I have this cartridge but it needs a new stylus. I'm toying with the idea of getting a replacement stylus but am wondering what people think of this cartridge overall. Any MP-11 owner's out there have any thoughts on it?

I am also fascinated by this cart. However, Nagaoka recently "updated" there carts and the MP-110 (http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=NAGAOKAMP110&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART) is the successor to the MP-11. I'm interested in knowing if anyone has an opinion on this cart too. I'm not sure if the stylus is interchangeable or not. One AKer told me that they had the MP-11 on their Dual and liked it. I also have a Dual and was happy to hear that. This might be my next cart purchase... :music:

Here are some write-ups on it:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/nagaoka_mp11_e.html
http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=65290
http://www.needledoctor.com/Ortofon-2M-Red-Phono-Cartridge (Toward the bottom, there is a pdf that compares the Ortofon 2M Red/Blue to the MP-11. Interesting read)

:lurk:

The MP-11 is an old-dog. It's been around for some time now and as mentioned, has been Updated. However, it was HIGHLY praised as a Budget Wonder by many. I found that I liked the Ortofon FF 15 XE Mk II better, but it's really a matter of prefference to sound I guess.

Joey

i tried the mp11 in the mid 80's on my first turntable, a dual cs505-2 deluxe..but was pretty disappointed with the results.

The most memorable impression being a very recessed treble and congested midrange with decent-ish bass but not much else in terms or musical enjoyment.

In hindsight , and given the very generous reviews at the time, I suspect that my disappointment was either due to a poor sample, or more likely, the result of a gross mismatch in terms of compliance and alignment in the Dual's tonearm...its relatively high and narrow tracking force range didn't help either..and i do remember an overly soft suspension being a problem...which considering the cartridge's body weight made its match with a low mass tonearm all the more difficult

The more expensive mp11 boron was also touted as an outstanding cartridge too but my frustration wth the mp11 at the time led me to try the crisper sounding ,less fussy audio technica at110e instead..and a few years later an at95e.

Both of which i think are still among the best sounding,truly affordable budget cartridges of the last 25 years..:scratch2:

I have the original cartridge shootout review of the mp11 against 11 of its main competitors at the time in 1983 including :

Adc phase 1
Audio technica at 110e
A&R C77
Empire 250E
Glanz MFG-11T
Grado GT Super
Nad 9200
Nagaoka MP11
Ortofon VMS 10E II
Pickering Red Hot Needle
Shure M99E
Stanton 500EE II

drop me a pm with an email addy if you (or anyone else)would like a copy of the review and i'll blow some dust off the scanner later this evening..:D

I have had much experience with the MP11 Boron and love it's sound!! I have tried

Grado Black
Shure V15 type IV
AT440 MLa
Accuphase AC-1

and the MP11 Boron is my favorite!! I have two of them on both of my main TT's. The other carts sit on the shelf.

I find the low end to be the most pleasing part of the MP11 Boron. The mids are warm similar to a Grado but the botom end is much more defined. Very deep sounding, is one character I believe it's earned well. The upper end doesn't have the sparkle of the Accuphase or AT440 but it is very clear.

I wouln't describe it's sound to be flat at all but it is most enjoyable to me. A good all round cartridge, and well worth the money if you can find one! I would love to hear the MP11 (standard) and compare but after spending a bunch of money trying other carts out, I've finally found the one that works for my tables. I'm going to stick with the Boron's, if I can find them.

If you're not into critical listening and would like a stellar all round full sounding cartridge, I would suggest you try one. It should be noted that my speakers have excellent top end which may have made the MP11 Boron sound better. Often the AT440 was too bright with them.

Let us know what you think if you decide to try one out!