Another great analysis and review of these cartridges my dear friend. Very well done and this place is better for you having undertaken the extensive time and labor in making these. Thank you, on behalf of us all. I also agree, the Grado Red is a far "better" cartridge to my ears. The Ortofon 2M Blue is one that I just do not think delivers performance which matches its price point. For the price, there are better options available, options which even cost less and deliver more. Additionally, I found it is not at all worth the jump in price from it's little brother, the Ortofon 2M Red. In any case, I digress. Your reviews, analysis and insight have been terrific. Until next time my friend.
Simon Dear Simon, thank you for your kindness and catching up yet again!!!😄🖑 Yes...it has been hard work... but with you friends' support and encouragement, it is worth all the effort. Thank you Simon!!! How is it going on your end thus far? Any new or current vinyl resolution(s) 😄 you are engaged in now? Best Regards!!!
I am currently having my home renovated and with the chaos brought by construction (and having to have moved out of my home temporarily while this is completed), most such endeavors have been placed on hold, though I have continued digging in record stores and brought to my temporary home about 50-60 new records. Lol. Such is our passion.
Simon Wow! Congratulations! Home renovation!!!! You will soon be relaxing a refreshed home and enjoying those 50-60records with even better acoustics!!!!! 👏😄 Excited for you my friend!!! Your labour of love will pay off very soon!!!
Thank you for your kind words! I can't wait. Even though I removed all of my equipment, I am waiting until I return to my home to play these new ones. The challenge, and truly time consuming task, was boxing up my 3000+ other vinyl to remove while the construction takes place. But as I am sure we can all understand, no way was I going to leave it all exposed to all the potential damage which could occur when surrounded by guys with hammers, sanders, saws, etc.!!! Thanks again my dear friend.
I have no idea how I haven't discovered your channel until now, but I absolutely admire your enthusiasm and detailed analysis. Thank you so much for what you are doing!
@@HiViNywschannel Right now I'm exploring the combination of a Denon DL-110, Schiit Mani, and an Orbit turntable with an acrylic platter. Looking at the possibility of a Goldring G 2100. That, and making my way through your wonderfully informative videos! Thanks again!!
Koogert Brother...thank you for your positive words for ne too! I will keep up my spirits for more hard work along the way. Thank you for giving me that energy. i owe it all to you friends to be able to accomplish all these projects for the vinyl community 😄... Best Regards, ian
Dear Buddy :-D my goodness!!! I have just checked out your channel... and man!! You take so much effort making so many mixes for your listeners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish you all the love and friendships you find with your listeners and subscribers. Very selfless and diligent of you!! Thank you!!! I am going to show my friends about it! Warmest Regards and what you do on your channel shows how much love you have for your music!!!!!! ~ ian.
Wow, man. You just made my day. Seriously. I didn't expect that. Unfortunately, not all of the music on my channel are vinyl rips dirrectly from me. Many of the records within those mixes are EXTREMELY RARE and expensive. But I do collect records as well. I wish you LOTS of love as well. Thank you so much. You helped me decide on the Nagaoka MP 110. I HAD an Ortofon 2M Red but it's been a few years now and I wanna upgrade. Thanks again. :)
Yes, Brother!!! Don't worry about it!! It is your own hard work to have compiled all the mixes!!! Very, very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your choice of the MP-110 is spot-on :-D!!! It is doing duties on my SL1200Mk5/G/Rega Planar 3 always :-D!!! Brilliant, excellent cartridge!!! See you buddy! I have subscribed to Max Stacks!!!!!! ~ ian.
Yes indeed. If I had to rip them all, I'd probably be old and grey by now hahaha. But I suppose many collectors spent their life doing just that for our benefit! Be on the look out for a Singapore selection or two on volume 19 as a token of my thanks. It should be good fun. And THANK YOU for subscribing. My hope was always that I could get people to enjoy the music I've loved since I was a small child. And that with the click of a button, any group of friends or even two lovers could start a party and get to dancing. I've enjoyed your content very much. You're so well spoken and passionate about audio. Of which, an understanding of, and appreciation for is dying. You do tremendous work here. Yeah! I cannot wait to hear how it performs. I also look for that LIVE feel in a setup and I think I'll achieve it with the MP-110. I'll see you around, cool cat!
Hi Ian, I am siting around and relaxing on a Saturday afternoon and going through some of your older vids. I hadn’t yet read what you wrote below about putting money aside each month and even getting a lesser car to pursue your passion for analog sound reproduction, but mostly your kindness towards everyone in the vinyl community, and your friends and buddies in general. I feel very fortunate to be one of them. Your outlook on life is so refreshing and wonderful to read and know that there are such wonderful and selfless people in this world such as yourself. I would just like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your contributions to the VC, but more importantly to people in general. You are truly a wonderful person, and your passion for everything you do shows that in a big way. It’s too bad we live on opposite parts of the world. I had been on tour with my old band twice in Japan and China about 5 or so years ago, and wish I had known you then so we could have possibly met up to go record shopping together! Haha! Again, thank you very much, Ian. - Your friend, - Nick
Dear Buddy Nick :-D, i believe each and every one of us in the vinyl community is glad and happy to know one another too!! Wow wow WOW on tour with your old band!!!! Brother, we can still catch up if we happen to be in Tokyo in the same travel period in future! My next one would be in early October :-D... let me know Buddy, let me know... if not this year, the next, there sure would be a good time. Your friend too :-D, ~ ian.
