Oh my goodness, Ian. You're the bringer of truth. I've never been a fan of MC cartridges, so your findings here are of no surprise. Yes, they can sound good, but the investment needed boarders on the ridiculous, and simply just not necessary. MM cartridges such as the Nagaoka MP500 (once run in) can take on with ease MC cartridges costing several times more, and without the need of a grossly overpriced phono preamp. Even the Schiit Mani can do it justice. Of course the Hi-Fi press will completely disagree (with a few exceptions) and we know why don't we. Ian, You're bringing back the real joy of audiophilia 👍
Again, Brother Chris.. YOU SPEAK SO SUCCINCTLY. "Yes, they can sound good, but the investment needed boarders on the ridiculous, and simply just not necessary. MM cartridges such as the Nagaoka MP500 (once run in) can take on with ease MC cartridges costing several times more, and without the need of a grossly overpriced phono preamp. Even the Schiit Mani can do it justice." * SUPER SPOT-ON!!!!! * You amaze me again, and again... super sharp and super experiences to help all of us. We will win. Vinyl users will all win against the hype and marketing ploys. We really want affordability, truth and to enjoy our beloved, treasured and lovely vinyl records. And sit back and be surrounded with family and friends as we enjoy this simple joy of life. Yours, ~ ian.
Matthew Taylor Well you said it yourself "overpriced" ... Some MC cartridges are excellent, but the investment needed to get the best from them seems excessive. We've all done it. When the Hi-Fi bug bites you can spend silly amounts of money. I love Ian's philosophical outlook. He's discovered musicality and master levels of resolution without the need to sell Granny. And he's not bought by "hype" which is refreshing to say the least. 👍
I know this is 5 years old, but since I'm currently looking into getting a new cartridge, and those two were actual candidates, this video helped out a lot. Thanks!
Another in-depth and honest review, as is your trademark Ian. 👍 It's a bit disappointing hearing these news about the Quintet. I was under the illusion that Ortofon had a more consistent quality throughout their cartridge range. If i may, i would like to ask you how do you capture the audio samples that you put in your videos? Is it a direct connection between phono preamp and soundcard? On some of your other videos they sound as if you captured the audio from your speakers. Keep doing what you do, Ian. Amazing work!
MrVinylObsessive Dear Buddy👋😄!! Great to see you again! How are you? Often times it is that honest competitors have really done better, or much better 💪🎶✌. Such raised bars of standards inevitably make us consumers wonder why we should spend our hard-earned monies on suboptimal products. You are sharp. I have just started (from this video onwards) using the Schiit Jil as a Analog-to-Digital Converter: directly linking from the phonostage to the Schiit Jil and then, to the computer. I have just purchased the Schiit Jil a month ago😄✌. Thank you for your kindness brother! Warmest Regards 🤗
Recently I have done a through test of 25 cartridges, including Ortofon 2M Blue and Quintet Blue. A huge disappointment and shock, 2M Blue literally de-classified Quintet Blue by two levels at least.
This is an amazing review; full of passion and energy. Your work is peerless. I can't think of a single source of information that I'd rather consult over matters analogue. Again, I smile knowing that my 'low price' cartridge knocks the overpriced competition into the ground. You have clearly shown over the years that newer and dearer isn't always better. I had a few records on the other night and was contemplating my setup over the last decade. You say what I always felt was true. Don't belive the media hype. Believe your own ears! Keep up the great work, my friend.
Dear Buddy, thank you for your time YET AGAIN.... you are always my super kind friend who comes by every time my video gets released.... thank you, very much. ..We love our Mani :-D Thank you for your kind words. Have a great Sunday!!! Yours, ~ ian.
Made my day again friend! Was really looking forward to this review and you did such an excellent job! Nice to know that MM is at the level of quality that we can just judge a cartridge on its merits and not based on its price or whether or not it is MC. Really looking forward to what you have to say about the Hana. By the way you choose really excellent demo music for reviewing. A nice variety of quality recordings that truly unveil what a cartridge is capably of.
Thank you Brother, yet again...I hear you have had such a GREAT TIME with your family, and your dear father come over for Christmas!! Zoey, the Bichon Frise... your dear baby!!!!!!! Great to hear she is doing well! Please send my regards to her!
Dear Vinyl buddy!! Let's keep up our warm and lovely energies in our vinyl community :-D . hope you are having lots of records and record buddies whenever you shop!! :-D . Warmest Regards always, ~ ian
Dear Buddy with the MP-110 and Mani!!! :-D Yes, that MC "snob" thingy. MM users have more than be confident, MM users can be forever happy!!!! THEY ARE GREAT :-D and can easily win over MC carts in performance, more than just offering great performance to price ratio considerations. Yes, PERFORMANCE, outright :-D!! See you my dear friend!...
You are the best analog audio reviewer on UA-cam. I enjoy your enthusiasm and honesty in reviewing and comparing stereo components. You have motivated me to buy a Technics SL1210 table.
Dear Brother, I'm very happy to have been of help. Do browse and learn along. The Technics SL1200MK2/3/5 is your best turntable (looking at all aspects) you'd ever find, and enjoy in your life. Nothing else comes close. You'll love it forever🤗🤗🤗. Congratulations Brother!!!!!!! Stay safe too and keep healthy🌈🏡🤗🎶🎵🎶🎶🍀🍀🍀
Ian, as always, an excellent review. Only information and zero fluff. The differences you point out are clearly illustrated with the examples. And they are obvious even over youtube and on computer speakers. I'm glad to hear that you got a Schiit Lyr. So the comparisons will become even clearer! Many thanks and great learning from you!
Dear Buddy!!!! GREAT TO SEE you again just after a week!!! How are you with your Technics SL1200Mk2!! You lucky man!!!! :-D hahahaha ... yes I am using the Schiit Jil as a good ADC now. Thank YOU!!!!!! Love to see you again my brother!!
Another detailed and superb review, Ian. Enjoying it very much. So much hard work putting into reviewing the two MC cartridges for the benefit of VC. A few seconds of the cut scenes for each aspect of the sound qualities must have taken you days to do it. I can't imagine myself doing it. So, thanks a lot for the effort! Can't wait for the Hana's turn and the facts that you are going to reveal!
Dear BROTHER!!!! Continue to enjoy your MP150 AND MP110 AND MANI!!! :-D... You are blessed by the Vinyl gods indeed!!! Yes, a few seconds here and there, DID take me a few days to complete indeed :-D... you are very kind and resourceful, and understanding, to see through beyond what is presented. Thank you..... really happy to hear from you. Warmest Regards buddy!
Hey Buddie Dr. Ian. I hope you and yours are all well in your part of the world. We're heading into Winter right now so I think the only thing to do is hybernate until Spring and enjoy even more good stereo music on my great audio system. This is the first time I've viewed this Ortofon QB You Tube. You show no mercy and take no prisoners! I'm really glad you're willing to do all this eval work. As we say here in the States:"It's a dirty job but someone has to do it!" ... lol. You are saving me a great deal of time and $money and so I'm very grateful! I take it the Nagaoka MP 200 is still #1? I'm enjoying my Denon VL12. I feel it compares with the Technics Sl1200 but I can't get a decent review from any audiophile that knows what he's talking about like you. Maybe you'll have an opportunity to hear it. I'd be interested in your perceptions. Many thanx, Buddie Vic ⛩🏯🎎🍜🍻🍕🔊🎼🎵🎶🎶🎹🎻🎸🎺🎷🥁💣💥👊☝️
Yo Buddy Vic😄🤜🤛😄, great great!!! Hibernate well hibernate well and enjoy all your vinyl analogue magic this wintry season!!!!! Yes...the MP-200 is really 🙏🙏🙏!!!! A blast!!!!! Regarding the VL12...I really have to apologise..... I never played and heard one before... sorry Buddy😅! Hope you have a cosy festive season coming up and stay genki (japanese) and happy! May your family be close by always and healthy too🌿🏡🧘♂️🍀🎶🍀🍀🍀
I really appreciate your careful, bandwidth-based assessments of carts and your advocacy for carts like the Grado Red and the Nagaoka 150--given the kind of systems I have, which are Sansui amps etc. (I also use older tube amps) and KLH or EV speakers from the 1960s, these carts sound *so good* it is hard to better them. I am especially a fan of the Grado Red . . .
Hi Ian, what a pleasant surprise to get your UA-cam notification over Sunday morning coffee (in California)! Thank you for another excellent and well produced review. Although I have not contemplated replacing my Schiit Mani and Nagaoka MP-110, it was reassuring to learn that they were superior to the Ortofon Quintet Blue MC in your review. I look forward to your next review on the Hana EL. Warmest regards, Steven
Yes, buddy! :-D hahaha... yes indeed!!! I am surprised and delighted too that your MP-110 and Mani stood their grounds superbly against such an expensive cartridge! Best Regards brother!!! MP-110 and Mani.... enjoy, enjoy, ENJOY! Best Regards to you and your family~ . ian
Hi. Ortophone Quintet need around 25-30 hours of play for warming up. I was upset after listening right after the purchase, but after a few dozen hours of use I am quite satisfied with the result.
Man! This is how review should look like. If you see some minuses, you just say that product is not ok. And that comparisons. Pure gold! Thanks! Instant subscribe
Thank you Buddy Michal 🙏🤗😁👍👍👍we go on our lovely vinyl analogue hifi journey😁😁😁🎶🎶🎶 Most of all, I wish you and your family to be well and happy, safe and healthy☘🏡🎶🎶🎶🍀
Greetings Ian! For a good while I have been mulling over MC carts versus MM carts. Thank you for clearing things up. My MP 110 rocks. I will be upgrading to the MP 200 when the stylus wears out. Cheers mate!
Yes, our lovely MP-110 is not to be trifled with :-D . Listening to the Quintet Blue and Hana EL. makes me cherish and respect the MP-110 even more!!!! Hi five brother!
Thank you for your feedback. I was in research for the Ortofon Quintet Blue, but after watching your video, I'll move to something else. As I see it, the problem about MCs lies, also, to the lower Compliance , which is a key factor for heavier tonearms. For example, my Thorens td-165 Special has the TP-11 (16,5gr). It's considered a 'medium to heavy' tonearm. I cannot find a decent MM to match it, and constraint the RF between 8-12. All MMs have higher compliance factors. Out of despair, I installed an AT-95e some years ago and I listen like that.. Now, I started again searching for a better cartridge and I am/was between: 1) Denon dl-110 2) Denon dl-103r 3) Ortofon MC-03 turbo 4) Ortofon Quintet Blue (not anymore) 5) some Goldring Outside of these, I really get headaches from chaotic searching and reading, you see? Thank you again
Wow Brother!!!...I admire your insistence to have looked at so many options!.. I'm happy that I have been of help my friend🤗..... really a big thank you for coming by and saying hi to me too!!!! Warmest Regards and have a lovely 2020🎉🎊🎉😄👍👍👍
Ian my friend you have the golden ears. I always wait for your new review anxiously. You got me really hooked again on vinyl. Keep up the amazing reviews. Daniel.
HiViNyws channel Hello Ian, Yes, I am enjoying my mp200 very much mounted on VPI table. I still believe this mp200 beats so many cartridges in the sub $1000 category. Can’t wait to see your review for the mp200. Have a great day👍😄
BROTHER, "I still believe this mp200 beats so many cartridges in the sub $1000 category." *********** YOU ARE RIGHT!!!! ****************** You will see how the MP-150 with the humble and superb Schiit Mani, compare with the Hana EL in the next episode :-D !!!!!!! It will be one big eye-opener for many people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for always coming by and updating me of your journey, from your MP-110 to the MP-200! I really appreciate your super kindness and time!!!!! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You are always a consistent friend sharing and catching up. I am very grateful to your friendship. Yours ~ ian :-D
Your reviews are always entertaining and totally unbiased. I look forward to your next one! I can’t wait to finally get my hands on the MP-110. Soon. I have no doubts that it will be my “forever” cartridge.
Thank you buddy for your kind words and encouragement! I endeavour to do my very best continuously.... :-D we love our vinyl community! Have fun with that crazy superb cartridge which is the MP-110. it should keep many of us >95% of us, MORE than satisfied :-D....hahaha we shall see if it is the case for you! Update again brother! Best Regards always.... thank you again for your kind time!
