Nagaoka MP-110 vs Ortofon 2M Blue

Рет қаралды 159,788

5 жыл бұрын

Buy Nagaoka MP-110: amzn.to/2R5HsO5
Buy Ortofon 2M Blue: amzn.to/2R7B5d4
( Please note: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
I pulled my info from the wrong source when making this video. The 2M blue has a .3 x .7. Sorry for the confusion.
Two popular cartridges that most people look at for their first big upgrade. But is one better than the other? Where should you put your money. Let's look closely at both and see if we can determine which is better: the Nagaoka MP-110 or the Ortofon 2m Blue.
Pre-amp: Schiit Mani
Interface: Behringer UMC204hd
Turntable: Pioneer PL-540

Пікірлер: 412

@awbzerver 2 ай бұрын

One of the best, if not the best comparison videos I've seen on KZfaq. Great job. Thanks for the painstaking effort this must have taken.

@FMIII-pj5bv 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent process! This test was the most effective to date demonstrating the differences between carts. Thank you!

@36686593 Жыл бұрын

My ears like the MP-110, I didn't expect that. The full rich sound has me sold.

@MrAnubis341 5 жыл бұрын

Definitely preferred the 110 and also picked it in the blind test... nice review thank you!

@zimone89 3 жыл бұрын

i prefer the Blue, more open and detailed sound

@LorenEngo 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video! I have been considering upgrading my 2M Red to the Blue stylus for a few months now. I came across the Nagaoka MP-110 while reading 2M Blue reviews and it made me reconsider. I chose sample "B" during the blind test each time and am impressed by the tracking test, too! Will likely choose the MP-110 when the time is right. I have read many times that the Nag is exceptional when handling inner grooves and is near ideal for older LPs. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

@cjsvinyl 5 жыл бұрын

Oh yes my friend! The MP-110 all the way, and honestly I just love the price point for what you get out of it. It's a reminder of great products that do exist and don't have to break the bank. Great videos as always!

@leon9021 5 жыл бұрын

Now this one the one Ive really been waiting for. Will take my time and listen carefully on this one to see if the rumors are true about it being equally as good, just different.

@AntonyRosano 4 жыл бұрын

I use them on a Technics SL 1300 MK2 and I have to say that it depends on the recordings, on some discs I prefer Nagaoka over other 2M Blue. Great video, thanks.

@IsraelQuezada999 5 жыл бұрын

Both sound great and very similar, but for the price I prefer the Nagaoka. Now on the blind test I chose the Nagaoka, it sounds a little warmer.

@andmoreagain 2 жыл бұрын

this was the video (out of many) that made me decide on the blue, thanks. great comparison video format.

@gordonsimpson1020 3 жыл бұрын

The Ortofon sounded brighter and clearer, in the blind test i preferred it.

@bryfar6178 3 жыл бұрын

Great compare vid. The blind test really helped. I was happy I chose B MP110 as it's in route to my house.

@cmorris2399 4 жыл бұрын

I chose the Blue in the blind test, and I preferred it in the initial comparison. I like how open and spacious it sounds. I personally own the Blue, and I'm glad that me preference in the blind test supported my choice. Thanks for comparing these 2 rad carts!

@thevintagehifiambassador8524 2 жыл бұрын

so glad for you you got your prove here that you bought the right choice

@barbasour 5 жыл бұрын

well I prefer this kind of comparison video. keep that style (including your voice) subscribed!

@DimceIvanoski 5 жыл бұрын

I was surprised with the blind test. Because I chosed the B sound. Compared with price.. Hm not always the pricier is better. Love the video!

@DrFlippin 5 жыл бұрын

I thought the Blue was a bit more harsh in the high end, with greater sibilance, whereas the MP 110 sounded more even and balanced (and accurate). I imagine that based on your set-up, the Blue would result in listening fatigue (due to the accentuated high frequencies, and compressed upper mid-range), more quickly than with the Nagaoka. But maybe the Blue would be a great cartridge to use when listening to pop and rock, as well as classical material that has a lot of strings. Excellent comparison video; I wish all cartridge reviews on KZfaq were done like this. Thanks!