I am really humbled and happy to receive your kind encouragement...🤗 Thank you Sir!!! It gives me strength to do just be plainly honest about things and forget brands, marketing might, marketing hype, herd mentality affecting our decisions, and nasty advertising dollars "you scratch my back i scratch your back" between manufacturers and paid audio reviewers. People power and honesty are needed to perpetuate the industry, help consumers get in, stay in and enjoy the best music we can have!!😄😄✌ Thank you Jesse and may you and your vinyl playing friends have another good year ahead. Sincerely, ian.
Saturday vinyl dreams. A Happy New Year to all those in the video. That's some gathering! Another informative, interesting and enjoyable video. Very time consuming for you to do but well worth it for all us lucky vinyl viewers.
I'm really enjoying (thanks again for the vids) my ORBIT with GRADO Black. Thanks for this review and pointing out that I will be able to upgrade the stylus to Red when the time is right. I think it was your review of the Black and then seeing it is upgradable to the Red that led to my purchasing decision that I'm very pleased with.
Happy New Year to your family Ian. Thanks for Your great reviews. I have recently bought a Schiit mani pre amp and a nagaoka MP110, I am in vinyl heaven thanks again.
Robert Johnson Dear Robert!😄🖑thank you very much for your well wishes!!! May you have a joyous Lunar New Year too!!... yes yes!! Enjoy your Mani and MP110💪😄✌ scorchingly crazy giant-killers in their individual own right, combined together, you have them!!!!!
I ordered a Nagaoka MP-110 because I was dissatisfied with the Rega Exact 2 that I bought along with a Rega RP6 turntable. While waiting for the cartridge to arrive, I recalled that I had a cartridge in the ProJect TT I had junked. That cartridge was a Grado Red...I removed the Exact, mounted the Grado. Now I'm uncertain whether I want to open the Nagaoka box. The Grado Red is a vast improvement over the Exact 2, which I experienced as dull and lifeless, with little depth, detail or dynamics. The Red has all of this and more by the bushel, at around one quarter the cost of the Rega. I've once again been hearing things I've never before heard in records I have owned for close to fifty years. Thanks, Grado and thanks to Ian for this channel and his enthusiasm.
Buddy Jam🙏😄!!!!! EXACTly! (Pun intended)!!! you are right! Lively, detailed and dynamics,...all there in abundance over the Rega Exact2. And provided at a fraction of the cost! I am very glad that a great cart IS discovered, appreciated rightfully! I am glad to be of humble help. Do have a great weekend Buddy🌞🎶🎵🎶🎶
The thing I find odd--but probably one of the reasons we do this hobby--is that when I had the Grado Red mounted in a ProJect 6.1 turntable, I got nowhere near the results from the cart I do when it is in the Rega RP6. The ProJect, from my experience, is a fiddly piece of junk which I regret having spent money on. The Rega, on the other hand, seems to be a good platform for the Grado. A pity Rega couldn't make/market a $600US cartridge that performs as well as a product at less than a third the cost. I know certain cartridges are sensitive to tonearm mass and such but one would think Rega would be able to match its cartridges to its arms. I don't know what they intended with the Exact 2 but I know the end result is that i will never buy another Rega cartridge. With luck, the Grado and the Nagaoka MP-110 will keep me satisfied for a long, long time. Thanks again, Ian.
Ian, a friend of mine has the Grado Red which he has been happy with. The stylus is reaching the end of its life and he is looking to renew it. This review helped him decide not to waste money on a cartridge replacement, merely a stylus replacement. Thanks for helping him.
Dear Buddy Stephen :-D !!! Great to see you again!!!! Thank you for catching up again Brother!!! Heehee you must be very happy with your Kiseki MC with that Manley Chinook and Nagaoka MP-200!!! You are doing very good work helping so many friends!!!...amongst them, this friend who has been listening through his vinyl records through the very capable and musical Grado Red1!!! Yes it is very gooood!!! My best regards to your friend!!! Warmest Regards to you and your family too, and thank you for coming to see me here again! Thank you Brother. ~ ian.
Excellent video with a good conclusion to the shootout. But the best part of the video was seeing you and your family enjoying yourselves. Happy Lunar New Year my friend. My best to you and yours. =)
How am I just now finding your channel. This is one of the most engaging and interactive review channels I've seen in quite some time. Amazing! This has been a huge help with wanting to upgrade my record player after having the default stylus on the Debut Carbon for almost a year now.