Another spot-on review my dear friend Ian. Accurate, to the point, honest. Very well done. I hope all has been with you and your family. I've been away traveling throughout the EU, spending time in the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Have finally made it back home to the US and am now catching up with all my friends here. Take care my friend and we will be talking again soon.
Simon's Vinyl Dimension Brother, thank you for your time 👋😄 ah....home sweet home my friend! Guess you have brought back lots of memories and lovely records🎶🎷📦!!!Warmest Regards Buddy. Thank you for catching up!
Thanks heaps I was convinced by an MC snob to sell my MP200 to upgrade to a HannaEL forget that now. I have seen your Hanna review too. This is a great channel I hope your going well!
YESSSSSSS Brother!!!!! There are many MC snobs around. But now, there is the MP-200 and Goldring 1042 to couple with the Schiit Mani or the Rega Aria!!!! SUPERB SOUND. No need for MCs. Warmest Regards Buddy!!! Good to see you again and thank you for your kind time and concern!.... May you be well and happy my friend!!!
Hi, just warched the review, entertaing as always. Just a question though, did you run the blue in. Ten hours minimum is recommended. If straight out of the box your results may be explained.
luka ingo Hi Buddy! Great to see you again! It would be the xx2mk2. The performance it gives, is phenomenal and breathtaking, absolutely top, top class. It, together with the Pulsare2, brings to me, a transcendental experience. Whenever i am sitting at the sweet spot and listening, i cannot describe the sound anymore. I am speechless. Thank you for asking👋😄 buddy. Warmest Regards always to you and your family!!!💪🎶✌
Since I got back into vinyl last July, I have been running a Harman Kardon T-40 Turntable and, thanks to you, an MP-110 and Mani. For a system in another room, I just acquired a second HK turntable, this time a T-60, and did not think twice about ordering an MP-110 and another Mani for it. It seems only appropriate that I thank you again. :) Fantastic work on this review!
Dear Buddy!!! Thank you for coming by yet again! I totally agree :-D!!! I have two MP-110 ready to do duties anytime in both hall and room too !! Hahaha hi five brother!!!!! I also have just ordered two JNP110 replacement styli as nice backups!!! So you can see I am prepared to groove with the MP-110 for LONG!!! :-D See you buddy! Nice to have your time and updates, and friendship.
After your MP150 review, I'm curious as to why you didn't get JNP150 replacements for the MP-110, and keep the stock MP-110 styli as backups. Have you evaluated an MP-150 stylus as a replacement in the MP-110 to see if it makes sense for those wanting to upgrade their MP-110(s)?
Nagaoka cartridges are my all time favourites, I always seem to go back to using them having tried many other manufacturers cartridges. Their sound is so natural and believable, effortless really without any of the HiFi gimmicks that other manufacturers offer.
Exactly. Amazing stuff really :-D !!!!!!!!!!! Moving Permallloy, careful engineering and diligent craftsmanship seem to gel together to give us this high level of vinyl analogue enjoyment!! Best Regards my friend, and thank you very much for your sharing your experience all these years!!!
Way to go Ian, that Avid phono stage is magnificent, so many control options. What is the maximum gain level of the Avid phono stage and are you using rca or balanced input/outputs. How much gain do you use with the Dynavector XXII as well as the two tested cartridges. The reason I asked is although I love my phono stage which is a Audio Research PH8 it has a fixed gain at 58db, which limits me regarding moving magnet and very low output moving coil and would make the Dynavector XXII, at .28mv unplayable without a step-up transformer, which the Audio Research is very hard to mate with, but the PH8 has extremely low noise floor when mated well with. I'm currently using a Dynavector 10X5 at 2.5mv and was curious if the Hana EL and Ortofon Blue were being used at 60db or less and if so did you find the sound pressure level satisfactory. Good review and the Hana EL seems like a surprise and a good cartridge. I looked at some reviews on the Hana SL, which seemed promising. I have also heard and believe that just going moving coil for the sake of it doesn't mean that you will beat moving magnet. Another two good low price moving coil cartridges would be the Denon DL-110 now at $349.00 (1.6mv) and Denon DL-301MKII (.4mv) at $399.00 both which I own, but the DL301MKII hasn't been used since going to the Audio Research PH8. Thanks for doing this as always and your collection of cartridges is growing my friend. We appreciate all of your hard work in doing these videos and your passion!!!
Dear Buddy Szidon!! A fellow learned and experienced buddy called Chris Bishop has just commented here as well :-D and he has always been around for the past two years, giving supremely good and spot-on insights. Very brilliant guy he is.... :-D a great friend and resource!... Thank you for writing and your kindest time on your Sunday. I would love to catch up with you for coffee one day! Btw the Pulsare2 has adjustable gain at 40, 50, 60 and 70dB, and I am using 70dB for the MC low output cartridges :-D... the pulsare2 is really an amazing phonostage. Always make my jaws drop and eyes go big, and I go stoned and sat fixated in amazement and shock every time I listen to the xx2mk2 with it. Even one song just now, East of the Village by Hank Mobley on MusicMattersJazz, made me supremely satiated. Just one song. Amazing... :-D. I hope to do more for all of us. Then again, there are many kit out there quadruple the price of my xx2mk2 and pulsare2 which I have not listened to. :-D . We shall all be happy with what we have!!! Keep it up with your DL110 and 301Mk2!!! Yours, ~ian
@@HiViNywschannel Hi Ian, where can I get the Dynavector cartridge in Singapore? Does it include installation? What is the loading you use for the Dynavector? Thanks
@@zakkong7248 Brother, well done! Yes, the Dynavector retailer is Jimmy, 3rd storey of Adelphi mall. Go down to his store and check out his prices for his various Dynavector carts, and yes, enquire about installation too😄👌. You can WhatsApp him at 93706960 and call him at 63362467 between about 12noon to 7pm.
Brother, hope you are having fun with the MP110!! Thank you for your kind friendship and time again... hope all is well and lovely regards to your family! ~ian
Thank you Ian! Actually, can't thank you enough for getting all of us so much more into Vinyl. Mani was hands down best advice ever for LP enjoyment. A veil has been lifted.
Dear David, :-) i am happy to be of service. That is all I hope for. You, my dearest friends' support and friendship, encouragement, is the best gift for me. I will continue to strive hard buddy. Thank you for your time.... have a good Sunday :-D
Dear Brother from Spain!!! THANK YOU for coming by again! I am happy to see you!!!! Hahaha.... how's things? You speak with verve... you must be so enjoying your vinyl journey, exciting isn't it! :-D BEST REGARDS BRO!
Hi Ian, Always nice to watch your videos. Imho in this price bracket MC has some serious competition and not even starting about expensive phono amps. MC to me seems to start to shine around the U$/€1000 mark yet needs a very well picked phono amp. You're a guru on this matter, I just read and watch reviews like yours :) Ending with dinner: Chinese take away, it is actually more a Chinese/Indonesian blend of things like saté and babi pagang etc.. Cheers Mike
I cannot agree with you more: YOU ARE SPOT-ON MIKE!!! "MC to me seems to start to shine around the U$/€1000 mark yet needs a very well picked phono amp." I CAN'T, CAN'T. CAN'T AGREE WITH YOU MORE. Heh buddy, saté and babi pagang Chinese-Indonesian eats!!!! Some fragrant rice to go along.... heeheee.... Hope all's well and growing with your Frank ZAPPA!!! :-D
You know what is funny? When listening to CD (1990s-2014 ish) I often "complained" about the bad sound quality of FZ recordings. With records (well mastered) they sound amazing! The hifi was a bit more modest to be fair but anyways. Even the older (Roxy & Elsewhere and NY) are such a joy to listen. Bernie Grundman masterings I buy blind. Paul does a great job comparing mastering engineers and record plants. You both compliment eachother very nicely.
Ian: Thanks for the review. I look forward to your reviews like an addict! Thanks for the comparison to MM carts. Very few reviewers have addressed this. I purchased and am happy with a Nagaoka MP150 based primarily on your review although I owned and liked an MP10 many years ago. Please keep up the good work!
Stellar review Ian! I could really hear the difference in dynamics, harmonics, bass & mid response. Though I will say, the sibilance on the QB was outstanding(!); it is definitely an MC cart to avoid. Thank you again for your work! Hope you are doing well and listening to great vinyl during your down times. Take care my friend!
Dear Brad!!! I am happy to receive your kindness again. Buddy, I hope your friend is getting on real well with her foray into vinyl with a great deck! May you realize your plan of the MP500 :-D. Thank you yet again and I enjoy always your candour and friendship. See you Brad!.. ~ ian
Thank you for this wonderful review. HiFi magazines have been useless advertising brochures for decades, which makes your unbiased tests so valuable. Before your videos, I had a hard time finding others who disliked Ortofon and favored Nagaoka. It's so good to actually see a review with sanity in this field. Thank you, Ian and best wishes from Germany. Norman
Dear Brother Norman!! Thank you always for catching up! :-D you must be loving your SL1210 for years by now... am i right?!! :-D . I will definitely pick the GR1006, Grado Red, Green, MP150 and MP110 over the Quintet Blue to give that extreme vinyl joy and music!!!
Not sanity but integrity, as most media might as well be paid marketing. Companies like Nagaoka and Grado don't need marketing because their cartridges sound noticeably better than their direct competition.
It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. You remind me every single time how much fun this subject can be. And yes, my SL-1210 is still fantastic. Only the lack of 78rpm might be a reason one day to get the new 1200GR, but €1500 is a steep investment for this. But the MP500 will definitely stay. And I am still amazed how well the MP110 already performs. Before I got the Technics, I once had a Pro-ject with an Ortofon VinylMaster Red. It had a heavy frequency lift at about 6 KHz, VinylDisaster would have been a better name for it. ;)
Hi Ian- I just found your great channel and subscribed. Your enthusiasm is contagious, my friend. I have a High End audio appetite with a Mid Fi budget. What I really want to know, are you a skateboarder or are those boards behind you, belonging to young son? Just kidding. How’s this setup for someone just getting back into the vinyl game after being away many, many years...I’m thinking of purchasing the Rega Planar 1, Schiit Mani and Nagaoka MP 110. Sound good? Keep up the great work! Your reviews are bringing clarity to the masses, so thank you for that!
Hahaha... those boards belong to my sons, my wife and me :-D ...but most importantly: P1 + MANI + MP110 coming your way?!!! :-D THIS IS MOST FANTASTIC FOR THE MONEY!!! Brother, we can catch up anytime! But of course I hope you are too busy listening and enjoying your vinyl records that you won't have time to write to me :-D! Lol.... Anytime, bro!
Hi Ian, great review as always, thanks. A question for you, could this poor performance of this cartridge be an issue because of the compliance mismatch between your tonearm and the cartridge- hence an issue with the resonance? What is your opinion on the importance of tonearm and cartridge matching in terms of compliance and resonance frequency?
Dear Brother, great to see you again :-D !!! Sorry to have missed out this post. The dynamic compliance of this QB is 15um/mN, and the cartridge body weight is 9g, if you calculate these figures with the SME V tonearm and lighter-weight Technics GAE magnesium tonearm with lightweight Jelco HS-25 and Yamamoto HS-3, HS-4 headshells which I use during testing, the resonant frequency is within 8-Hz 14Hz. Not an issue with compliance.
HiViNyws channel - Thanks Ian. That’s exactly what I was expecting so we know for sure it’s the characteristics of the cartridge itself and not a mismatch. 🙏🏽
Hi Ian, I love your videos and learned a lot from it. I got a Nagaoka MP 300. It is great. Thank you my friend and please keep the videos coming. Next time I travel from USA, plan a lay over in Singapore and go to the audio stores in the mall. Also, a trip to Tokyo. Good luck to you and your family. Stay safe and stay well.
Hi Ian... thanks for all your recommendations. I’ve been using the Schiit Mani and the Nagaoka MP-150 since watching your reviews and I’m very happy. Question.. have you tested the Nagaoka MP-500? If so, is there an appreciable difference in its performance over the MP-150? I look forward to your thoughts on this. Jeff
Ah Brother! Hope you have received your AnalogRelax brush from Japan :-D!! Oh you lucky boy with the SL! I have not heard the SL yet and I hope to get it in a match up with the Dynavector 10x5/20x2, Ortofon Quintet Bronze, etc.. congrats in any case! You are loving it!!! Best Regards and have fun with your Tavish, and of course YOUR TWO SL1200s!