@andreasleonlandgren3092 5 жыл бұрын

Going to use the 2m blue on my newly purchased dual 1218 thx!

@Uoldd 3 жыл бұрын

Went for Nagaoka. I enjoy it. Thank you.

@natas3.14 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your efforts. In my mind there is no better way of comparing one product against another. Well done, & most helpful! I will add the mp110 to my setup, as I find (for me) it to give the best, & most "good" for the money. After more research than I want to admit to, I'm calling it a solid investment.

@AnxiousSeeker 5 жыл бұрын

I honestly preferred subject A at the end, I heard more detail and clarity. But both cartridges are great for what they are worth. I hope to own both someday! Another point is depending on what you hear vs. how one other person hears music...something to ponder!

@gravelfreeman Жыл бұрын

Same thing here, this is so weird! Initial comparison the Blue was obvious winner. Then the 110 won the blind test hands down. It almost makes no sense, I would have swear that B was the blue. It seems like the 110 recording could have a compressor on the recording to outperform the blue. This test is confusing and I don't know about Audiorpheus legitimacy.

@Queterra 3 ай бұрын

@@gravelfreemanThat’s a cheap shot. “It’s not that I came into this with confirmation bias, it’s that the results were tampered!” Embarrassing. Also, nobody ever says to add extra compression to make it “sound better” lol Anything past minimal control is too much.

@DamajaCJ 5 жыл бұрын

Great review vid. To the point (no pun intended! ;)), short video, good music clip choices - though I really wish you'd use some bass heavy and electronic music as well, as this accounts for a lot of collections and has hugely different demands for the sound - much easier comparison with like for like clips used, and clear personal recommendation with rationale. Bravo! 💯👌

@InfectiousGroovePodcast Жыл бұрын

I had an RT85 with the Ortofon Blue for a few years and loved it. I sold off my collection and turntable a year or so ago. I've been thinking about getting back into it though. I always loved the Ortofon cart, but if the Nagaoka is better, I will certainly try that this time.

@samerickson5095 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, just what I was looking for. I have the Shure M97xE, which has been discontinued. It's sound profile is a bit sharp like the Blue, and I was looking for something "warmer." I definitely liked B more, so it looks like I'll be buying the 110!

@matepoon 3 жыл бұрын

Comparing these two cartridges as an upgrade on my Debut Carbon. In the blind test in this vid I definitely liked the sound of B better. Thanks Audiorpheus!

@MacXpert74 5 жыл бұрын

I preferred the more open sound from the 2M Blue in general. The MP-110 sounds more colored in the bass, although that can be nice for certain records. The blind test sample didn't have all that much going on in the high frequencies, but had plenty of bass. This worked well with the MP-110. If you would have chosen a sample with more high frequencies in it (like cymbals) the Blue would have sounded better.

@miltystu2004 4 жыл бұрын

The Nagaoka didnt sound fuller to me, it sounded muddy. The blue was clearer in my opinion.

@thevintagehifiambassador8524 2 жыл бұрын

yes

@sumitgenzyme 5 жыл бұрын

Last 10 years. I have tried Ortofon OM10, 2M Red, Shure M97 XE and Nagaoka MP 110. No one can beat Nagaoka 110. It's my smart companion.

@fuckinellitsraymo 5 жыл бұрын

You ain't tried a Denon DL 110. It trounces the lot.

@24carrera 4 жыл бұрын

@@fuckinellitsraymo have you tried the others also. I'm looking for a new cartridge.

@fuckinellitsraymo 4 жыл бұрын

@@24carrera Hi. Yes I've tried lots of cartridges in my time. Maybe Its just my taste but I don't like the Audio Technica or Ortofon family sound which could be classed as modern sounding (On the bright side). The Denon DL 110 cartridge is beautifully smooth and even handed and the Nagoaka MP 150 notably improves on the MP110 bringing clarity, focus and better treble extention. That would be my choice for a natural but still exciting sound.

@labnine3362 2 жыл бұрын

If you can get your hands on an Audio Technica AT120E (or even AT100), I'd be interested in hearing your opinion on a comparison with the MP-110.