You need to set up a patreon account if you haven't already! Many, including myself would gladly make contributions for this quality content! Nicely done!
Ian, Your reviews are fantastic. I just binge-watched every single one of them. Your delivery and analysis are on point! We're all holding our breath for your next round of results. Calvin
Dear Calvin, I am very humbled to have received your support. I thank you. All these efforts are done to benefit the vinyl community at the expense of my own sacrifices. I feel they are worth it because vinyl users are the warmest music appreciating people and I want to serve all my friends. Your time to write these kind words continue to encourage me further along the way. I owe everything to you guys' support. Sincerely, ian :-D
Thanks Ian for your enthusiastic, thorough and entertaining reviews! You were helpful in convincing me to try out a Grado cartridge on my Rega P6 and I’m happy I did! Syabas!
Grado red it's my goal. I started with the black, and I'm just enjoying the Grado experience on my oldie Thorens td 160. Thanks my friend. You're the "best in town"
Daer Brother Patrick!! Well done and congratulations on having the Grado Red. It is one of my favourite top satisfying carts!!!! :-D Enjoy as I do. I always have it on the headshell just like Grado Green ready to play anytime and to imbue my home with beautiful dynamic and musical music. Warmest Regards. ~ ian.
HiViNyws channel Thank you for taking the time to respond to my message. I was pleasantly surprised to get a response from you. Once again and have a great day.
Hi Thomas! Great to see you again and thank you for your wellwishes, my best wishes for you and your family and friends as well for the Lunar New Year!!! See you my friend :-D, - ian
Happy New Year my friend 💥🐔 many thanks for a year of fantastic exciting reviews 🎶👍 with the Cartridge series, Ian being magnificent 🍻... I think you've discovered two groundbreaking products 🥇
Chris Bishop Dear Brother Chris. I owe it much to your immense support and cheering all these while too!!!... Hi five!🖐😄🖑!!! and we will cotinue to enjoy our beautiful journey of vinyl music listening and making friends all over the world!..breaking barriers of culture and language💪 Best, best regards brother Chris.
HiViNyws channel Dear Ian, just a little bit of info ... Nagaoka have been casting musical magic with vinyl cartridges for many years. I remember owning the MP-30 back in the 80's ... it generated much excitement, and they're doing again brother with the MP-110 thanks to you 👍
Chris Bishop My goodness. I didn't know all these my friend... thank you for telling me! MP-30? WOW😄!!! Hahaha... i am indeed a latecomer!!! Better late than never though!!! Hahaha... Really. Thank you Brother. Hontouni Arigatogozaimasu.
Another great review Ian!! Would you say that the Grado Red is an overall step up from the Nagaoka MP-110? I'm doing research for my next possible cart that is better than the MP-110 without hitting $200. I'm preferring something around 170.00 to 185.00 if possible. I will definitely still keep my MP-110, I'm just looking to explore and the Grado Red seems pretty good. Any other recommendations? Much love to you and Miyako my brother. 😊
After watching all the awesome comparisons in Group B, C and D I wanted the Grado Red. I had a Grado Black "P" mount I loved. I kept it when the Technics TT failed and tried to mount it on my Denon TT with an adaptor but that didn't work out. I bought a standard mount Grado Black cartridge that was on sale for $65 and a Grado Red stylus for $65 on sale ($130 total). The sound is awesome. I prefer it to my AT-VM95ML which cost me $25 more. The depth and presence are more pronounced than the AT which has excellent highs but not as much "life" as the Grado Red. Thanks for the hard work you put into sharing your knowledge and experience with us.
Brother Rose! Great, great!!! You've gotten a superb Grado Red1, and, in sale!!!!💪😄👍👍👍👍 super!!!!! Enjoy, enjoy!!!!! Thank you for coming by and chatting up with me my friend!!!! May you and your family be safe and healthy, always 🤗🍀🤗🍀🤗🍀
Happy New Year, Ian, Thank you for another very informative review. I need to replace the stylus on my Grado Green cartridge and I was contemplating upgrading to the red stylus. However, since you think so highly of the Nagaoka MP-110, I may just spend the extra $30 for the MP-110 cartridge.. After watching your reviews, it will be a difficult decision. I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Your passion and enthusiasm for vinyl is contagious. Thank you for your hard work and informative reviews.
Steven Suehiro Dear Brother Steven... thank you very much for your support and encouragement too. I am very happy to be of service. Happy to hear from you my friend in-Vinyl😄✌. May you have a wonderful time: great that you have a solid Green base and either Red modular upgrade or Nagaoka MP110 are superb choices. Hmmm...you are right though: $130 vs $100... i will take the MP110 too.💪😄 Warmest Regards, ian.