The AnalogRelax arrived yesterday!!! I'm very excited to try it. The anti-static properies will work well because the cold air in NYC super-charges the records. Looking forward to see part 2 of your video. I really believe the Hana is the best needle in it's price range. Thanks again, Ian!
Interesting would be a view of the complete quintet series. Is the upgrade to Bronze usefull? Or is it necessary to jump to black , to hear a difference?
Yes, loading is adjusted and listened to, auditioned, according to manufacturers' specs >400ohms for the Hana EL and >20ohms for the Quintet Blue :-D. Thank you too Buddy for catching up!! Warmest Regards.
Thank you Brother for your kind time writing in as well!! Thank you for watching and lending me support to keep me going :-D . I have to keep on working diligently and carefully. Warmest Regards Buddy!!!! :-D See you! ~ ian
Hello Ian, You did a great job - congratulations. In fact the result is really surprising to me. If I'm honest - I played with the idea to combine my P3 with a Ortofon Quintet Bronze. Maybe I will reconsider my plans. My recent 2M Bronze is perfect and you certainly will understand that we so called "audiophiles" always keep watching for improvements. But you are right - the price is no indicator, it doesn't count. I wish you all the best.
Dear Brother with the P3 :-D !! Thank you for coming by again and your kind time. As long as we are contented, everything is okay my friend :-D!! See you Sir!!! And Warmest Regards to you and your family. ~ian
i just stumbled on to you and this video, the differences were very clear to me over this digital platform, great channel for demoing a cart before you buy, i suppose having good digital gear would help to hear the differences over youtube, kinda ironic.
Ian - Sorry for not commenting the day of this upload but this is a fantastic review and I agree, sometimes, the MC transition doesn't always provide the expected sonic gains over MM. The more I learn about Ortofon, the more disappointed I become in their entry level products. I was happy with my 2M Black but it makes me wonder in retrospect if I couldn't have started out with a cart that was sonic-ally superior and at half the price. The Hana is an exceptional cart and less than the price of a 2M Black. Can't wait for the next video. The Hana paired with Mani sound like a good entry point into MC sounding carts. Thanks for the kind shout out by the way. As an aside, do you know of anyone that has had their Dynavector retipped? I know I probably have plenty of hours left but I am just thinking about things down the road. I am trying to find some time to switch to the Nagaoka for awhile. If I can find a good half day off, with no family around, I am going to switch out. With a cart swap, I prefer to have absolutely no distractions to interrupt the process ;)
Dearest Buddy Paul, :-D The reason for my reticence, is, because, after reading your comment, I have been ruminating over buying a Technics SL1200Mk3D for you, from hifido!!!! Coz I thought that: "if I can get one Mk3D for Paul, he CAN spend less time running his xx2Mk2 to the ground, and playing his multiple vinyl records casually and yet getting superb musical high quality sound from the MP-110 and Mani I gave him :-D "... I have two xx2Mk2s.... I bought an extra one 2 years ago, as a standby. Both are played regularly, but of course not as much as my MP150, MP110, GR1006, Grado Green and Grado Red :-D !!! Buddy, I read your words ".......I was happy with my 2M Black but it makes me wonder in retrospect if I couldn't have started out with a cart that was sonic-ally superior and at half the price.... " ...thank you for sharing your insight and feelings. In the meantime, Brother, have a good Friday ahead followed by a another joyous weekend with your family. Warmest Regards, ~ ian
No worries at all Ian on the delayed response and really, you don't have to go out of your way to swing the Technics SL1200Mk3D?! Thank you so much for thinking of me though as you are the most thoughtful of all people here in the VC! The thought of being able to swap cartridges immediately is definitely appealing. As an aside, I don't know how you can keep up with it all! I am happy sometimes if I can get to all my comments inside of week and lately with work, I can't keep up with all of the people I am subscribed too. Your videos are a must watch though! If you need to delay your response on my comments, no worries at all. I just want to let you know you will always have my support.
If you were to ask me which one would I bring home, I will take the Elektra with Mani, for its more even-handedness from top to bottom, and the price. Coz, any low output MC cartridge needs an expensive (unfortunately) phono stage that is able to cope with the low output fed to it.... low output MC places a great stress, a great responsibility, a huge task, for the phono stage to maintain its noise floor, and yet amplifying any music signals that are there, differentiating all the super minute variations (argh..) and ampliflying them correctly. Low output MCs would need :-) a very capable phonostage of at least $2k e.g. the Avid Pulsus, the EAR 834P, IconAudio PS1Mk2 to present the refinement of low output MCs, and yet reproduce that dynamics, scale and weight that comes easily with MM systems. :-D . Continue to have fun with the $100 Elektra and YOUR 1 yr old Mani my friend! And thanks for the other message you have sent me on the Elektra video. Warmest Regards my friend, ~ ian
Thanks for another great review. I really wish Ortofon carts performed as good as they look. Referring to above is the Schiit Mani holding my MP-500 back?
Brother, I don't think so that much :-D . I played the MP-500 with the rest.... and the MP-500's prowess and difference from the competitors, and from the MP-200, MP-150.... are CLEARLY shown. Amazing!!!! Continue loving your MP-500 and Mani buddy!!! I will try to get the Swagman PSU for the Mani in future and do the auditions for you guys too :-D . Thank you Buddy for coming by again and catching up :-D
This is another well done review. Your insights are always satisfying to hear. Keep it up Ian. I just wonder if you have plans do some amp review as well.
Thank you Brother, your kind time and encouragement! Hope you have a great journey yourself :-D!! Thank you too for your trust, but I don't think I have the resources and time to do amplifier reviews :-)... I will concentrate on Vinyl playback cartridges, turntables and phono preamps. :-D Thank you for your understanding buddy!!! Warmest Regards!!
Down Under Vinyl Thank you Buddy from Australia👋😄🇦🇺 great to see you again! Your collection is superb! And your dissertation thorough on your channel. I have just subscribed! 💪😄Warmest Regards !!
Ola Buddy Fabrizio! Thank you too for taking time to write to me👋😄!!! Hope you're doing well and having fun in your vinyl journey too!....and all those hifi😁🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶 Warmest Regards my brother-in-vinyl! Enjoy your weekend!
Hello Can you please list what your system consists off? Pre and power Amplification? Speaker model? Cables? Love your channel. Please review the audionote iq3 mm cartridge as well.
Dear Buddy Shahzad :-D, thank you for coming by again to see me! Yes, the system :-D, it is written in the video descriptions in my previous videos. They should be easy to find :-D . thank you, thank you my friend!!! Hope you are having a great time in your vinyl journey my friend! Warmest Regards, ~ ian.
What are the break in or run in time done on these are you doing before doing critical listening? I am new here and if you have stated else where let me know.
Dear Buddy :-D great to see you again!!! How are you!?! :-D Brother, i run them in for 100 hours at least. Warmest Regards and thank you for catching up!! Hope you are enjoying a restful and lovely analogue weekend :-D !!! ~ ian.
I am enjoying your hard work very much. I just bought a Fluance RT85 I will be using the Parasound Classic 2100 MM/MC internal phono stage at first. Then I will try my Art Audio Vinyl One tube phono stage both through 2100 and then Direct to my 1982 Yamaha M70 amp. Should be fun.
As usual, wonderful and detailed review. Makes me confident to keep on recommending the MP110/Schiit Mani to friends who want to upgrade their systems without breaking the bank! Thanks again for the good work, can’t wait for the next video!
Dear Friend for catching up again!! :-D . YES, go ahead full steam with your recommendation of the MP-110 and Schiit Mani. I have two of each :-D . I love them to bits and playing and ENJOYING thoroughly lots of music through them!!! WHAT GREAT value,.... SUPERB performance!
Good to see you Ian and what a great review, although not for the Quintet Blue. I just listened to the files on Analogue Planet between the Hana SL and Quintet Black and thought the Hana was a more interesting and honest sounding cartridge, I now look forward to part 2. By the way, I'm currently breaking in my Shelter 9000 :)
Ooooh Buddy with the Acutus SP and P3 :-D!!! Indeed a short three weeks and now your Shelter 9000 has touched down in your home!! Way to go man! The Hana SL is cheaper than the Quintet Black, and it would be good for consumers if the cheaper product trumps the more expensive one! Update me again of your Shelter 9000 buddy! Warm Regards on a lovely Sunday with the double-clamp swivelling before you! :-D . ~ ian.
I've sold the P3 as it just didn't have enough low end weight for my tastes, I still think its a superb entry level table though. The Shelter replaces the Lyra Delos and its an analytical sounding cartridge for sure. A little less extended in terms of treble and bass than the Delos but we are talking a small amount. Dynamically its better in both micro and macro than the Delos though and the midrange is also more refined, I'm honestly loving it. If theres some way of sending a hi rez audio file you could hear it for yourself !
Ian, thanks again for sharing your impressions. Personally, I didn't like either one. The QB sounded like an entry-level cart, while the EL came across as a poor attempt at a more hi-fi sound.
You are, SPOT ON. I am amazed at what you pointed out so SUCCINCTLY : *"a poor attempt at a more hi-fi sound"* !!! You are Spot ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Brother for saying it out loud. I will attempt to finish up the work and release the Hana EL cartridge review this weekend, asap. Thank you Buddy :-D!!!! Warmest Regards :-D have a great vinyl'ing journey! ~ ian
Thank you for all of your hard work, Ian! We all greatly appreciate the effort & expense you shoulder to share your audio experiences. God bless and thanks again!
I have quintet blue and I agree with you. High frequencies are very laid back. I don't know how many reviewers tell that this cartridge has a very high detail of the high frequenceies
GREAT AND DETAILED VIDEO AS ALWAYS IAN.MY NOTICE IS THAT ALTHOUGH THE MM CARTRIDGES ARE MORE IMPROVED OVER THE YEARS , WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES A GOOD MC IS BETTER.THERE ARE PRETTY GOOD MM'S OUT THERE WITH GOOD SOUND IN THE 3 BASIC SOUND AREAS ( BASS ,MIDS, HIGHS) BUT THEY CAN NOT REACH THE MORE ESOTERIC AND MORE "INSIDE" VIEW OF THE SOUND OF A GOOD MC.SURE YOU CAN SAVE MONEY AND LISTEN GREAT WITH A GOOD MM BUT YOU MISS THE HI END DETAILS THAT A GOOD MC CAN GIVE YOU.IAN KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK YOU DO FOR US ALL.GREETINGS FROM GREECE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY .ALEX.
Nice review! Do you have any comments if Quintet blue vs Hana SL? I'm using Q.Blue now and think whether should upgrade to SL. Is it lot of different or worth to do it? My Q.Blue just using 3 - 4 months, i feel general okay. But lot people comments SL can show & read more, than can heard more?! :)
Brother :-D thank you for catching up!!! It would be great to upgrade! A super nice MC phonostage would be very important in enjoyment of mc carts, the low output ones :-D Have fun my friend!!!! ~ ian.
I’m totally confused. Got up $500 to spend for a cartridge and own a mani and thorens td160. Someone trying to talk me into a Sumiko blue point 2. Looking for advice and best cartridge that is compatible with my gear. Will Hana EL or what be great with the Mani, etc.
Hey Ian, I've been following your channel for many months now. Great reviews and always fun to watch. My question is, what do you think about Dynavector in general and the Dynavector 20x2 low output? Thanks Russ
Friend, I am surprised you have not reviewed any Denon cartridges. Do you expect to review any of them? I have a DL-103 (current model), a DL-300 (old model), and am waiting for Denon to ship a DL-301ii. I find them to be very engaging cartridges. Not perfect, but very enjoyable.
scotgoth Thank You Buddy for your kind words and catching up!!! (I am still working hard at the HanaEL cart review coming out in 2 weeks' time😄) Hope your vinyl path in 2018 will be strewn with beautiful records left and right!!
I enjoy your reviews. How do you avoid the copyright police? Some reviewers complain that they have a problem with their videos being taken down by UA-cam if they play even small snippets of copyright music.
My snippets are less than 10 seconds each and I'm not making money from my videos. I think those are the reasons🙏😅. I'm not sure. But probably. Have fun Buddy🤗🍀👍
Ian, it was a wonderfully informed video and really enjoy your entire series of videos on HiFi related subjects. I have an older Nagaoka MP11 Boron, and I know the JNP200 stylus would work with it. But would a new MP-200 cartridge be better than an older MP11 with JNP200 stylus ? Thank you.
