigata prefecture ... no need for any kind of hats, either - just enjoy your music with whatever equipment you feel is best
@@doctorpatient519 If that's your guide, you're not hearing it correctly. It's four mora. ga and o are not only separate sounds, they are separate characters. 長(naga)岡(oka). I can understand Japanese and it is clearly 4 syllables, or more accurately, 4 mora. Easiest tell someone doesn't know how to pronounce Japanese words is middle syllable emphasis, like ko-NICHI-wa. You are just objectively wrong.
@@DosonTheGreat
as we say here in New Yawk: oy vey, already!
enjoy your music
There couldn't be the best cartridge with the worst specs in a channel separation and a channel balance. With a high compliance. Guys, pls stop doing marketing for lazy engineers who decided to make a review noise instead of making good coils. It sounds good. That's true. But the price must be twice cheaper to what they ask now.