Woww ... happy new year Ian and for your big family. Excellent video and another great Grado red cartridge with excellent sound. I see you have an Aaron Copland vinyl from the Reference Recordings brand. The "fanfare for the common man" directed by Eiji Oue is really spectacular, good brass instruments and brutal percussion. Excellent version. (thumbs up) I am already anxious to hear your review of the Nagaoka MP-150. Greetings my friend and enjoy our vinyls. :-D
Any plan for a group D? As the Grado Red is quite a performer, I'll like to see the performance of a Grado Gold1. I'm looking forward to see the comparison between the Grado Gold1 Prestige and the Nagaoka MP-150. I actually own a Grado Gold1 Prestige and your reviews let me think about changing my cartridge for a Nagaoka. I'm not too sure the MP-110 will really be better cart compare to the Gold1. So I'm thinking about getting the MP-150!
LuciferNicolas Brother. Yes. I am finishing running in all the GroupD carts... Will get back to you asap with the results. You are smart about that logic you gave at the end about 110 vs Gold vs 150... 👏😄 true. Me thinks the same way too!!! But so far i have not tested all three of them back to back yet...apologies my brother! But thank you really for going along with my judgement of the MP110 and thinking along these lines. Best Regards fellow Brother in-Vinyl!😄
Dear brother Mario, the Grado Red is a superb cart. I was listening to my MoFi records through the Grado Red and the music just sounded FANTASTIC. What class, what bliss. I was very, very happy last night. MP-110 is my daily workhorse too... these carts are super classy. I congratulate you on having the MP-110. Brillant!! Warmest Regards my friend.
Hi Ian, I've been wanting to try a Grado cart. I noticed your review regarding the Grado Gold and the Platinum. It seems as though upgrading up the Grado line, it doesn't give the returns (price to sound quality ratio). I don't want to go all in and get a pricier Grado and be disappointed. According to your fine reviews the Red seems to be the sweet spot in the Grado line of carts.
Dear Eric, Thank you!! Appreciate your time and kindness... thank you! Have a great week ahead and a fruitful RSD with friends! Some friends and I are meeting up this Saturday :-D Warmest Regards, ian.
I bought the MP-110 bc of this video. Upgraded from an Ortofon Red that was leaving out portions of songs. That’s unacceptable. I wonder what the upgrade from an MP-110 would be?
"Boogie factor" that's a perfect term to describe what I feel listening to my AKG K240 Sextett headphones! I smile, bounce, and my spine tingles. :) I'm so happy to see you back, Ian. All the best to you and your family.
Amazing final review. Wonderful breakdown of all aspects of sound. Very pleased to hear the big N of Japan got the overall thumbs up! Now I need find a Schiit Mani in the UK and I might be set for life :)
jonathan ioannou Oh yes brother!!! Get that Schiit!💪😄 Gosh that big N of Japan.... always amazes me again and again when i put it onto my records!!! Thank you for coming by again and writing in to encourage me. I will continue to do my utmost best!!! Best Regards, Ian.
Thank you for this great review. Could you tell me what alignment method you use for the Grado Red on your Technics turntable? It looks like it's based on just overhang and putting it squared in the shell but I'm not sure. Thank you!
Thank you very much for this great series of videos. By your recomendation, I just upgraded from my Audio Technica AT110E to the Nagaoka MP-110 , and I couldn't bee happier (though I must admit I'm keeping the Audio Technica, it is an impresive cartidge, specially taking into account that I paid 35 bucks for it)
Hi Ignacio! Thank you for coming by and catching up!!! Oh yes!!! Please enjoy your Nagaoka MP-110!!! :-D I am super happy that you are happy!!!!! $35? Yes, keep it! :-D
Brilliant review. Thank you. Love your passion. Is this the Grado Prestige Series Red 1 (5mv) Cartridge or Grado Prestige Series Red 2 (5mv) - both are available for sale? Appreciate your advice.
Ian, now I having the Nagaoka mp110 on my SL1200. Would buying the Grado Red improved the sound compare to the MP110? Would appreciate if you advise me. Thanks.
getting the red for my new essential 3 turntable I had to retire my u turn orbit had audio Technica vm95ml .. which one now go to my other turntable techniques SL 202..
Thomas Nylund Dear Bro Thomas... hope you have woken up to a bright and warmer day in a wintry month today🤗... bright sun and best regards for you and your family!
Excellent review, I really appreciate all the time, money, and effort that you put in to the videos! Can't wait to hear your reviews of the rest of the Nagaoka line as well as others!!!
Dear Brother-in-Vinyl!!! :-D Thank you so much for your kindest support and encouragement. It really touches me because it is really a lot of time, money and effort... I am glad you can see through all of it Thank you brother. May you have many wonderful years of vinyl appreciation, playback and digging :-D ahead, - ian.
Dear Sir, Do you think Schitt mani would be an advantage for either the Grado Red or the Mp-150 or maybe even the MP-200, Or are those Carts already past the Mani's ability?...thanks for your great reviews!