Dear Buddy :-D !! Thank you for your time and kind encouragement! Grateful for your time too. Buddy...i have no MP11 to bank on, and I deeply apologize for not being able to say with any confidence by extrapolating the performance of a MP11 with a JNP200 stylus :-D . Thank you for your understanding. Best Regards!
Dear Brother Dimitris!!! Leben and AudioNote are doing great :-D Thank you for asking! ... Warmest Regards too buddy, thank you for your friendship and time catching up. See you :-D
And dear Buddy from the U.K., :-D you still think about your early 80's Rega Planar 3!?!! What memories...... :-D thank you for sharing your journey too with me! Enlivening always!!!
Hi dear Hivin are you going to make a review or a comparison Ortofon Cadenza series (especially on Bronze or Black) ? Thank you... :::"your guidance is precious":::
Basically the Quintet Blue is pretty much what you described the 2M Red 😅 😆Thanks Ian, for the honest & forthright review. Looking forward to the next video from you, Cheers!
Dear Buddy, thank you for coming by and catching up again! How are you :-D sorry for the day's delay in reply. How's your vinyl collection coming along? What have you caught recently :-D?
Thanks for you reply Ian. The collection is coming along slowly as good vinyl in preowned is hard to come by at sane prices these days, so taking it slow! I am looking forward to your next video as have quite a few queries to ask you with regard to the Nagaoka Carts 😋 😎
Bravo Brother!!! I DO HAVE very major announcements and statements to make at my next video episode on the Hana EL cartridge review!!! :-D You are spot on!
Wow! The expensive Moving Coil cartridges have to fight it out! I always knew the Moving Magnet was the less-expensive tech, but, as you pointed out in the video, it's a proven system that delivers top-quality at a good price. I'll stick to my MM cartridge for a good long time and save some $$, too! Thanks for another excellent video!
Dear Buddy!!! HOw are you?! :-D Hahaha yes yes, MMs ARE SUPERB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For your information you know what i installed on my GAE immediately after recording all the audio from the Hana EL and the Quintet Blue just now?..... THE MP-150. I think you know what I am going to say at the end of my Hana EL review coming soon :-D !!!! The MP-150's performance is JUST MORE THAN CONVINCING.... IT PUNCHES SKY HIGH!!! Love it!!! Long live our MMs. Love them to bits!!!!! Panacea for all of us vinyl lovers :-D . See you my friend, best Regards always and thank you again for your catching up!
It is a good MC cart Buddy! I've used it before..... but, as with all LOMC cartridges👋😄✌a superb MC phonostage would be needed...and it is not usually that affordable. If you have one, then go ahead✌😄👍 go for the AT33ev!!!🎶🙏🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
@@HiViNywschannel I have an At33ev going in to a Musical Fidelity MX vinyl phono stage. Turntable is 1200g Technics. But the results are dissapointing. Very dull sounding. Soft and lifeless and muffled. I much prefer my 2M blue. So much more energy and detail. But I would like your thoughts on the 33ev. Maybe it's just too warm for my taste. To me it is not an accurate portrayal of the recorded music.
Dear Buddy!, it is stated in the initial few minutes of this review, that I use the Avid Pulsare2 phonostage in this review. Thank you for catching up buddy! See you again and best regards! ~ ian
Dearest Richard, thank you... and congratulations for getting your King Crimson :-D !!! True Addict! Best Regards big brother!! May your Supremes reign for years!!!
Ian, thank you for this review....didn't realize it was so old but that's OK, the informationis still helpful to me. I was considering going to MC as an upgrade thinking it would be a surefire improvement, but not so much now. Currently using a Gold ring 1006 and schiit Mani after your reviews. I am using a vintage Dual 1249 TT, PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Integrated Amp and vintage Infinity RS3b speakers. Would like your thoughts on next upgrade.
HiViNyws channel sorry to all Rega fans in advance but the 1500c makes the Rega P5 with Ania sound pedestrian. It’s a great brand ambassador for Technics and I’m really interested in their entire lineup now
Ian I would like to thank you, by watching and listening to your videos and Jeff of the Vinyl Room, and watching both of you guys with your cartridge shoot outs this inspired me to go through some of my cartridges that I hadn’t used or seen in a long time on my VPI Classic 1, one in particular is the Audio Technica AT120E/T. During this, I found out that two of my moving coils, a Dynavector 10x5, I used this four days ago and Denon DL301 MKII, I used yesterday (this one not as bad) had cantilevers that were not straight with in the cartridge body. They work fine, one a little harder to align because of this (the Dynavector), but sound wise you can’t tell. Another moving magnet cartridge, the Ortofon 2m Red, was defective and didn’t work properly. The Ortofon OM-10 and the Denon DL-110, I didn’t use yet in this shoot out. Well when I got to my Audio Technica At120E/T, I didn’t expect much, but I figured what the heck, I had hated this cartridge since the 90s. I pulled out all of my set up tools, the Dr. Feickert Alignment tool, another smaller Alignment Tool with a mirror to check azimuth, my Tone Arm Bubble level, both of my tracking force gauges, the Shure-manual and my Digital Gauge and a protractor that I used to check my tone arm height. I align the cartridge for 2 hours and 30 minutes, rechecking every thing three times, especially the nul points. My patience paid off after adding my other phono stage the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS. Now aligning on a VPI-Unipivot is impossible, but a little more difficult than others. Upon being happy with every thing I put on my first record and bam, what is this, OMOG, the sound stage was incredibly wide, the treble extended and the bass wasn’t bad, but not as full as some of my moving coils. I realized that I had always hated this cartridge and hadn’t used it since the 90’s, but it had been mounted on my Dual CS5000 by my dealer who is no longer around. I made a snap judgement and because I didn't have the knowledge then that I do now, I shelved that cartridge a year after having it and hadn’t thought about it since. This cartridge sounded as good as any I had, except bass and some midrange in the case of the two Denon cartridges and of course the Dynavector. This cartridge sounded every bit as good as anything that my current dealer has or could set up and I will be refining the set up when my Mint LP protractor comes in, which is specifically made for my tone arm only. I underestimated this cartridge by a mile, but when I say I nailed set-up, I checked again two more times and the cantilever and stylus was perfect in two protractors and my efforts were greatly rewarded and a cartridge that was dead to me has been resurrected. So special shout out to you Jeff in the Vinyl Room and Ian at HiViNyws and your shoot outs that inspired me to do this and the results were worth the effort. So to both of you your channels are greatly appreciated. Show less
Excellent shoot out, my friend! I related best when you Demo’d Vanessa Fernandez’ “Use Me”... because I know the album so well (played back mostly on a Lyra Lydian Beta with Soundsmith level 4 Ruby up grade), I could tell right away the disservice the QB did for her performance.
Yet again a wonderful video. The Hana is excellent for the money,but a good movig magnet is better than a poorly wound moving coil,which the cheaper Ortophons are. My bank holiday Sunday is a trip down Memory Lane Glanz Moving flux’s versus their high output 10 EH moving coit. Your Avid is sounding smashing,,wonderful biuld Thankyou again Ted
Dearest Ted, thank you for your time yet again.. I owe it to your continued help and encouragement, your friendship and kindness... A resounding and true statement: "A good moving magnet is better than a poorly wound moving coil,....." I agree. Warmest Regards Buddy, ~ ian.
Ian you machine!!! You know I've always been skeptical about super expensive hifi products and your last couple of posts have really shown this over and over again. I think back all those years ago when I read hifi magazines and how the tester would immediately notice a "remarkable" difference when dealing with a super high expensive items. Except for my turntable everything I play records with was solely based on your hands on advice. Can't wait for the next one....I'm dying ;)
Brother with the Grado Green and Mani!!!! :-D Hahaha... we may laugh about it... but it is true: your system IS VERY GOOD. ENJOYABLE :-D !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Buddy Freddie :-D yes, my rack is the Solid Tech Hybrids. I highly recommend them, because they are highly sturdy, well-built, and modular!!! There are 250, 275 and 350mm pillars, and a variety of white, grey and black racks/pillars to choose from. Approach David, he has been serving me. His number is 96826663 :-D Have fun Brother!!! Warmest Regards, ~ ian.
Great job as always Ian! I’m really curious to hear your impressions of the Hana with the Schiit Mani. Probably not the most ideal pairing, but it would be good until I can get a higher end phono stage.
Buddy you already have that Marantz SR7005 and Martin Logan SL3s!!! :-D I am sure currently you are having a lot of fun with the Mani already! You also have that Dual and PLX... you are in a blissful zone buddy!! Regarding the Hana EL, I will release the results and findings asap, and I am still doing some work on it, very interesting work and findings. Please do not buy the Hana until you hear from me :-D You will be surprised. Pleasantly. Warmest Regards!
Oh my goodness, Ian. You're the bringer of truth. I've never been a fan of MC cartridges, so your findings here are of no surprise. Yes, they can sound good, but the investment needed boarders on the ridiculous, and simply just not necessary. MM cartridges such as the Nagaoka MP500 (once run in) can take on with ease MC cartridges costing several times more, and without the need of a grossly overpriced phono preamp. Even the Schiit Mani can do it justice.
Of course the Hi-Fi press will completely disagree (with a few exceptions) and we know why don't we.
Ian, You're bringing back the real joy of audiophilia 👍
Again, Brother Chris.. YOU SPEAK SO SUCCINCTLY.
"Yes, they can sound good, but the investment needed boarders on the ridiculous, and simply just not necessary. MM cartridges such as the Nagaoka MP500 (once run in) can take on with ease MC cartridges costing several times more, and without the need of a grossly overpriced phono preamp. Even the Schiit Mani can do it justice."
* SUPER SPOT-ON!!!!! *
You amaze me again, and again... super sharp and super experiences to help all of us.
We will win. Vinyl users will all win against the hype and marketing ploys. We really want affordability, truth and to enjoy our beloved, treasured and lovely vinyl records. And sit back and be surrounded with family and friends as we enjoy this simple joy of life.
Yours,
~ ian.
i have an overpriced mc setup and it sounds alot clearer etc than my many xpensive moving magnets. far clearer etc.
Matthew Taylor
Well you said it yourself "overpriced" ... Some MC cartridges are excellent, but the investment needed to get the best from them seems excessive. We've all done it. When the Hi-Fi bug bites you can spend silly amounts of money. I love Ian's philosophical outlook. He's discovered musicality and master levels of resolution without the need to sell Granny. And he's not bought by "hype" which is refreshing to say the least. 👍
Chris Bishop Thank you Master.
HiViNyws channel
😋😜😁 lol
I know this is 5 years old, but since I'm currently looking into getting a new cartridge, and those two were actual candidates, this video helped out a lot. Thanks!
Another in-depth and honest review, as is your trademark Ian. 👍
It's a bit disappointing hearing these news about the Quintet. I was under the illusion that Ortofon had a more consistent quality throughout their cartridge range.
If i may, i would like to ask you how do you capture the audio samples that you put in your videos? Is it a direct connection between phono preamp and soundcard? On some of your other videos they sound as if you captured the audio from your speakers.
Keep doing what you do, Ian. Amazing work!
MrVinylObsessive Dear Buddy👋😄!! Great to see you again! How are you?
Often times it is that honest competitors have really done better, or much better 💪🎶✌. Such raised bars of standards inevitably make us consumers wonder why we should spend our hard-earned monies on suboptimal products.
You are sharp. I have just started (from this video onwards) using the Schiit Jil as a Analog-to-Digital Converter: directly linking from the phonostage to the Schiit Jil and then, to the computer. I have just purchased the Schiit Jil a month ago😄✌. Thank you for your kindness brother! Warmest Regards 🤗
Ah, i'm not so sharp, it's just that i've made many, many recordings, and i pay attention to these details.
Thank you for your reply, Ian!
Rui
MrVinylObsessive I see Brother Rui 👍😄!!! I am happy that you noticed!! Great Sunday for you ahead Brother💪💪💪🎶🎶!!!
Recently I have done a through test of 25 cartridges, including Ortofon 2M Blue and Quintet Blue. A huge disappointment and shock, 2M Blue literally de-classified Quintet Blue by two levels at least.
This is an amazing review; full of passion and energy.
Your work is peerless. I can't think of a single source of information that I'd rather consult over matters analogue.