@leon9021 5 жыл бұрын

I feel as though the Blue is only very slightly more bright, making for a less muddy image you could say. For the A and B blind test I really coudlnt pick any one of them. They really are closely matched and might just have slight EQ changes in the sound, the Nag having more low end while the Blue is crisper.

@intermodulator Жыл бұрын

In the 1st record I noted little difference, in the second record there was more separation detectable. in the blind test I chose A, I really wanted to prefer the Nagaoka due to it's reputation and price but there is no denying the quality of the Ortofon. Both sound fantastic. Super video, Thanks

@Simon-dn9kv 5 жыл бұрын

I'm most amazed that I could tell which on is which even with my crappy laptop speakers. Not sure though, whether I prefer the clarity of the Ortofon or the smoothness of the Nagaoka...

@rautej Жыл бұрын

I preferred the Blue during blind test and non-blind test. The Nagaoka has more room or air... In the blind test it felt like blue was in the studio with the singer, nagaoka was in a larger hall with a nice reverb

@mikestephens79 5 жыл бұрын

Picked B, the Nag. It is really an awesome cartridge for the money. I have the MP-110 on my Project Debut Carbon. I had the Ortofon red, but was really disappointed in the sound. The MP-110 was a huge upgrade.

@andreasleonlandgren3092 5 жыл бұрын

Mike Stephens i think all 3 cartridges are great. But the nag is the best one. Japan wins again.

@Lmisc13 5 жыл бұрын

Everything's fine using the MP-110 on the PJ debut carbon? No need for adaptions? I'm thinking about this upgrade too

@zachbowman9662 4 жыл бұрын

What kinda changes did you get after break in

@MrAlvarochahin 5 жыл бұрын

The Nag won the blind test for me, they both sound great

@gariepyf 3 жыл бұрын

Nagaoka for me, I picked B in the blind test and my experience has been super positive with the MP-110 (I own one). Overall, it's one of the best cart, especially for the price. Very smooth and nice.

@The_Mister 5 жыл бұрын

The 2m Blue sounded better. Vocals were clearer and more airy. I have the Blue, but was thinking of switching to the 110. I think I’ll stick with the blue after watching this, or step up to the MP-150. I’m sure the 110 is fantastic for the price, but this test reveals its shortcomings, in that it sounds slightly more muffled in the mid and upper range.

@2791dles 5 жыл бұрын

I've got both and in my solid state set up I loved the Nag, simply because it had more mid bass and warmth and is sympathetic to recordings especially if they have a harsh brightness. You could say it is a bit closed in in the upper frequencies. However having added a tube amp in place of my solid state, the ortofon is way better suited. The Nag was just too closed in and wasn't expressive enough in mid treble and treble. If your system is neutral to cold, the Nag is perfectly fine. If your system is warm and full sounding, the 2M will bring up detail the Nag just can't illuminate. Like all things hifi, synergy is the key. None is better than the other. I'd say the perfect combination of both might be the Denon DL-110.

@Audiorpheus_Vinyl 5 жыл бұрын

This is a great and informative comment! Thanks for sharing your insight

@MarioCavolo 5 жыл бұрын

your comment is the best, it brings up so well that we can't really do A-B comparisons with equipment that is in fact quite close to each other in performance. Both are very good no doubt, but different systems, different amps, preamps, phono preamps, speakers, turntables and cables....? Every system is a blend. One item might sound better in system A but not in system B... I was even reading a great article at 6 Moons about cables, stating that the cables even sound different in different systems!....So as you said, synergy and actually an endless hobby....thanks and Cheers, Mario

@2791dles 5 жыл бұрын

@@MarioCavolo agreed! I truly think people align themselves with certain hyped gear based on tribal association as well, you know the MP110 as the underdog giant killer. But it could be that most lower end gear and speakers could do with some bottom warmth and taming of upper frequency harshness. So claiming a black and white victor is hard to justify. I guarantee the MP110 in a balanced or tame set up will sound terribly boring. Put it in a rough set up that needs taming, you get a very different outcome. And judging analogue turntable cartridges via compressed digital videos recorded most likely digitally and absolutely converted into digital media is CRAZY. It might give you some idea of characteristics, but by the mere fact of recording it into digital compression, characteristics are changed. Put those two carts through your actual hifi through speakers and preamps and room acoustics and cables, then you have a very complex set of issues to sort through as to whether one cart is better than another. It's just not black and white I guess is what I'm saying.