GenesisPlanet Dear Buddy, i am glad to let you know that even as you upgrade to Grado Reference Platinum 2 or Nagaoka MP-200, the Schiit Mani won't be the bottleneck in performance. Won't 💪😄. Confirmed. Affirmative. Warmest Regards Brother👋😄and thank you for catching up! See you my friend!!
DEAR FRIEND!! PLEASE ANSWER ME IF U KNOW!! Can i upgrade my cart which is a GRADO PRESTIGE BLACK 1 that my father buy back in 90s with a replacement stylus of modern Grado RED?
Brother Dimitris, sorry i didn't see this message earlier. I am very happy you've gotten the Grado Red tip onto the Blue body and resurrected it!!! enjoying good music performance now!!!!! Warmest Regards, and update anytime my friend!! Thank you for catching up! ~ ian.
these videos are just great, I really appreciate that you've tested so many carts in so little time. after watching these videos, it looks I'm picking up a mp110
Bryan Morgan Dear Brother Bryan, Thank you for your support and encouragement!!!🤗 I will continue to do my best for the community. 💪😄i am very sure your appreciation and enjoyment of vinyl music will be elevated to a much higher level after getting your Nagaoka MP110!!! Sincerely, ian.
Bryan Morgan Dear Brother Bryan, Thank you for your support and encouragement!!!🤗 I will continue to do my best for the community. 💪😄i am very sure your appreciation and enjoyment of vinyl music will be elevated to a much higher level after getting your Nagaoka MP110!!! Sincerely, ian.
I decided on the Grado Red 3 after watching this. But unfortunately, the sound isn't what I expected. Quite muffled. Not sure if I need to run the cart in. So far it has around 10 hours of play. But when I put the Pick It S2 MM cart back the sound opened up again. I guess it's not compatible with my Pro-Ject X1 B TT.
Thank you for the awesome reviews. I'm building my first actual vinyl & stero set up and your reviews have been very helpful. I'm currently waiting on my rega 3 to arrive. I'm thinking about buying this cart as I had to get one without the cart. I wanted to ask, do you believe this cart is at the same quality as the elys 2 cart that would have came with the table? I'm using the schiit mani phono as your other video recommended if that will have any impact. Thank you again for your videos and your great responses to your followers.
Yes Buddy😄✌, I would take the Grado Red1 over the Elys2. And, congratulations for getting the Rega P3💪😄✌!!!!!! Schiit Mani is in the house as well. You're set for superb vinyl analogue magic and replay quality and bliss. Have fun my friend!!! ~ ian
Gong Xi Fa Chai to you and your family members Ian. A very exciting and animated presentation indeed. Looking forward to more from you. This will be an exciting year.
Wong Ang Lai Wan Shi Ru Yi and Gong Xi Fa Cai to you and your lovely family too!!! Love our ever improving friendly relationships between our countries!!!💪😄 Brotherly neighbours we are✌. Thank you for your time again brother Wong!!! - ian
Angus Flood Yes Buddy...it is the Red1... i have not gotten to the latest Prestige Series2 as yet because the first batch of Grado Prestige Series2 carts arrived at my local retailer all defective. All of them came with one channel flattened with no sound at all...and Grado needed to resend a new batch to our local distributor. I will thus wait for things to settle down a bit before i venture out to buy the latest Series2 carts for review. I hope you'd understand Brother👋😄!!! Thank YOU very much for your kind words and support.... I'll continue to do my best. I reckon perhaps in 2 months' time, i will venture into their Series2 models.... Warmest Regards Buddy👍😄🎶
Angus Flood Ah Sussex!!! My best audio friend is from Norfolk 👋😄 who had recently moved to Essex. Hope it had warmed up a bit over your side after a few days of grayish skies🌚🌫🔜🌞!!!
another great video ian,keep up the great work,recently purchased the nagaoka mp-110 to go with my vintage denon dp37f turntable and it sounds amazing!,now waiting on schiit mani coming back in stock,happy new year!
Wow brother!!! Denon DP37F + MP110 and coming up a Mani. Thank you for trusting my ears my friend!!!! :-D Excited to hear from you again...your updates!!! Happy listening always, may you be surrounded by warm vinyl friends always too! - ian
Another great series, I can't wait to see the next. I have no experience with the Grado Red, but completely agree with your reviews of the Ortofon Blue and the ML440A. I have been using the ML440A for about a year now, and while the highs sound amazing, they definitely overpower the mids. Thank you for all that you do!