Again, I smile knowing that my 'low price' cartridge knocks the overpriced competition into the ground. You have clearly shown over the years that newer and dearer isn't always better.
I had a few records on the other night and was contemplating my setup over the last decade. You say what I always felt was true. Don't belive the media hype. Believe your own ears!
Keep up the great work, my friend.
Dear Buddy, thank you for your time YET AGAIN.... you are always my super kind friend who comes by every time my video gets released.... thank you, very much.
..We love our Mani :-D
Thank you for your kind words.
Have a great Sunday!!!
Yours,
~ ian.
Made my day again friend! Was really looking forward to this review and you did such an excellent job! Nice to know that MM is at the level of quality that we can just judge a cartridge on its merits and not based on its price or whether or not it is MC. Really looking forward to what you have to say about the Hana. By the way you choose really excellent demo music for reviewing. A nice variety of quality recordings that truly unveil what a cartridge is capably of.
Thank you Brother, yet again...I hear you have had such a GREAT TIME with your family, and your dear father come over for Christmas!! Zoey, the Bichon Frise... your dear baby!!!!!!! Great to hear she is doing well! Please send my regards to her!
You are the one and only channel I visit for an honest review to all things analogue related. Keep up the good work!
Dear Vinyl buddy!! Let's keep up our warm and lovely energies in our vinyl community :-D . hope you are having lots of records and record buddies whenever you shop!! :-D . Warmest Regards always, ~ ian
Hi Ian. An eye-opener as always, you are helping a lot of people who are tempted to go MC. Thank you so very much.
Dear Buddy with the MP-110 and Mani!!! :-D Yes, that MC "snob" thingy. MM users have more than be confident, MM users can be forever happy!!!! THEY ARE GREAT :-D and can easily win over MC carts in performance, more than just offering great performance to price ratio considerations. Yes, PERFORMANCE, outright :-D!! See you my dear friend!...
You are the best analog audio reviewer on UA-cam. I enjoy your enthusiasm and honesty in reviewing and comparing stereo components. You have motivated me to buy a Technics SL1210 table.
Dear Brother, I'm very happy to have been of help. Do browse and learn along. The Technics SL1200MK2/3/5 is your best turntable (looking at all aspects) you'd ever find, and enjoy in your life. Nothing else comes close. You'll love it forever🤗🤗🤗.
Congratulations Brother!!!!!!!
Stay safe too and keep healthy🌈🏡🤗🎶🎵🎶🎶🍀🍀🍀
Ian, as always, an excellent review. Only information and zero fluff. The differences you point out are clearly illustrated with the examples. And they are obvious even over youtube and on computer speakers. I'm glad to hear that you got a Schiit Lyr. So the comparisons will become even clearer! Many thanks and great learning from you!
Dear Buddy!!!! GREAT TO SEE you again just after a week!!! How are you with your Technics SL1200Mk2!! You lucky man!!!! :-D hahahaha ... yes I am using the Schiit Jil as a good ADC now. Thank YOU!!!!!! Love to see you again my brother!!
Wowww what an interesting result Ian!!!! I'm also very glad that i bought Hana SL as my cartridge choice, it is definitely superb in every way!!!
Ah!!! :-D Buddy!!! you have gotten your new cartridge!!!!!!!!
Another detailed and superb review, Ian. Enjoying it very much. So much hard work putting into reviewing the two MC cartridges for the benefit of VC. A few seconds of the cut scenes for each aspect of the sound qualities must have taken you days to do it. I can't imagine myself doing it. So, thanks a lot for the effort! Can't wait for the Hana's turn and the facts that you are going to reveal!
Dear BROTHER!!!! Continue to enjoy your MP150 AND MP110 AND MANI!!! :-D... You are blessed by the Vinyl gods indeed!!! Yes, a few seconds here and there, DID take me a few days to complete indeed :-D... you are very kind and resourceful, and understanding, to see through beyond what is presented. Thank you..... really happy to hear from you. Warmest Regards buddy!
Hey Buddie Dr. Ian. I hope you and yours are all well in your part of the world. We're heading into Winter right now so I think the only thing to do is hybernate until Spring and enjoy even more good stereo music on my great audio system.
This is the first time I've viewed this Ortofon QB You Tube. You show no mercy and take no prisoners! I'm really glad you're willing to do all this eval work. As we say here in the States:"It's a dirty job but someone has to do it!" ... lol.
You are saving me a great deal of time and $money and so I'm very grateful!
I take it the Nagaoka MP 200 is still #1?
I'm enjoying my Denon VL12. I feel it compares with the Technics Sl1200 but I can't get a decent review from any audiophile that knows what he's talking about like you. Maybe you'll have an opportunity to hear it. I'd be interested in your perceptions.
Many thanx,
Buddie Vic ⛩🏯🎎🍜🍻🍕🔊🎼🎵🎶🎶🎹🎻🎸🎺🎷🥁💣💥👊☝️
Yo Buddy Vic😄🤜🤛😄, great great!!! Hibernate well hibernate well and enjoy all your vinyl analogue magic this wintry season!!!!! Yes...the MP-200 is really 🙏🙏🙏!!!! A blast!!!!! Regarding the VL12...I really have to apologise..... I never played and heard one before... sorry Buddy😅!
Hope you have a cosy festive season coming up and stay genki (japanese) and happy! May your family be close by always and healthy too🌿🏡🧘♂️🍀🎶🍀🍀🍀
@@HiViNywschannel Ian, you and your family stay "genki" as well. I'm looking forward to some NEW You Tubes from HiViNyws in 2021!
I really appreciate your careful, bandwidth-based assessments of carts and your advocacy for carts like the Grado Red and the Nagaoka 150--given the kind of systems I have, which are Sansui amps etc. (I also use older tube amps) and KLH or EV speakers from the 1960s, these carts sound *so good* it is hard to better them. I am especially a fan of the Grado Red . . .
Hi Ian, what a pleasant surprise to get your UA-cam notification over Sunday morning coffee (in California)! Thank you for another excellent and well produced review. Although I have not contemplated replacing my Schiit Mani and Nagaoka MP-110, it was reassuring to learn that they were superior to the Ortofon Quintet Blue MC in your review. I look forward to your next review on the Hana EL.
Warmest regards,
Steven
Yes, buddy! :-D hahaha... yes indeed!!! I am surprised and delighted too that your MP-110 and Mani stood their grounds superbly against such an expensive cartridge! Best Regards brother!!! MP-110 and Mani.... enjoy, enjoy, ENJOY! Best Regards to you and your family~ . ian
Hi. Ortophone Quintet need around 25-30 hours of play for warming up. I was upset after listening right after the purchase, but after a few dozen hours of use I am quite satisfied with the result.
Man! This is how review should look like. If you see some minuses, you just say that product is not ok. And that comparisons. Pure gold! Thanks!
Instant subscribe
Thank you Buddy Michal 🙏🤗😁👍👍👍we go on our lovely vinyl analogue hifi journey😁😁😁🎶🎶🎶
Most of all,
I wish you and your family to be well and happy, safe and healthy☘🏡🎶🎶🎶🍀
Greetings Ian! For a good while I have been mulling over MC carts versus MM carts. Thank you for clearing things up. My MP 110 rocks. I will be upgrading to the MP 200 when the stylus wears out. Cheers mate!
Yes, our lovely MP-110 is not to be trifled with :-D . Listening to the Quintet Blue and Hana EL. makes me cherish and respect the MP-110 even more!!!! Hi five brother!
Hi Ian , very superb review, great music also. I have been waiting for a long time for this review. Thanks again.
Dear Buddy from Penang!!! Have a good rest... I thank you for your time at this hour... sleep tight....
hey ian, how about the mp-200 or GR1042 compared to your dynavector? is the performance so much better?
Great question! I am hoping this gets answered soon actually...
Thank you for your feedback.
I was in research for the Ortofon Quintet Blue, but after watching your video, I'll move to something else.
As I see it, the problem about MCs lies, also, to the lower Compliance , which is a key factor for heavier tonearms.
For example, my Thorens td-165 Special has the TP-11 (16,5gr). It's considered a 'medium to heavy' tonearm.
I cannot find a decent MM to match it, and constraint the RF between 8-12. All MMs have higher compliance factors.
Out of despair, I installed an AT-95e some years ago and I listen like that..
Now, I started again searching for a better cartridge and I am/was between:
1) Denon dl-110
2) Denon dl-103r
3) Ortofon MC-03 turbo
4) Ortofon Quintet Blue (not anymore)
5) some Goldring
Outside of these, I really get headaches from chaotic searching and reading, you see?
Thank you again
Wow Brother!!!...I admire your insistence to have looked at so many options!..
I'm happy that I have been of help my friend🤗..... really a big thank you for coming by and saying hi to me too!!!!
Warmest Regards and have a lovely 2020🎉🎊🎉😄👍👍👍
@@HiViNywschannel Happy new year to you too man. I wish good health and lots of quality listenings!
Ian my friend you have the golden ears. I always wait for your new review anxiously. You got me really hooked again on vinyl. Keep up the amazing reviews. Daniel.
Thank you Buddy for catching up!! Hope you are enjoying your MP-200 :-D on a beautiful Sunday too!!!
HiViNyws channel Hello Ian, Yes, I am enjoying my mp200 very much mounted on VPI table. I still believe this mp200 beats so many cartridges in the sub $1000 category. Can’t wait to see your review for the mp200. Have a great day👍😄
BROTHER, "I still believe this mp200 beats so many cartridges in the sub $1000 category."
*********** YOU ARE RIGHT!!!! ******************
You will see how the MP-150 with the humble and superb Schiit Mani, compare with the Hana EL in the next episode :-D !!!!!!! It will be one big eye-opener for many people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for always coming by and updating me of your journey, from your MP-110 to the MP-200! I really appreciate your super kindness and time!!!!! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You are always a consistent friend sharing and catching up. I am very grateful to your friendship.
Yours ~ ian :-D
Your reviews are always entertaining and totally unbiased. I look forward to your next one! I can’t wait to finally get my hands on the MP-110. Soon. I have no doubts that it will be my “forever” cartridge.
Thank you buddy for your kind words and encouragement! I endeavour to do my very best continuously.... :-D we love our vinyl community! Have fun with that crazy superb cartridge which is the MP-110. it should keep many of us >95% of us, MORE than satisfied :-D....hahaha we shall see if it is the case for you! Update again brother! Best Regards always.... thank you again for your kind time!
Until you hear an MP-150 in person!
I don’t have MP-150 money.
Another spot-on review my dear friend Ian. Accurate, to the point, honest. Very well done.
I hope all has been with you and your family. I've been away traveling throughout the EU, spending time in the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Have finally made it back home to the US and am now catching up with all my friends here.
Take care my friend and we will be talking again soon.
Simon's Vinyl Dimension Brother, thank you for your time 👋😄 ah....home sweet home my friend! Guess you have brought back lots of memories and lovely records🎶🎷📦!!!Warmest Regards Buddy. Thank you for catching up!
Great job Ian!! I’ve been waiting for this review since the last video. Love your insight. 🧐👍🏻
Thanks heaps I was convinced by an MC snob to sell my MP200 to upgrade to a HannaEL forget that now. I have seen your Hanna review too. This is a great channel I hope your going well!
YESSSSSSS Brother!!!!! There are many MC snobs around. But now, there is the MP-200 and Goldring 1042 to couple with the Schiit Mani or the Rega Aria!!!!
SUPERB SOUND.
No need for MCs.
Warmest Regards Buddy!!! Good to see you again and thank you for your kind time and concern!....
May you be well and happy my friend!!!
Hello Ian!! Always eager for a new video!! Your reviews are so energetic and brutally honest!!! Amazing stuff
Thank you coming by again and encouraging me again! Best Regards buddy!!!! :-D Happy Vinyl'ing!
Fantastic as always!
My friend was looking at the Ortofon QB, I must now show him this video.
Thank you yet again for coming by Buddy!!! :-D Best Regards!l . ~ ian
Hi, just warched the review, entertaing as always. Just a question though, did you run the blue in. Ten hours minimum is recommended. If straight out of the box your results may be explained.
Happy new year, your enthusiasm is priceless.
Dear Buddy Brian.... we have known each other for more than two years now.... hope you are doing well in Oakland, CA and forever young :-D!!..
