CELLULE MM NAGAOKA MP110

The Nagaoka MP110 cartridge is an evolution of the MP100, which is considered one of the best affordable phono cartridges on the global market!

Nagaoka MP110: Features

The design has a relatively “vintage” look—but in a good way. It resembles a “Lego” brick. The build quality and craftsmanship are excellent and hold their own against the competition.

Nagaoka uses high-quality samarium-cobalt magnets and very pure copper coils.

The elliptical-shaped stylus is mounted on an aluminum cantilever. The stylus is, of course, interchangeable. Compatible styluses include the Nagaoka JN-P-100 and JN-P-110.

Nagaoka MP110: Compatibility

Its ample output level allows it to be paired with most MM phono preamps or the phono inputs typically found on integrated amplifiers.

It’s also worth noting that its high compliance (20) and low mass (6.5g) allow the Nagaoka MP110 to be mounted on a wide variety of tonearms (Thorens, Dual, Lenco, Garrard, Pro-Ject, etc.).

Nagaoka MP110: Test and Listening Impressions

It retains the qualities of the MP100 cartridge, with slightly fewer flaws.

The high end is detailed and clear, but without any exaggerated brightness or harshness.

The bass is slightly truncated, but very well articulated and more dynamic than on the MP100 model. The response is relatively “flat” without any exaggerated peaks or dips.

The present yet gentle midrange reproduces voices that are very realistic and never harsh.

Its transparency and finesse also surpass those of the MP100, as does its significantly lower level of surface noise.

At this price point, the Nagaoka MP110 MM cartridge is definitely a great deal for those who prioritize musicality and tone—and for anyone nostalgic for Shure or Audio-Technica cartridges from the “golden age”!

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Nagaoka MP110 MM cartridge

Which types of tonearm can this cartridge be mounted on?

Thanks to its high compliance (20) and low mass (6.5 g), the Nagaoka MP110 mounts easily on a large number of tonearms from vintage or current turntables: Thorens, Dual, Lenco, Garrard, Pro-Ject, and many others. The Nagaoka MP110 cartridge is an evolution of the MP100, which is regarded as one of the best affordable phono cartridges on the world market. It keeps the MP100's qualities, with slightly fewer flaws. At this price, the Nagaoka MP110 MM cartridge is certainly a bargain for anyone who prioritises musicality and timbre, and if you are nostalgic for Shure or Audio Technica cartridges from the golden age.

Is the stylus replaceable if needed?

Yes, the elliptical stylus is interchangeable: the compatible styli are the Nagaoka JN-P-100 and JN-P-110, which lets you extend the cartridge's life without replacing it entirely. The stylus, of elliptical profile, is mounted on an aluminium cantilever. The presentation is fairly "vintage", but in the good sense of the term. The presentation and build are of excellent quality and have nothing to envy in the competition.

What are the differences from the Nagaoka MP100 it evolves from?

The MP110 keeps the MP100's appreciated qualities while reducing certain flaws: the bass is more dynamic and better articulated, transparency and refinement improve, and surface noise is markedly reduced. Nagaoka uses excellent Samarium/Cobalt magnets and very pure copper coils. It is also worth noting that its high compliance (20) and low mass (6.5 g) allow this Nagaoka MP110 to be mounted on a large number of arms (Thorens, Dual, Lenco, Garrard, Pro-Ject, and so on). Its comfortable output level allows pairing with most MM phono preamps or the phono inputs generally available on integrated amplifiers.

What kind of sound does this cartridge deliver?

The top of the spectrum is detailed and clear without excessive brightness or hardness, the midrange is smooth and reproduces realistic voices without harshness, with a broadly flat response with no marked peaks or dips. It is an excellent choice for fans of cartridges with a distinctive timbre, in the spirit of the Shure or Audio Technica of vinyl's golden age. The bass is slightly curtailed but very well articulated and more dynamic than on the 100 model. The response is fairly "flat" without exaggerated peaks or dips.