Hello my good friend i want to say thank you first of all because of the great amount of knowledge in this channel , look i'm a music enthusiast and i'm very exited to start my vinyl collection so i've been gathering information and buying almost all i need to get going , so right now i have an Audio Technica AT LP-1240 USB turntable , i've ordered a Nagaoka MP110h which is not only the stylus and cartridge but also the headshell ,and even though the turntable has is own Pre-Amp built in it has a switch to by-pass it, that's why i'm ordering the Schiit Mani that you recommended in other video for usage with this cartridge , and i have a pair of Technics SB-CR77 , these are 200w 3 way speakers , what i'm missing now is a good Amplifier i guess , is there any that you would recommend for this kind of speakers i have also heard that a AV Reciever would do the trick too is that right? if that's the case would you point me in the right direction? thank you very much one more time for all your videos i hope that you or somebody can help me with my problem
My UTurn Orbit with a Grado Black cart comes in this Monday, so I'll be upgrading to the Red stylus like you recommended at some point - thanks for the extremely relevant tip!
ralree YES the U-Turn Orbit with Grado Black option!!!💪 supremely powerful combination. Superb, superb value. I am sure you will be enjoying great sound like many users of this option!😄✌
Hello Ian. Congratulations on your excellent job! Keep on exciting us!!! I have a question i would like you to answer. Do you change the Schiit Mani's adjustments, each time you test a different stylus? Or maybe you have a fixed set-up for general use on all MM cartridges? I am really looking forward for your reply! Greetings from Greece, Michael K
Thank you Buddy Michael!!! 🤗😄hehheh....yes I do. Most MM carts' output is kind enough and hence 42dB is the default one I use on the Schiit Mani for all the (high output) MM/MI/MP carts i have tested✌😄. Do have lots of fun ahead in your vinyl'ing musical journey my friend! Let's continue shopping at brick and mortar shops and sometimes, discogs😁glad to see your message and kind friendship offered Brother💪🌞🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶
@@HiViNywschannel Thank you so much for your answer!!! Wow, that was quick..lightening quick..! I believe that when you make a group-test on different cartridges, changing the adjustment on the phono preamp would probably reflect on the cartridge performance. I don't know if a high output MM cartridge with recommended load capacitance - 200-500 pF, would work at the same adjustments as a cartridge with 100-200 pF recommended load capacitance. I currently own a fixed capacitance phono preamp (at 120pF) and i assure you that these two types of cartridges "behave" totally different mainly because of the lack of adjustments. Glad to see your message! Your friendly communication is very much appreciated!
@@mkoutalianos yes Brother 🤗, most phono preamps at this affordable range are rated and fixed at 100pF, and this wise and sensible cartridge manufacturers come out with cartridges that suit 100pF🤗. You're right Buddy😃
Hi friends! I just resurrected my fathers spare grado prestige blue (which had played for more than 1000 hours with minimal cleaning and had a tip like a ball :-P) with a red genuine replacement stylus. It replaced an at95e finally. Im astonished by the results after listening to 3 different type of music recordings i like, rock by pink floyd reggae by ini kamoze and couple jazz records of miles davis and john coltrane respectively. I have to say it sounds way better than the at95e even for my wife can tell (which is a good cart for the buck after all) and also to my ears..
Dear Buddy :-D YES!!!! GREAT!!!!!!! WOoooohoooooOOO!!! You've got it! Yes! Definitely, a Grado body, and a new tip. Red tip. More than doable, it works! Hehheh...Pink Floyd, Ini Kamoze, Coltrane, Miles.... all superb they sound now don't they!!! Way . much better than the 95e definitely. Easily!!!
Hello Ian, first of all thank you so much for all your amazing videos! To me they are a bigger help than almost anything else I find on the internet related to turntable gear. Currently I am considering a cartridge upgrade and I've narrowed my choices down to the Nagaoka MP-110 and Grado Red. Could you maybe describe the differences between those in sound? My impression is that the Grado has a little more bass than the Nagaoka and I prefer a more bassy sound signature, so could it be the better choice for me? Thank you very much in advance for your help and have a nice day!
Dear Friend, :-D you are very welcomed... and I am very happy to be of service to the vinyl community... Yes, probably the Red may give a slightly more bassy sound. Just slightly. The overall low level signal detail retrieval and harmonics retrieval by the MP-110 is better. Both carts are great :-D so enjoy either my friend!!! Thank you for coming by and catching up too... see you and warmest regards... have fun in your journey!!!! Catch up anytime. ~ ian.
I'm just upgrading my U-turn orbit turntable stylus from grado black 1 to Grado red2. Can't wait for it to be delivered now decide what album play test out
Ian,you are a true passionate audiophile. I love your analysis. I am the cheif designer of noxaudio and waveburg acoustics,and when I listen to you I still learn a lot. I have a question for you regarding ripping vinyl to dsd, I have a Sony PSHX500 Hi Res USB Turntable and would like your advise on which cartridge to use for ripping. I don't mind the investment. Thanks my friend and keep up the amazing work
Just fired up a brand new Grado Red 3 and fresh Schitt Mani 2 - Oh boy what a treat! Ian is right - even in my totally meh p-mount Technics turntable the Red can separate and delineate complex tracks with ease. The speed, clarity, definition and depth of bass is truly impressive. Snares have so much snap, toms have this resonant depth, and bass guitars have never sounded so musical and tuneful. Hi-hats crack and sizzle. Vocal harmonies are rendered so crisply and each voice has it's own body, dynamics, and harmonics. A tremendous, dynamic, exciting, and musical presentation. In May 2022, the Grado Red 3 is still under $200 straight from Grado, and the Schitt Mani 2 is a paltry $149. Bargains both. Highly enjoyed and recommended.