Hi Ian. Is DV XX2 MKII far superior to MP-150 and MP-500, which do you like more?
luka ingo Hi Buddy! Great to see you again! It would be the xx2mk2. The performance it gives, is phenomenal and breathtaking, absolutely top, top class. It, together with the Pulsare2, brings to me, a transcendental experience. Whenever i am sitting at the sweet spot and listening, i cannot describe the sound anymore. I am speechless.
Thank you for asking👋😄 buddy. Warmest Regards always to you and your family!!!💪🎶✌
Since I got back into vinyl last July, I have been running a Harman Kardon T-40 Turntable and, thanks to you, an MP-110 and Mani. For a system in another room, I just acquired a second HK turntable, this time a T-60, and did not think twice about ordering an MP-110 and another Mani for it. It seems only appropriate that I thank you again. :) Fantastic work on this review!
Dear Buddy!!! Thank you for coming by yet again! I totally agree :-D!!! I have two MP-110 ready to do duties anytime in both hall and room too !! Hahaha hi five brother!!!!! I also have just ordered two JNP110 replacement styli as nice backups!!! So you can see I am prepared to groove with the MP-110 for LONG!!! :-D See you buddy! Nice to have your time and updates, and friendship.
After your MP150 review, I'm curious as to why you didn't get JNP150 replacements for the MP-110, and keep the stock MP-110 styli as backups. Have you evaluated an MP-150 stylus as a replacement in the MP-110 to see if it makes sense for those wanting to upgrade their MP-110(s)?
Nagaoka cartridges are my all time favourites, I always seem to go back to using them having tried many other manufacturers cartridges. Their sound is so natural and believable, effortless really without any of the HiFi gimmicks that other manufacturers offer.
Exactly. Amazing stuff really :-D !!!!!!!!!!! Moving Permallloy, careful engineering and diligent craftsmanship seem to gel together to give us this high level of vinyl analogue enjoyment!! Best Regards my friend, and thank you very much for your sharing your experience all these years!!!
Way to go Ian, that Avid phono stage is magnificent, so many control options. What is the maximum gain level of the Avid phono stage and are you using rca or balanced input/outputs. How much gain do you use with the Dynavector XXII as well as the two tested cartridges. The reason I asked is although I love my phono stage which is a Audio Research PH8 it has a fixed gain at 58db, which limits me regarding moving magnet and very low output moving coil and would make the Dynavector XXII, at .28mv unplayable without a step-up transformer, which the Audio Research is very hard to mate with, but the PH8 has extremely low noise floor when mated well with. I'm currently using a Dynavector 10X5 at 2.5mv and was curious if the Hana EL and Ortofon Blue were being used at 60db or less and if so did you find the sound pressure level satisfactory.
Good review and the Hana EL seems like a surprise and a good cartridge. I looked at some reviews on the Hana SL, which seemed promising. I have also heard and believe that just going moving coil for the sake of it doesn't mean that you will beat moving magnet. Another two good low price moving coil cartridges would be the Denon DL-110 now at $349.00 (1.6mv) and Denon DL-301MKII (.4mv) at $399.00 both which I own, but the DL301MKII hasn't been used since going to the Audio Research PH8. Thanks for doing this as always and your collection of cartridges is growing my friend. We appreciate all of your hard work in doing these videos and your passion!!!
Dear Buddy Szidon!! A fellow learned and experienced buddy called Chris Bishop has just commented here as well :-D and he has always been around for the past two years, giving supremely good and spot-on insights. Very brilliant guy he is.... :-D a great friend and resource!... Thank you for writing and your kindest time on your Sunday. I would love to catch up with you for coffee one day! Btw the Pulsare2 has adjustable gain at 40, 50, 60 and 70dB, and I am using 70dB for the MC low output cartridges :-D... the pulsare2 is really an amazing phonostage. Always make my jaws drop and eyes go big, and I go stoned and sat fixated in amazement and shock every time I listen to the xx2mk2 with it. Even one song just now, East of the Village by Hank Mobley on MusicMattersJazz, made me supremely satiated. Just one song. Amazing... :-D. I hope to do more for all of us. Then again, there are many kit out there quadruple the price of my xx2mk2 and pulsare2 which I have not listened to. :-D . We shall all be happy with what we have!!! Keep it up with your DL110 and 301Mk2!!!
Yours,
~ian
@@HiViNywschannel Hi Ian, where can I get the Dynavector cartridge in Singapore? Does it include installation? What is the loading you use for the Dynavector? Thanks
@@zakkong7248 Brother, well done! Yes, the Dynavector retailer is Jimmy, 3rd storey of Adelphi mall. Go down to his store and check out his prices for his various Dynavector carts, and yes, enquire about installation too😄👌. You can WhatsApp him at 93706960 and call him at 63362467 between about 12noon to 7pm.
your video's are always of the highest quality, love it!
Brother, hope you are having fun with the MP110!! Thank you for your kind friendship and time again... hope all is well and lovely regards to your family! ~ian
Thank you Ian! Actually, can't thank you enough for getting all of us so much more into Vinyl. Mani was hands down best advice ever for LP enjoyment. A veil has been lifted.
Dear David, :-) i am happy to be of service. That is all I hope for. You, my dearest friends' support and friendship, encouragement, is the best gift for me. I will continue to strive hard buddy. Thank you for your time.... have a good Sunday :-D
Thank you very much, Ian. Passion and technique. Brain and heart. I wonder if Ortofon MC-3 Turbo is on your reviews schedule. Greetings from Spain!
Dear Brother from Spain!!! THANK YOU for coming by again! I am happy to see you!!!! Hahaha.... how's things? You speak with verve... you must be so enjoying your vinyl journey, exciting isn't it! :-D BEST REGARDS BRO!
Hi Ian,
Always nice to watch your videos.
Imho in this price bracket MC has some serious competition and not even starting about expensive phono amps.
MC to me seems to start to shine around the U$/€1000 mark yet needs a very well picked phono amp.
You're a guru on this matter, I just read and watch reviews like yours :)
Ending with dinner: Chinese take away, it is actually more a Chinese/Indonesian blend of things like saté and babi pagang etc..
Cheers Mike
I cannot agree with you more: YOU ARE SPOT-ON MIKE!!!
"MC to me seems to start to shine around the U$/€1000 mark yet needs a very well picked phono amp."
I CAN'T, CAN'T. CAN'T AGREE WITH YOU MORE.
Heh buddy, saté and babi pagang Chinese-Indonesian eats!!!! Some fragrant rice to go along.... heeheee.... Hope all's well and growing with your Frank ZAPPA!!! :-D
You know what is funny?
When listening to CD (1990s-2014 ish) I often "complained" about the bad sound quality of FZ recordings.
With records (well mastered) they sound amazing! The hifi was a bit more modest to be fair but anyways.
Even the older (Roxy & Elsewhere and NY) are such a joy to listen.
Bernie Grundman masterings I buy blind.
Paul does a great job comparing mastering engineers and record plants.
You both compliment eachother very nicely.
Ian: Thanks for the review. I look forward to your reviews like an addict!
Thanks for the comparison to MM carts. Very few reviewers have addressed this.
I purchased and am happy with a Nagaoka MP150 based primarily on your review although I owned and liked an MP10 many years ago.
Please keep up the good work!
Woah Buddy with the Planar2 and MP110!!! WOW you have added the MP150 on top of your MP110!!!! :-D NICEEEE!!!!
Stellar review Ian! I could really hear the difference in dynamics, harmonics, bass & mid response. Though I will say, the sibilance on the QB was outstanding(!); it is definitely an MC cart to avoid. Thank you again for your work! Hope you are doing well and listening to great vinyl during your down times. Take care my friend!
Dear Brad!!! I am happy to receive your kindness again. Buddy, I hope your friend is getting on real well with her foray into vinyl with a great deck! May you realize your plan of the MP500 :-D. Thank you yet again and I enjoy always your candour and friendship. See you Brad!.. ~ ian
The Quintet Blue sounded like a corporate product, designed by a committee determined not to offend anyone.
Thank you for this wonderful review. HiFi magazines have been useless advertising brochures for decades, which makes your unbiased tests so valuable. Before your videos, I had a hard time finding others who disliked Ortofon and favored Nagaoka. It's so good to actually see a review with sanity in this field. Thank you, Ian and best wishes from Germany. Norman
Dear Brother Norman!! Thank you always for catching up! :-D you must be loving your SL1210 for years by now... am i right?!! :-D . I will definitely pick the GR1006, Grado Red, Green, MP150 and MP110 over the Quintet Blue to give that extreme vinyl joy and music!!!
Not sanity but integrity, as most media might as well be paid marketing. Companies like Nagaoka and Grado don't need marketing because their cartridges sound noticeably better than their direct competition.
It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. You remind me every single time how much fun this subject can be. And yes, my SL-1210 is still fantastic. Only the lack of 78rpm might be a reason one day to get the new 1200GR, but €1500 is a steep investment for this. But the MP500 will definitely stay. And I am still amazed how well the MP110 already performs. Before I got the Technics, I once had a Pro-ject with an Ortofon VinylMaster Red. It had a heavy frequency lift at about 6 KHz, VinylDisaster would have been a better name for it. ;)
Hi Ian- I just found your great channel and subscribed. Your enthusiasm is contagious, my friend. I have a High End audio appetite with a Mid Fi budget.
What I really want to know, are you a skateboarder or are those boards behind you, belonging to young son? Just kidding.
How’s this setup for someone just getting back into the vinyl game after being away many, many years...I’m thinking of purchasing the Rega Planar 1, Schiit Mani and Nagaoka MP 110. Sound good?
Keep up the great work! Your reviews are bringing clarity to the masses, so thank you for that!
Hahaha... those boards belong to my sons, my wife and me :-D ...but most importantly: P1 + MANI + MP110 coming your way?!!! :-D THIS IS MOST FANTASTIC FOR THE MONEY!!!
Brother, we can catch up anytime! But of course I hope you are too busy listening and enjoying your vinyl records that you won't have time to write to me :-D! Lol....
Anytime, bro!
Hi Ian, great review as always, thanks. A question for you, could this poor performance of this cartridge be an issue because of the compliance mismatch between your tonearm and the cartridge- hence an issue with the resonance? What is your opinion on the importance of tonearm and cartridge matching in terms of compliance and resonance frequency?
Dear Brother, great to see you again :-D !!! Sorry to have missed out this post. The dynamic compliance of this QB is 15um/mN, and the cartridge body weight is 9g, if you calculate these figures with the SME V tonearm and lighter-weight Technics GAE magnesium tonearm with lightweight Jelco HS-25 and Yamamoto HS-3, HS-4 headshells which I use during testing, the resonant frequency is within 8-Hz 14Hz. Not an issue with compliance.
HiViNyws channel - Thanks Ian. That’s exactly what I was expecting so we know for sure it’s the characteristics of the cartridge itself and not a mismatch. 🙏🏽
Hi Ian, I love your videos and learned a lot from it. I got a Nagaoka MP 300. It is great. Thank you my friend and please keep the videos coming. Next time I travel from USA, plan a lay over in Singapore and go to the audio stores in the mall. Also, a trip to Tokyo. Good luck to you and your family. Stay safe and stay well.
Hi Ian... thanks for all your recommendations. I’ve been using the Schiit Mani and the Nagaoka MP-150 since watching your reviews and I’m very happy.
Question.. have you tested the Nagaoka MP-500? If so, is there an appreciable difference in its performance over the MP-150?
I look forward to your thoughts on this.
Jeff
I am not surprised - LOVE my Hana!!! Thank you!!!
Ah Brother! Hope you have received your AnalogRelax brush from Japan :-D!! Oh you lucky boy with the SL! I have not heard the SL yet and I hope to get it in a match up with the Dynavector 10x5/20x2, Ortofon Quintet Bronze, etc.. congrats in any case! You are loving it!!! Best Regards and have fun with your Tavish, and of course YOUR TWO SL1200s!
The AnalogRelax arrived yesterday!!! I'm very excited to try it. The anti-static properies will work well because the cold air in NYC super-charges the records. Looking forward to see part 2 of your video. I really believe the Hana is the best needle in it's price range. Thanks again, Ian!
Hi Ian can you help me out which do you prefer listening to integrated SS amp (Vitus) or tube amp (Leben) or any other tube or SS amp? THANK YOU
Interesting would be a view of the complete quintet series. Is the upgrade to Bronze usefull? Or is it necessary to jump to black , to hear a difference?