@BrianShunk 4 жыл бұрын

Great assessment. The quality of the amp is going to be key for sound quality. There's a reason manufactures started making CDs that were highly compressed in the late 90's. They sound good in cars and cheaper stereo equipment. People with mediocre setups may prefer bassy, loud stylus/cart combos.

@BrianShunk 4 жыл бұрын

@@2791dles You nailed it! Another thing, headroom is absent with compressed videos. We are hearing dynamics and clarity only.

@findingwithterry 4 жыл бұрын

This was interesting. My bias was towards the MP-110 because it's been raved about, has a great price-to-performance ratio, and I've long wanted it. So, in the non-blind phase I felt the Blue had more detail but sounded harsh, while the Nagaoka had a smoother sound signature. Then during the blind test I guessed the two cartridges backward and preferred A (the Blue) for the same reasons I preferred the Nagaoka in the first phase. Haha... ye old brain!

@Delkomo Жыл бұрын

The same😂

@Faxie83 Жыл бұрын

The same, but in reverse. Liked the 2M (I have one btw) over the Nagaoka, but in the blind test I went for B (Nagaoka) My guess is it's a combination of the music and the 'noise' at the beginning of the transition.

@mic982 Жыл бұрын

@@Faxie83 I really wonder how well we can judge the differences of the two cartridges hearing it as we are on KZfaq and not in the same room as the speakers?

@Faxie83 Жыл бұрын

@@mic982 It's a direct stream, so it should be representative enough.

@mic982 Жыл бұрын

@@Faxie83 Yes, but coming out of the speaker in my MacBook (or even ear plugs) can never represent what I'd hear if the sound were coming out of my Sansui 1500's. I especially notice this when I stream FM stations versus listening to it thru my receiver and speakers. But, mostly, it's my older ears, I'm sure.

@Livewire91 5 жыл бұрын

Nagaoka MP200 vs Ortofon Bronze? could you do a comparison?

@TedTremendous 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant Testing! A+ Thank you. I prefer option B as it sounds warmer and more of what I am used to with my usually muddy records lol. The Blue is actually too crispy for me which sounds crazy but that is what I like. Also, I don't think you answered if you have a new favorite with the Blue now?

@DougieFresh1970 3 жыл бұрын

I have the 2M Red on a Technics SL1900 TT. Love the crisp high output sound of the 2M cartridges. I also have a Sony PS XL500 linear TT with P mount style cartridge. Any idea what is a 2M equivalent in a P mount cartridge?

@micharogalewicz6249 3 жыл бұрын

used blue for a while on my raga rp6. Was too analytical for me. Now, for some years I run the rega exact. Great one.

@mic982 2 жыл бұрын

'A' won out for me but honestly, the two were so close and both are so enjoyable I couldn't really pick a winner over the other. The Nagakoa impressed with its lower price point. For that reason alone I'll probably replace my 2M Blue with the 110 when the time comes. But having bought the Fluance RT-85 with the Blue was a better move than buying it with the Nagakoa 110.

@ByTorAndMe 5 жыл бұрын

Love the Punch Brothers, and Nickel Creek. Chris Thile makes some great music.

@npb.spectrum 6 ай бұрын

I got into the Punch Brothers thx to this videos, Thank you!

@coguglielmi 5 жыл бұрын

Another guy does amazing cartridge comparisons with loads of different styles of music. You should compare on very stiff, deep and striking bass (where you can hear the 'pluck'). There, Nagaoka really shines.

@gregoryirwin263 3 жыл бұрын

I can't help but wonder if the reason the nagoaka tracks so well because it's such a large diamond its unusual to hear of a .4x.7 elliptical diamond most in its price range are .3x.7 maybe I'm completely off in my thinking but could it be that it has less space to bounce around in the grooves? Resulting in better tracking?

