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Phono Cartridge

Denon DL-110 vs Nagaoka MP-200

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in Phono Cartridge

Denon DL-110

40 reviews

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Nagaoka MP-200

40 reviews

View Product Details

Great value for its price range

Adaptable to different genres and turntables

Brings out more detail in records

Highly recommended for its compatibility and sound quality

Great sound quality with non-fatiguing sound, impressive soundstage, and dynamics

Boron cantilever and moving permalloy generator contribute to superior sound quality

Often paired with Technics turntables and Schiit Mani phono preamp for optimal performance

Compared favorably to other cartridges such as Ortofon 2M Blue and Elys 2

Not tracking well on some HiFi News test tracks

Some users have experienced a harsh edge in the sound

May require adjustments to preamp settings for optimal performance

Not compatible with all turntables

Higher price point compared to some other cartridges

Some users suggest pairing with a higher-end turntable for better value-for-money

Verdict

The Denon DL-110 is a highly recommended cartridge for its compatibility and sound quality. It is a great upgrade from stock cartridges and brings out more detail in records. It is adaptable to different genres and turntables, but may require adjustments to preamp settings. Some users have experienced issues with tracking and a harsh edge in the sound. Overall, it is a great value for its price range and a popular choice among audiophiles.

Verdict

The Nagaoka MP-200 cartridge is highly praised for its non-fatiguing sound, impressive soundstage, and dynamics. It is often paired with Technics turntables and Schiit Mani phono preamp for optimal performance. Users have compared it favorably to other cartridges such as the Ortofon 2M Blue and Elys 2. Some suggest pairing it with a higher-end turntable for better value-for-money. The boron cantilever and moving permalloy generator are noted as features that contribute to its superior sound quality. Overall, the Nagaoka MP-200 is considered a great choice for those seeking a high-quality cartridge for their vinyl setup.

Reviews by Topic

Our analysis shows how reviewers feel about different topics. Please note these are not full reviews.

Sound Quality

I've been wanting to upgrade to an MC cartridge for awhile and the opportunity recently presented itself via a NIB Denon DL-110 from Japan at an affordable price. My fears that my Musical Fidelity V90-LPS would have insufficient gain to drive it were immediately proven to be unfounded as I'm able to obtain a comfortable listening level at about 11 o'clock on the dial on my Cambridge Audio 640A amplifier. First impressions are very good, considering that the cart hasn't even begun to break in yet. It's already an improvement over my 2M Blue and Nagaoka MP-110 which were my top MM carts in my collection

Positive

reddit.com/r/turntables

JBL Synthesis System, a dream come true

These speakers were very difficult to find in the US as they were primarily marketed in Asia. The setup provides a very engaging sound that makes you tap your foot along to the music.

Positive

reddit.com/r/audiophile

Soundstage

Just wonderful sounding

My Blue Point slurred the S's and the Audio Technica cartridge on my Technics SL-1700 also was very sibilant. The Denon reproduces the S's very sharply with no overt sibilance. Dropping the needle on Micheal Jackson's Billy Jean from "Thriller", another track that give cartridges issues, played very well. The sound stage width is very nice, too

Splurged last weekend on a set of Heresy IVs and a Naim Uniti Atom

.vinyl sounds more detailed, with a bigger, more expansive soundstage. (I'm pretty sure the MP-200 and Duo are helping bring out that detail as well

Positive

reddit.com/r/audiophile

Cartridge Type

Good but a bit harsh

I used this cartridge in the latest Rega RP3, NAD 350, HD650, very clear but with a harsh edge. I am now using a Grado Reference Platinum 2, which is as clear as the Denon but smoother. The Denon is very good but a bit aggressive. My preference is the Grado

Better or Just Different? Looking For Thoughts on Cart Upgrade

Yes, I hear a distinct and beautiful difference with the Nagaoka MP-200 stylus on an MP-110 cartridge body. Big improvement!. Brighter (in a good way), much more nuanced, more detail, more separation in voices and instruments, great bass, and mids, and highs without harshness nor sibilance.

Positive

reddit.com/r/turntables

Frequency Response

Very disappointing.

The popping went away in Phono, so I figured no big deal, swapped to Phono and: Issue 2: So. Much. Treble. If I were to graph it: 2/10 on bass, 0/10 on mid, 11/10 on treble

Upgrade U-Turn Cartridge or Look into Turntable Upgrade

I have one and it’s sibilant which will be especially noticeable for you coming from the Grado which is IMO too far the opposite of sibilant and is somewhat muted. After a couple years of the Red, I saved up and bought a Nagaoka MP-110, and then the MP-200. A world of difference over the 2M Red. The MP-110 is good (better than the 2M Red), and the MP-200 is stellar

Positive

reddit.com/r/turntables

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