Hi Ian! Can you let us know what loading you used with each cartridge and whether you tinkered with loading in achieving best sound? Thanks.
Yes, loading is adjusted and listened to, auditioned, according to manufacturers' specs >400ohms for the Hana EL and >20ohms for the Quintet Blue :-D. Thank you too Buddy for catching up!! Warmest Regards.
Crazy! The El sounds much clearer as if you took away a blanket from the B&W 's!
Hi Ian, thanks a lot for your in depth and very honest review!
Thank you Brother for your kind time writing in as well!! Thank you for watching and lending me support to keep me going :-D . I have to keep on working diligently and carefully. Warmest Regards Buddy!!!! :-D See you! ~ ian
Hello Ian,
You did a great job - congratulations. In fact the result is really surprising to me. If I'm honest - I played with the idea to combine my P3 with a Ortofon Quintet Bronze. Maybe I will reconsider my plans. My recent 2M Bronze is perfect and you certainly will understand that we so called "audiophiles" always keep watching for improvements. But you are right - the price is no indicator, it doesn't count. I wish you all the best.
Dear Brother with the P3 :-D !! Thank you for coming by again and your kind time. As long as we are contented, everything is okay my friend :-D!! See you Sir!!! And Warmest Regards to you and your family. ~ian
i just stumbled on to you and this video, the differences were very clear to me over this digital platform, great channel for demoing a cart before you buy, i suppose having good digital gear would help to hear the differences over youtube, kinda ironic.
Love your work as always - nice to have brutally honest reviews for hifi - something sorely missing in the industry at the moment
Thank you too my friend!! Hope your SL1200GR is coming soon ;-D !!!!!
HiViNyws channel haha - thank you - and very good memory ;)
Another no holds barred review from you Ian. More power!!!
Oooohh....brother! And how is P3 vs P6 coming along?
Power with you buddy!! :-D
Ian - Sorry for not commenting the day of this upload but this is a fantastic review and I agree, sometimes, the MC transition doesn't always provide the expected sonic gains over MM. The more I learn about Ortofon, the more disappointed I become in their entry level products. I was happy with my 2M Black but it makes me wonder in retrospect if I couldn't have started out with a cart that was sonic-ally superior and at half the price. The Hana is an exceptional cart and less than the price of a 2M Black. Can't wait for the next video. The Hana paired with Mani sound like a good entry point into MC sounding carts.
Thanks for the kind shout out by the way. As an aside, do you know of anyone that has had their Dynavector retipped? I know I probably have plenty of hours left but I am just thinking about things down the road. I am trying to find some time to switch to the Nagaoka for awhile. If I can find a good half day off, with no family around, I am going to switch out. With a cart swap, I prefer to have absolutely no distractions to interrupt the process ;)
Dearest Buddy Paul, :-D
The reason for my reticence, is, because, after reading your comment, I have been ruminating over buying a Technics SL1200Mk3D for you, from hifido!!!! Coz I thought that: "if I can get one Mk3D for Paul, he CAN spend less time running his xx2Mk2 to the ground, and playing his multiple vinyl records casually and yet getting superb musical high quality sound from the MP-110 and Mani I gave him :-D "...
I have two xx2Mk2s.... I bought an extra one 2 years ago, as a standby. Both are played regularly, but of course not as much as my MP150, MP110, GR1006, Grado Green and Grado Red :-D !!!
Buddy, I read your words ".......I was happy with my 2M Black but it makes me wonder in retrospect if I couldn't have started out with a cart that was sonic-ally superior and at half the price.... " ...thank you for sharing your insight and feelings.
In the meantime, Brother, have a good Friday ahead followed by a another joyous weekend with your family.
Warmest Regards,
~ ian
No worries at all Ian on the delayed response and really, you don't have to go out of your way to swing the Technics SL1200Mk3D?! Thank you so much for thinking of me though as you are the most thoughtful of all people here in the VC! The thought of being able to swap cartridges immediately is definitely appealing.
As an aside, I don't know how you can keep up with it all! I am happy sometimes if I can get to all my comments inside of week and lately with work, I can't keep up with all of the people I am subscribed too. Your videos are a must watch though! If you need to delay your response on my comments, no worries at all. I just want to let you know you will always have my support.
Dearest Buddy, I am floored by your words.
Dear Ian,
In your opinion the Goldring Elektra with the Schiit Mani sounds better than the Quintet Blue?
If you were to ask me which one would I bring home, I will take the Elektra with Mani, for its more even-handedness from top to bottom, and the price. Coz, any low output MC cartridge needs an expensive (unfortunately) phono stage that is able to cope with the low output fed to it.... low output MC places a great stress, a great responsibility, a huge task, for the phono stage to maintain its noise floor, and yet amplifying any music signals that are there, differentiating all the super minute variations (argh..) and ampliflying them correctly. Low output MCs would need :-) a very capable phonostage of at least $2k e.g. the Avid Pulsus, the EAR 834P, IconAudio PS1Mk2 to present the refinement of low output MCs, and yet reproduce that dynamics, scale and weight that comes easily with MM systems. :-D . Continue to have fun with the $100 Elektra and YOUR 1 yr old Mani my friend! And thanks for the other message you have sent me on the Elektra video. Warmest Regards my friend, ~ ian
Thanks for another great review. I really wish Ortofon carts performed as good as they look. Referring to above is the Schiit Mani holding my MP-500 back?
Brother, I don't think so that much :-D . I played the MP-500 with the rest.... and the MP-500's prowess and difference from the competitors, and from the MP-200, MP-150.... are CLEARLY shown. Amazing!!!! Continue loving your MP-500 and Mani buddy!!! I will try to get the Swagman PSU for the Mani in future and do the auditions for you guys too :-D . Thank you Buddy for coming by again and catching up :-D
I’ve been thinking about buying this Ortofon MC cartridge before I saw your video on my feed. Interested to hear any difference between MC, and MM.
This is another well done review. Your insights are always satisfying to hear. Keep it up Ian. I just wonder if you have plans do some amp review as well.
Thank you Brother, your kind time and encouragement! Hope you have a great journey yourself :-D!! Thank you too for your trust, but I don't think I have the resources and time to do amplifier reviews :-)... I will concentrate on Vinyl playback cartridges, turntables and phono preamps. :-D Thank you for your understanding buddy!!! Warmest Regards!!
Another great video mate. Hope 2018 treats you very well!!
Down Under Vinyl Thank you Buddy from Australia👋😄🇦🇺 great to see you again! Your collection is superb! And your dissertation thorough on your channel. I have just subscribed! 💪😄Warmest Regards !!
Great review!!!
Ian, you're simply the most affectionate and competent vinyl lover in the world!
Cheers from a brother-in-vinyl from Brazil!
Ola Buddy Fabrizio! Thank you too for taking time to write to me👋😄!!! Hope you're doing well and having fun in your vinyl journey too!....and all those hifi😁🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶🎶 Warmest Regards my brother-in-vinyl! Enjoy your weekend!
Hello
Can you please list what your system consists off? Pre and power Amplification? Speaker model? Cables? Love your channel. Please review the audionote iq3 mm cartridge as well.
Dear Buddy Shahzad :-D, thank you for coming by again to see me! Yes, the system :-D, it is written in the video descriptions in my previous videos. They should be easy to find :-D . thank you, thank you my friend!!!
Hope you are having a great time in your vinyl journey my friend!
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
What are the break in or run in time done on these are you doing before doing critical listening?
I am new here and if you have stated else where let me know.
Dear Buddy :-D great to see you again!!! How are you!?! :-D
Brother, i run them in for 100 hours at least.
Warmest Regards and thank you for catching up!! Hope you are enjoying a restful and lovely analogue weekend :-D !!!
~ ian.
I am enjoying your hard work very much.
I just bought a Fluance RT85
I will be using the Parasound Classic 2100 MM/MC internal phono stage at first.
Then I will try my Art Audio Vinyl One tube phono stage both through 2100 and then Direct to my 1982 Yamaha M70 amp.
Should be fun.
@@kellytaylor3915 thank you for replying Buddy!!!✌😄fun always my friend! Hehheh!
Have you looked into
The Vessel R3SM Cartridge
I am very interested in your findings when you get a chance to try one.
Thank you for your kind time again Buddy!!! Sure will look forward to getting it :-D!!! Thank YOU my friend!!!
As usual, wonderful and detailed review. Makes me confident to keep on recommending the MP110/Schiit Mani to friends who want to upgrade their systems without breaking the bank!
Thanks again for the good work, can’t wait for the next video!
Dear Friend for catching up again!! :-D . YES, go ahead full steam with your recommendation of the MP-110 and Schiit Mani. I have two of each :-D . I love them to bits and playing and ENJOYING thoroughly lots of music through them!!! WHAT GREAT value,.... SUPERB performance!
Good to see you Ian and what a great review, although not for the Quintet Blue. I just listened to the files on Analogue Planet between the Hana SL and Quintet Black and thought the Hana was a more interesting and honest sounding cartridge, I now look forward to part 2. By the way, I'm currently breaking in my Shelter 9000 :)
Ooooh Buddy with the Acutus SP and P3 :-D!!! Indeed a short three weeks and now your Shelter 9000 has touched down in your home!! Way to go man! The Hana SL is cheaper than the Quintet Black, and it would be good for consumers if the cheaper product trumps the more expensive one! Update me again of your Shelter 9000 buddy! Warm Regards on a lovely Sunday with the double-clamp swivelling before you! :-D . ~ ian.
I've sold the P3 as it just didn't have enough low end weight for my tastes, I still think its a superb entry level table though. The Shelter replaces the Lyra Delos and its an analytical sounding cartridge for sure. A little less extended in terms of treble and bass than the Delos but we are talking a small amount. Dynamically its better in both micro and macro than the Delos though and the midrange is also more refined, I'm honestly loving it. If theres some way of sending a hi rez audio file you could hear it for yourself !
Ian, thanks again for sharing your impressions. Personally, I didn't like either one. The QB sounded like an entry-level cart, while the EL came across as a poor attempt at a more hi-fi sound.
You are, SPOT ON. I am amazed at what you pointed out so SUCCINCTLY : *"a poor attempt at a more hi-fi sound"* !!! You are Spot ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Brother for saying it out loud. I will attempt to finish up the work and release the Hana EL cartridge review this weekend, asap. Thank you Buddy :-D!!!! Warmest Regards :-D have a great vinyl'ing journey! ~ ian
Thank you for all of your hard work, Ian! We all greatly appreciate the effort & expense you shoulder to share your audio experiences. God bless and thanks again!
Buddy, thank you for your kind friendship. Thank you... may you continue to have a beautiful vinyl'ing journey! Best!!!
I have quintet blue and I agree with you. High frequencies are very laid back. I don't know how many reviewers tell that this cartridge has a very high detail of the high frequenceies
GREAT AND DETAILED VIDEO AS ALWAYS IAN.MY NOTICE IS THAT ALTHOUGH THE MM CARTRIDGES
ARE MORE IMPROVED OVER THE
YEARS , WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES A GOOD MC IS BETTER.THERE ARE PRETTY GOOD MM'S OUT THERE WITH GOOD SOUND IN THE 3 BASIC SOUND AREAS ( BASS ,MIDS, HIGHS) BUT THEY CAN NOT REACH THE MORE ESOTERIC AND MORE
"INSIDE" VIEW OF THE SOUND OF A GOOD MC.SURE YOU CAN SAVE MONEY AND LISTEN GREAT WITH
A GOOD MM BUT YOU MISS THE
HI END DETAILS THAT A GOOD MC CAN GIVE YOU.IAN KEEP UP
THE GREAT WORK YOU DO FOR US ALL.GREETINGS FROM GREECE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY .ALEX.
Another excellent job. Hana’s shiabata cart is likely on my short list for the next time I upgrade.
Dear Buddy!!! Best Regards and ooooh.... a shibata stylus coming your way soon... nice teaser by you. Updates my friend! :-D
Nice review! Do you have any comments if Quintet blue vs Hana SL? I'm using Q.Blue now and think whether should upgrade to SL. Is it lot of different or worth to do it? My Q.Blue just using 3 - 4 months, i feel general okay. But lot people comments SL can show & read more, than can heard more?! :)
Brother :-D thank you for catching up!!! It would be great to upgrade! A super nice MC phonostage would be very important in enjoyment of mc carts, the low output ones :-D Have fun my friend!!!!