@philipnunn1816 5 жыл бұрын

I picked A in the blind test and also preferred the 2m Blue sound on the non blind test..... Probably because I have been using this cartridge now for around 6 years and I suppose I have got used to the sound.... Never disappointed with it and never felt the need to change... I can see however why the MP110 could be preferred by some!!!

@skycaptain1580 5 жыл бұрын

Hi. B was my choice for the blind test. The 2M is a very good cart, but I prefer how the MP-110 sounds. Great vid. Peace -Patrick

@vollsticks 2 жыл бұрын

Will the 2M Blue be able to replace the fitted cartridge included with the Sony PS-HX500 TT? Looking to replace original, it's seen about twenty months of service?

@stephenbailey9969 3 жыл бұрын

The Blue's soundstage was larger and with better definition of elements. The 110 was more upper mid/treble forward, which for some equates to better sound.

@compuvideos 4 жыл бұрын

well i know what cartidge i buy when i get so serius to vinyl. But for now an uprade to a ortofon om pro s or the atvm95e to my pyle plttb3u.

@tnarch 2 жыл бұрын

Great great great ! Nice touch the blind test and really helpful.

@arielrodriguez6980 4 жыл бұрын

What does the tracking test do? Does it show you how well the stylus gets into the grooves?

@cmkilcullen8176 3 жыл бұрын

I have 2 turntables. One manual and One automatic. I have a pair of Klipsch tower speakers which, as many know, tend to be on the bright side. What speakers you use is a big factor here IMHO. I like some vinyl played on the warmer side and others brighther. In my auto, (ATLP 3)I have a grado black. I am considering getting a Nagaoka. Grado is warm and even thru the Klipsch sound a bit muddy, but bringing up the treble certainly helps. I am wondering if the Nagaoka can give me warmth but better detail. On the manual, (AT LP7) I have an Ortofon red, but am considering or wondering about the blue. I am not UNHAPPY with the red -just curious. In any event, I imagine if you have British designed speakers which tend to be warm, you might consider the ortofon blue (or red). If you have brighter sounding speakers, I would consider getting the nagaoka. Tell me what you think. BTW - I am looking to separate from some KEFS... Peace CM

@LanciaD50 5 жыл бұрын

I love the details of voice of 2m

@pavlojaviel 2 жыл бұрын

thank you for the video, an excellent comparison. Can you tell in what system are testing the cartridges? (speakers and amp) just to figure better how they would sound in y system. Thanks!!

@laika25 6 ай бұрын

Excellent A - B comparison. I picked A. (Which I proudly own/use). Thanks!

@Dant2142 5 жыл бұрын

The Blue is definitely the objectively better cartridge, giving noticeably more detail in vocals and overall imaging, even in the blind test... Still, I just love the warm tone of the MP-110 and enjoy it for its imperfections.

@PhonoDirect 4 жыл бұрын

At least you are honest in your attitude unlike many others in the comments ;)

@SouthOGuy1 5 жыл бұрын

I picked the MP-110 in the blind test. If it sounds better on my iPad speaker, makes me wonder what it would sound like on my turntable. I have an Ortofon Red now.

@Jayden-nf7cz 2 жыл бұрын

Does ortofon blue has a lot of inner groove distortion? (If I compare to MP 110)

@wholewheaties 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for the easy comparison. I prefer the MP-110 mainly because, as you stated, it has a "fuller" sound, by contrast the 2M Blue was pushing a tad bit with the high frequency for my ears. I am also biased because I am Japanese.

@LegendaryRadioJock Жыл бұрын

The blind test was most helpful and I found the Blue was better in clarity. For me, that is important because I have a few out-of-print LP's that I want to digitize.

@renascence239 4 жыл бұрын

Why does Nagaoka distorts the sound, while Ortofon sounds more clear?