Apologies Brother... i do not have a Gyro SE and RB300 model to test this out and reply to you with any firm confidence. Thank you for coming by still my friend. Enjoy your vinyl'ing journey!! Have fun and we catch up again! ~ ian.
headforthehills Dear fellow brother in-Vinyl. Thank you too for your message and time to write to me. I really appreciate it... just back home again after walking my little doggie daughter😄 and so happy to see you message!... Best Regards brother🤗, ian🖑
Yay for Grado! And yay for Ian for doing these reviews and giving us such great videos. I am so happy you let people know of the upgrade path for existing Grado owners!
dixielandfarm YAY for YOU AND YOUR LOVELY and busy CHANNEL keeping all of us alive too and brimming with energy and laughter BROTHER KRIS!! 💪😁😄✌ Thank YOOOOU!!!
Why can't people learn to package like the Japanese? Wrapped in it's own instructions??? Sheesh. That said, I am happy to see that Grado did well in the shoot-out since their product a generally well designed. Their headphones are really well done. Great video as always Ian and it was cool to see the family event! As an aside, one of your viewers that is a little bit shy to comment in public asked me to ask you, if you had your choice between an Rega RP6 and the new Technics SL1200G, which would you take?
Dear Paul, :-D great to chat with you for an hour just now! Now you know why my friends in Britain and subsequently me, picked the G. Astounding: - accurate pin-point imaging, - correct image size according to recording, e.g. smaller image sizes for each of the instruments for orchestra, and bigger and 1:1 sizing for jazz musicians performing in fornt of you in a quartet/quintet :-D, - vocals, appear very "WHOLE", fluid and detailed, - yes, fluid and detailed, this seems to be the case for treble, midragne and bass. This "fluid and detailed" sound quality is an amazing sound quality, accorded by, the lowest recorded rumble through-groove of -74.3dB measured by Paul Miller on the test bench, - +0.006% speed stability. You know the market rate. - bass, dungeons' deep. - bass that starts and stops like never before. - sustain and air of piano solos are pretty eery. - cymbals, triangles that are shimmering and crystalline. Crystalline, clear. Transient that "tings" right into the brain: sharp, refreshing and clear. I am the lucky beneficiary of my Briton friends' experience with the G, and they, who played with countless types and models of turntables, but find themselves now stuck with their G, and totally neglecting all their other decks that are crazily more expensive. Best Regards Paul and your lovely family, Really happy to chat with you again about the industry and our happy vinyl friends again!!! Sincerely yours, - ian.
...oh yes, and yes, Paul, the G made my Nagaoka MP110 AND the Grado Red sounds like $1,000 cartridges. My jaws dropped when either one of them were put on. The Grado Red is suddenly transformed to something I never knew existed... sounded like a high end cart that i would never, ever know. Ditto for the MP110. Now I am using the Mk5, the G and the Avid to test out the GroupD carts :-) and I am most glad to offer the findings within the next two months. Exciting times ahead again :-D. Thank you for your immense friendship, my vinyl blood brother. Sincerely Yours, ian.
Hello Ian I have watched your channel for many months and have never commented but i appreciate very much the time and research you and BarakaPDub put into your videos for us. I'm from that 60s generation so we (sorta) kicked this equipment thing into hi gear ( no pun intended) But I'm rambling now, so again thank you for these great videos! Please keep them coming! Be well and safe-- Lisa
Mike Hydropneumatic Dear Mike!!! 😁glad to see you again!!! Thank you for your wellwishes.. Thank you... Warmest Regards my friend... it has been a long time we know each other. Wife besides me now at dinner time... we send you best wishes for this Lunar New Year😍
Happy New Year Ian! Thanks for your great work again. I'll look at buying a Mani - but they've been out of stock in EU for an age. Wow I saw the new SL1200 grand class there. I'd love to know how far it goes beyond the old 1200 - I have a couple of mk2's. Cheers, Wayne.
Wayne B Dear brother!... amazing!😀 you have a couple of Mk2s!?!!!!! Tell me about it man! One in stock form? and the other three modified in various methods and along different paths? 💪😎✌
Hello there Ian my friend. Great video on the Grado Red. You just added yet another cartridge to my personal setup. I see that you have what I call a suitcase turntable on the floating stand to the left of you (9:03 time stamp on the video), what turntable is that and where did you get it from. Thanks for all you've done and much love and prayers to you and your lovely family.
Dear Brother, :-D they function excellently on my Technics SL1200Mk3D before, and also, the Mk2 and Mk5 that I have now as well :-D. May you have fun and joy too in your vinyl journey :-D ~ ian.