~ ian.
HiViNyws channel tks I got it few weeks ago and enjoy it much. I m thinking to grade my phono amp to Cyrus from musical fidelity mx-vynl.
I’m totally confused. Got up $500 to spend for a cartridge and own a mani and thorens td160. Someone trying to talk me into a Sumiko blue point 2. Looking for advice and best cartridge that is compatible with my gear. Will Hana EL or what be great with the Mani, etc.
Hey Ian,
I've been following your channel for many months now. Great reviews and always fun to watch. My question is, what do you think about Dynavector in general and the Dynavector 20x2 low output?
Thanks
Russ
Friend, I am surprised you have not reviewed any Denon cartridges. Do you expect to review any of them?
I have a DL-103 (current model), a DL-300 (old model), and am waiting for Denon to ship a DL-301ii. I find them to be very engaging cartridges. Not perfect, but very enjoyable.
Thank you Buddy! :-D i will look into them too :-D
@@HiViNywschannel Thank you! : )
You are absolutly the best!
great video ian,look forward to all your future videos throughout 2018
scotgoth Thank You Buddy for your kind words and catching up!!! (I am still working hard at the HanaEL cart review coming out in 2 weeks' time😄) Hope your vinyl path in 2018 will be strewn with beautiful records left and right!!
...and buddy, hope you are enjoying your MP-110 and Mani :-D!
I enjoy your reviews. How do you avoid the copyright police? Some reviewers complain that they have a problem with their videos being taken down by UA-cam if they play even small snippets of copyright music.
My snippets are less than 10 seconds each and I'm not making money from my videos. I think those are the reasons🙏😅. I'm not sure. But probably.
Have fun Buddy🤗🍀👍
Ian, it was a wonderfully informed video and really enjoy your entire series of videos on HiFi related subjects.
I have an older Nagaoka MP11 Boron, and I know the JNP200 stylus would work with it.
But would a new MP-200 cartridge be better than an older MP11 with JNP200 stylus ? Thank you.
Dear Buddy :-D !! Thank you for your time and kind encouragement! Grateful for your time too.
Buddy...i have no MP11 to bank on, and I deeply apologize for not being able to say with any confidence by extrapolating the performance of a MP11 with a JNP200 stylus :-D . Thank you for your understanding. Best Regards!
Hi Ian great video as always you know how to analyze everything so well,what happened to the Leben and Audio Note speakers? Take care of yourself.
Dear Brother Dimitris!!! Leben and AudioNote are doing great :-D Thank you for asking! ... Warmest Regards too buddy, thank you for your friendship and time catching up. See you :-D
Hi Ian, So good to see you moving up the cartridge scale to budget MC's & comparing them to MM best buys. As always riveting stuff.
And dear Buddy from the U.K., :-D you still think about your early 80's Rega Planar 3!?!! What memories...... :-D thank you for sharing your journey too with me! Enlivening always!!!
Your setup is amazing man! Keep making vids!
Hi dear Hivin are you going to make a review or a comparison Ortofon Cadenza series (especially on Bronze or Black) ? Thank you... :::"your guidance is precious":::
Basically the Quintet Blue is pretty much what you described the 2M Red 😅 😆Thanks Ian, for the honest & forthright review. Looking forward to the next video from you, Cheers!
Dear Buddy, thank you for coming by and catching up again! How are you :-D sorry for the day's delay in reply. How's your vinyl collection coming along? What have you caught recently :-D?
Thanks for you reply Ian. The collection is coming along slowly as good vinyl in preowned is hard to come by at sane prices these days, so taking it slow! I am looking forward to your next video as have quite a few queries to ask you with regard to the Nagaoka Carts 😋 😎
Bravo Brother!!! I DO HAVE very major announcements and statements to make at my next video episode on the Hana EL cartridge review!!! :-D You are spot on!
Wow! The expensive Moving Coil cartridges have to fight it out! I always knew the Moving Magnet was the less-expensive tech, but, as you pointed out in the video, it's a proven system that delivers top-quality at a good price. I'll stick to my MM cartridge for a good long time and save some $$, too! Thanks for another excellent video!
Dear Buddy!!! HOw are you?! :-D Hahaha yes yes, MMs ARE SUPERB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For your information you know what i installed on my GAE immediately after recording all the audio from the Hana EL and the Quintet Blue just now?..... THE MP-150. I think you know what I am going to say at the end of my Hana EL review coming soon :-D !!!! The MP-150's performance is JUST MORE THAN CONVINCING.... IT PUNCHES SKY HIGH!!! Love it!!! Long live our MMs. Love them to bits!!!!! Panacea for all of us vinyl lovers :-D . See you my friend, best Regards always and thank you again for your catching up!
Another great vid... Thank you my friend..
Another top class review.
Would love to know your thoughts on the AT33ev MC cartridge from Audio Technica
It is a good MC cart Buddy! I've used it before..... but, as with all LOMC cartridges👋😄✌a superb MC phonostage would be needed...and it is not usually that affordable. If you have one, then go ahead✌😄👍 go for the AT33ev!!!🎶🙏🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
@@HiViNywschannel I have an At33ev going in to a Musical Fidelity MX vinyl phono stage. Turntable is 1200g Technics.
But the results are dissapointing. Very dull sounding. Soft and lifeless and muffled. I much prefer my 2M blue. So much more energy and detail. But I would like your thoughts on the 33ev. Maybe it's just too warm for my taste. To me it is not an accurate portrayal of the recorded music.
Hi - I like your channel. Nice review. Did you use Schiit Mani or something else as phono? I missed that part.
Dear Buddy!, it is stated in the initial few minutes of this review, that I use the Avid Pulsare2 phonostage in this review. Thank you for catching up buddy! See you again and best regards! ~ ian
You are providing an invaluable service, thank you.
Dearest Richard, thank you... and congratulations for getting your King Crimson :-D !!! True Addict! Best Regards big brother!! May your Supremes reign for years!!!
Ian, thank you for this review....didn't realize it was so old but that's OK, the informationis still helpful to me. I was considering going to MC as an upgrade thinking it would be a surefire improvement, but not so much now. Currently using a Gold ring 1006 and schiit Mani after your reviews. I am using a vintage Dual 1249 TT, PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Integrated Amp and vintage Infinity RS3b speakers. Would like your thoughts on next upgrade.
Hey There - love the channel. Keep up the good work. Try the Denon 103R sometime. Just put that on my Technics 1500c and love the sound!
Assalamualaikkum my friend and thank you very much for catching up👋😄!!! Ooooohhh...you've gotten the 1500C😄🙏🌈🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶! Enjoy brother!!!!!
HiViNyws channel sorry to all Rega fans in advance but the 1500c makes the Rega P5 with Ania sound pedestrian. It’s a great brand ambassador for Technics and I’m really interested in their entire lineup now
Put a quintet blue on my sl1500, I really like it, using musical fidelity m1 vinyl stage and m3i amp
Ian, your review process is very well done.
Top notch vid. Thank you.
Thank you Buddy :-D!!!
Ian I would like to thank you, by watching and listening to your videos and Jeff of the Vinyl Room, and watching both of you guys with your cartridge shoot outs this inspired me to go through some of my cartridges that I hadn’t used or seen in a long time on my VPI Classic 1, one in particular is the Audio Technica AT120E/T. During this, I found out that two of my moving coils, a Dynavector 10x5, I used this four days ago and Denon DL301 MKII, I used yesterday (this one not as bad) had cantilevers that were not straight with in the cartridge body. They work fine, one a little harder to align because of this (the Dynavector), but sound wise you can’t tell.
Another moving magnet cartridge, the Ortofon 2m Red, was defective and didn’t work properly. The Ortofon OM-10 and the Denon DL-110, I didn’t use yet in this shoot out. Well when I got to my Audio Technica At120E/T, I didn’t expect much, but I figured what the heck, I had hated this cartridge since the 90s. I pulled out all of my set up tools, the Dr. Feickert Alignment tool, another smaller Alignment Tool with a mirror to check azimuth, my Tone Arm Bubble level, both of my tracking force gauges, the Shure-manual and my Digital Gauge and a protractor that I used to check my tone arm height.
I align the cartridge for 2 hours and 30 minutes, rechecking every thing three times, especially the nul points. My patience paid off after adding my other phono stage the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS. Now aligning on a VPI-Unipivot is impossible, but a little more difficult than others. Upon being happy with every thing I put on my first record and bam, what is this, OMOG, the sound stage was incredibly wide, the treble extended and the bass wasn’t bad, but not as full as some of my moving coils. I realized that I had always hated this cartridge and hadn’t used it since the 90’s, but it had been mounted on my Dual CS5000 by my dealer who is no longer around. I made a snap judgement and because I didn't have the knowledge then that I do now, I shelved that cartridge a year after having it and hadn’t thought about it since. This cartridge sounded as good as any I had, except bass and some midrange in the case of the two Denon cartridges and of course the Dynavector.
This cartridge sounded every bit as good as anything that my current dealer has or could set up and I will be refining the set up when my Mint LP protractor comes in, which is specifically made for my tone arm only. I underestimated this cartridge by a mile, but when I say I nailed set-up, I checked again two more times and the cantilever and stylus was perfect in two protractors and my efforts were greatly rewarded and a cartridge that was dead to me has been resurrected. So special shout out to you Jeff in the Vinyl Room and Ian at HiViNyws and your shoot outs that inspired me to do this and the results were worth the effort. So to both of you your channels are greatly appreciated.
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hello do you have an opinion on the Denon DL-103R ? Thank you
Hi Ian Wich is better sound Hana EL or Nagaoka MP 150
MP-150.
You are very, very smart ;-)
Excellent shoot out, my friend! I related best when you Demo’d Vanessa Fernandez’ “Use Me”... because I know the album so well (played back mostly on a Lyra Lydian Beta with Soundsmith level 4 Ruby up grade), I could tell right away the disservice the QB did for her performance.
TONE Scott We can never escape the ears of a Music Producer🎶...thank you Brother TONE💪😄✌🎶!! Warmest Regards👋
Yet again a wonderful video. The Hana is excellent for the money,but a good movig magnet is better than a poorly wound moving coil,which the cheaper Ortophons are.
My bank holiday Sunday is a trip down Memory Lane Glanz Moving flux’s versus their high output 10 EH
moving coit.
Your Avid is sounding smashing,,wonderful biuld
Thankyou again
Ted
Dearest Ted, thank you for your time yet again..
I owe it to your continued help and encouragement, your friendship and kindness...
A resounding and true statement:
"A good moving magnet is better than a poorly wound moving coil,....."
I agree.
Warmest Regards Buddy,
~ ian.
great channel .. i love yore enthusiasm... i love yore review .. i am subscribing
Brother, thank you!😄🙏👋😄let's rock on in analogue blisssss🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶
Ian you machine!!! You know I've always been skeptical about super expensive hifi products and your last couple of posts have really shown this over and over again. I think back all those years ago when I read hifi magazines and how the tester would immediately notice a "remarkable" difference when dealing with a super high expensive items. Except for my turntable everything I play records with was solely based on your hands on advice. Can't wait for the next one....I'm dying ;)
Brother with the Grado Green and Mani!!!! :-D Hahaha... we may laugh about it... but it is true: your system IS VERY GOOD. ENJOYABLE :-D !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very nice and sturdy looking rack, can you share details and which store can I buy from Adelphi, thank you.
Dear Buddy Freddie :-D yes, my rack is the Solid Tech Hybrids. I highly recommend them, because they are highly sturdy, well-built, and modular!!! There are 250, 275 and 350mm pillars, and a variety of white, grey and black racks/pillars to choose from. Approach David, he has been serving me. His number is 96826663 :-D Have fun Brother!!!
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
Great job as always Ian! I’m really curious to hear your impressions of the Hana with the Schiit Mani. Probably not the most ideal pairing, but it would be good until I can get a higher end phono stage.
Buddy you already have that Marantz SR7005 and Martin Logan SL3s!!! :-D I am sure currently you are having a lot of fun with the Mani already! You also have that Dual and PLX... you are in a blissful zone buddy!! Regarding the Hana EL, I will release the results and findings asap, and I am still doing some work on it, very interesting work and findings. Please do not buy the Hana until you hear from me :-D You will be surprised. Pleasantly. Warmest Regards!