@luigimaccagnola5031 2 жыл бұрын

What about me? l Will stay with my Denon DL 103. But l did not notice a big difference between the two cartridges...difficult choice. Ciao from Italy

@socksumi 2 жыл бұрын

Ortofon traces HF with more top octave energy as I would expect with it's fine profile stylus. Ortofon's bass is also a bit richer... but it also sounds leaner (even slightly pinched) in the midrange while the Nagaoka sounds to me the more full and natural in the mids. Either one is a good choice depending on TT, phono preamp, other ancilliaries and recordings.

@donvittoriosierra 3 жыл бұрын

Have you done a tracking test and igd test of the nagaoka mp100? I find that one to be interesting

@ninjabluewings 4 жыл бұрын

Blind test was A and I knew it was the Ortofon OM 2 Blue but there are so many other things to take into consideration here like different turntables, different amplifiers ect, ect

@IslanKleinknecht 4 жыл бұрын

I preferred A in the sound test, but is it $100 better? hard to say without being in the same room.

@francescocirri5163 5 жыл бұрын

B sounds warmer, overall better to my ears in this BT

@andrewwebb4635 5 жыл бұрын

Whatever the subtle differences, the blue is surely not worth so much more than the Nag? I actually thought the blue had a fraction more detail and that possibly the Nag was slightly smoother. But Oh so subtle. I'm sure I could live with either.

@PhonoDirect 4 жыл бұрын

Ortofons are generally overpriced.

@roode66 4 ай бұрын

Definitely preferred A in the blind test...and your blind test was a good addition, like that

@user-qq2mo1ek2r 4 жыл бұрын

Honestly, I preferred the MP110. I did actually test both before buying my RP3 and much preferred the MP110 to the Ortofon, this just clarified it for me. To my ears the 2M Blue has a little too much brightness to it's sound.

@SoddingaboutSi 5 жыл бұрын

I have the Blue and find the sound a bit "Digital and analytical" I prefer the Nagaoka, it's how Lp's should sound.

@fuckinellitsraymo 5 жыл бұрын

Why should LPS sound like that? Explain please.

@bkkersey93 5 жыл бұрын

@@fuckinellitsraymo They shouldn't. That's just his funny opinion, not fact.

@manFromPeterborough 5 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't say Digital There is no sampling on vinyl although the blue gave analytical sound

@BudSimple 4 жыл бұрын

@@fuckinellitsraymo I would think it's because that is how that person was introduced to Vinyl? Maybe its a very familiar sound to them. I say this because I could identify with that sound. A bit muffled, a bit "warmer"? The Blue was very clear. Almost a bit too much for me in the mid to upper mid range. Kinda like the difference between a slid state amp and a tube amp in my opinion. This is kind finny because I just listened to the Red 2 against the same Nag and I would say the exact same thing as above in that comparison.

@deepblue8143 4 жыл бұрын

@@bkkersey93 how is that opinion funny?

@ClayMationNation 3 жыл бұрын

What turntable is this on? It could also be the the Blue has a better cartridge compliance for this table than the Mp110

@ginomaybach 3 жыл бұрын

Nagaoka gives off a warmer sound with more impactful bass. Ortofon is very sharp and more focused on the treble.

@cmkilcullen8176 3 жыл бұрын

agreed -

@camielectronica9570 2 ай бұрын

Excellent video! Thankyou

@bareknuckles2u 4 жыл бұрын

Both very good. When I listened blind, I thought I heard more definition in the bass with A. Listen carefully to the bass and notice that it is less defined and more bloated on B. I am typing this just as the blind test finished. I don't really get the tracking test. OK, I see that the Ortofon was A. I liked it better during the blind test, but both sound good. I had a harder time hearing the difference during the first two tracks. BTW, I wanted to like the MP110 more as I have one ready to go on my TT.

@J-Dogg-wt1hp 11 ай бұрын

i picked b and i am happy now especially now that i have the Nagaoka MP-110 on amazon delivery i upgraded my 3rd turntable from a stock cartridge to the NAg . Cannot wait for doing a deep dive into my vinyl this Saturday WHooooooooooooooooooooooooo hooooooooooooooooooooooooooo 😎👍

@jazzkatt7083 4 жыл бұрын

I have the mp-110 and I find it very musical. Makes me want to play more vinyl. I'll try the mp-150 next.😎

@Livewire91 4 жыл бұрын

Same 👍

@meorhilmimeorghazali632 4 жыл бұрын

Woww very enlightening and informative, I am looking for and upgrade from 2M red as it is for me too bright & peaky treble at higher vol. At lower vol. is tolerable but the bass is sort of muffled, Looking for something warm & not too bright with balance bass and midrange transient. Thinking of upgrading to the 2M blue "stylus" rather than a totally new cartridge. After listening to the test the Nag MP 110 is more to my liking in aspect of sound & money. Kind of like the Nag though . wold it be a notch upgrade to MP150?? I could stretch the budget if it worth it.

@djmeztisoul 4 жыл бұрын

I say bite the bullet and get the mp150. You won't go wrong with either the 110 or 150.

@HonestSonics 5 жыл бұрын

What was the blind test song please? Thanks for this comparison, clearly a lot of effort invested!

@Audiorpheus_Vinyl 5 жыл бұрын

Radiohead- decks dark (it’s a good one)

@bleachstreak 3 жыл бұрын

Anyone who uses Radiohead as a demo track is legit 👌🏽 great A B testing!

@Morgooooo 4 жыл бұрын

It is not possible that you swapped the 2 by accident on the end ? Like they performed inverse on the blind test..

@AfferbeckBeats 4 жыл бұрын

This was an interesting video for me, as I've got a 2m Blue that I want to either replace the stylus for or try something else. I bought my turntable as an ex demo with unknown listening time on it, and I've given it light listening over the past couple of years. Plus I've fumbled more than a few times and bounced the stylus off the record which can't be good for it. So I think it could do with replacing. In all the tests I preferred A, as B to me sounded muffled and muddy in the low mids, A sounded more open overall, with more high end that was sometimes welcome, sometimes harsh. Your comment about the Blue not tolerating poor condition records I have found to be no issue. I've been sampling from a lot of trashed records lately and I've been surprised at how well it handles them. I was considering the 110 because I can get the whole cartridge for about $50 AUD less than a replacement Blue stylus. Perhaps the MP-150 would be a better choice but it costs more than I'm willing to pay.

@YourVinylSucks 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the best comparison video. The fade up audio transitions kinda threw me off so I'd recommend not using them. I prefer the Blue 2M, it also won the blind test, although not by much, a couple more examples in the blind test would have been useful, and maybe have the blind test go first so we're not familiar with what we're hearing right off the bat. The first song by the way is I Blew It Off by Punch Brothers, would be worth mentioning the music used in the video or at least in the description.

@darkpenvk 2 жыл бұрын

I feel like my ear has served me well over the years... and to be honest, given the limitations of the platform, there really isn't a significant difference between the two as presented... that doesn't mean it doesn't exist, just that its not significant through KZfaq... now $100 isn't really that much money relatively speaking so you really have to take a broader view and think about the weight of the cartridge and the rest of your set up... but for what its worth, I just ordered the Nagoaka... that being said I have a very nice Dual 1229 in another set up and I ordered the Ortofon Red cartridge for that...

@TheJackMartigan 5 жыл бұрын

I prefered the Nagaoka during the blind test ;)

@coguglielmi 5 жыл бұрын

Me too! I own the MP150 so i'm used to that kind of sound signature too

@SuperCanzoni 5 жыл бұрын

Yes the nagaoka are more analogic sound, ortofon 2m blue digital sound

@diogenescaruaru 4 жыл бұрын

Me too :-)

@deadandburied7626 Жыл бұрын

Me as well, MP110 sounded a little warmer but no less detailed

@compacthydraulic 4 жыл бұрын

My upgrade path on my Rega over the past 6 years has been 2M Red - 2M Blue - MP110 . I remember the Red sounding great out of the box. Not so the Blue. The stylus took about 30 hours to break-in. I got to a point where it didn't sound an awful lot different to my Audiolab CD player. I ended up eBaying the Blue and buying the MP-110. Again, the top end sounded awful to start but eventually gave me the sound I wanted. I haven't had the upgrade itch since.

@BrianShunk 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that you ended up with something that suits you! I had the opposite effect with the Blue. After break-in, I started to love it. I agree about the red - sounds great right out of the box. I think the "cd sound" that the Ortofon carts have is because they have a greater dynamic range FWIW. To me the red is very "cd" sounding. I may try the Nagaoka just for kicks one day soon.

@socksumi 3 жыл бұрын

Articulation and detail better on the 2M Blue. Easy to hear even on the blind tests. The best test is long term listening to both. That reveals differences that back and forth A-B tests miss.

@leosalas41ify 3 жыл бұрын

In the end for me it comes down to economics. I liked the detail and cleaner sounds of the blue, but not worth the extra money. I have the NAG110 and happy with it. It exceeds the price point, but if money was no object, I would buy the blue and probably will, just a bit concerned that the extra brightness might get old or fatiguing. Will see, Thanks for great viedo.

@100percentmobile 5 жыл бұрын

During the side by side tests i like the MP110 more but in the blind test i choose A.

@JulienMelissas 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this video! I have a 2M Red but my girlfriend just broke the stylus off cleaning things... lol. It was time for a new one anyways. I thought I'd like the Blue more, but that Radiohead track which I know and love dearly suprised me. Naga all the way for me.

@thinkzinc100 4 жыл бұрын

If money was no object, the Blue would be the preference but what you are paying for is nuance. If you listen carefully, the Blue has more headroom and clarity. Most people are out to enjoy the music, not listen in like a bird. Either is fine for most purposes IMO so it comes down to budget.

@noahpdavis 5 жыл бұрын

Any chance of you shooting out the next price rung up for these 2? I've got a 2m Bronze and am really curious about how it sounds against the MP-200. Your comparison videos are the best I've found - thanks!

@Audiorpheus_Vinyl 5 жыл бұрын

Very kind of you to say! As of right now I do not have the budget to purchase those two cartridges but would love to

@noahpdavis 5 жыл бұрын

Totally understand. Those companies should sponsor you :) :)

@meorhilmimeorghazali632 4 жыл бұрын

I listen to mostly fusion jazz but do listen to vocal as well like Steps Ahead, Yellow jacket, Spyro gyra, Chic Corea, Micheal Brecker, John Klemmer, Lee ritenour , Diana Krall, Thelma Houston, Diane Shurr

@pking39 5 жыл бұрын

In the first comparison, the Blue had a more precise sound (especially the guitar), to me. The second song they both sound the same and in the blind test, I prefer the Nagaoka. For the price I would pick the Nagaoka

@D3athW1ng 2 ай бұрын

This is crazy ... I set up my denon receiver to stereo and put my bass at a modest setting.. using psb speakers ... While I'm not sure what quality this KZfaq recording is at, I played this at -25 db with expectations that I would like the Naga based on what I heard others say (bass, body warmth, smooth). Thank you for this .. do more with other cartridges. I'm sure you can get the companies to sponsor your tests.

@horsey604 Жыл бұрын

I found that A was the blue because of the guitars on the background, they sound more detailed and maybe more to the front, closer to the vocals.

@thejonathandoan 3 жыл бұрын

In this test, I prefer the Ortofon Blue, due to the more revealing top end and more punch and accuracy throughout. But I think it mostly depends on your setup. If you have very sensitive and revealing speakers then the Blue might be too harsh, and the more warm, smooth sound of the Nagaoka would win. If your speakers are a tad warm, the more revealing or detailed sound of the Blue might be preferable.

@svenschwingel8632 3 жыл бұрын

That is something a lot of people do not consider - the listening chain as a whole. You are right about how you can influence speaker sound with a cartridge - I have rather warm and bassy speakers that would do well with a cartridge that offers a sleeker, contoured low end and a detailed top end, maybe even with a Shibata or Microline stylus tip. And then there's the RIAA EQ curve in the phono preamp which can really mess things up. Also, the turntable RCA cable capacitance can have an influence on that. If there is an electrical mismatch, all kinds of things might happen.