Hi! Thank you very much for your reviews. It is a pleasure to watch them :) I am thinking about upgrading my Ortofon OM 5E. Would you recommend upgrading to Grado Red or Nagaoka MP110? Here in Sweden, Grado Red is cheaper than Nagaoka :) I am also planning to buy Musical Fidelity V90-LPS. Do you think it is a good combination with Grado Red? Thank you again for great reviews! EDIT: I just realized you recommended Nagaoka over Grado Red!
Ah yes Brother!!! Yes!! The MP-110 still, gets my full nod over the brilliant Grado Red. :-D Get it my friend!!!... Just been to Ikea for a light meal with my family too!!! Did some Ikea shopping too :D Thank you to Sweden for giving us Ikea!!!! Yours, ian.
Thank you my friend! I will get Nagaoka based on you recommendation. Unfortunately I can't get Schiit Mani here, so I am thinking about Musical Fidelity V90-LPS. I really hope it will improve sound comparing to integrated phono pre amp in my Yamaha AS-500. Have a great time in IKEA :)
Hahaha... yes brother, the V90-LPS is a great performer itself. I highly recommend it if the logistics and cost for acquiring the Schiit Mani are prohibitive. Go for it, the V90-LPS!!!
Hello, I just stumbled across your channel while looking for cartridge reviews and I love the time and effort you have put into your videos. I was recommended the Grado Blue today for my turntable. I think it is the step right below the red. Do you know anything about the Grado Blue? Or how it compares to the Red? Thank you for the reviews! -Alexander
Dear Brother Alexander :-D. The Black and the Green belong to the same series, the Blue and the Red belong to the same series too. From my experience, the Black and Green sound almost identical, with the same sonic signature. Likewise, the Blue and Red SHOULD also of the same sonic signature. The Red is significantly better than the Black & Green. Thus, though I have not heard the Blue before, I am very confident the Blue is going to rock :-D!!!! Get it. Make sure it is a new one. Check the cantilever, ask your kind retailer to set it up for you carefully and listen to it. It should have no distortion. Any new cartridge should not have any distortion. Anyways.. BE VERY HAPPY with your purchase! Warmest Regards, ~ ian.
Mr Ian how you doing what are you up to my friend can wait to see your next project so I got a jvc td-v661 3 head direct drive cassette deck from 1993 I was going to get the pioneer but I don't want to spend money on constant repairs my prerecorded nat King Cole cassettes sound great on the jvc I also got a pioneer pl510 turntable I am going to use my other turntable for mono playback only what do think we'll have a great week take care
Woa!!!>.... a dedicated turntable for MONO playback. Thumbs up Michael!! THAT, is wonderful. Really wonderful thing to have. AND THAT Pioneer PL510 IS SUCH A WONDERFUL SOLID AND STUNNING, BEAUTIFUL TURNTABLE TO HAVE!!! YOU ARE MAKING ME ENVIOUS!!!!!!!! ARGH... Michael!!!! :-D!!!
According to Grado: "The newly redesigned Blue1 and Red1 have had their coil design reconfigured, and the effective moving mass of their generating system has been reduced by 17%. The Blue1 and Red1 models use a four piece OTL cantilever technology, standard oxygen free wire in the coils and Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond mounted on a brass bushing. The Red1 model is selected from the Blue1 production run and meets higher test specifications. Approximately 10% of the production run will meet these standards and become Red1 models." I've often wondered if this is pure hokum...does anyone know what testing process is used to separate the Red from the Blue production run? Has anyone been able to accurately replicate it with testing equipment?
One thing you have to consider is the stylus lifespan. My Mp-110 last me 6 months, about 300 hours ( nagaoka says 150-200 hours ) . Grado told me that a Grado red3 stylus last 2000 hours. I will be changing for a Grado just for that.
Now I waiting for the comparison for the nagaoka mp 110 and mp 150 I want to know if the mp 150 worth the extra money. I was waiting for this from last year. Thx again for making a video for all vinyl lovers.
landy feliz Dear brother.. i am happy and glad to be of help...😄 Hahaha... yes the mp150 vs mp110 as well. Very, very interesting and exciting proposition to compare the two of them. Worth double the amount? 😄my British friend loves the dual Green tone! We shall see: its sonics! I myself am excited to discover it too!!😁 Glad to be of service, will continue to do my very best. Sincerely, ian
landy feliz I'm also looking forward to seeing (well, hearing technically) how the MP150 performs. I've heard some people call it "Nagoka's secret weapon", which has really piqued my interest, especially after how good the MP110 is.
Hey Ian, thanks for the video! I have a Grado Prestige Black right now, do you think upgrading to the Red will be worth the upgrade ($100 replacement stylus)? Or should I go with the Silver maybe? Thanks again, you're awesome.
Chris Manning Red is fine!!!! Go for the Red!!! The Gold doesn't fare well unfortunately and thus i guess the Silver too. So....go for the Red please💪😄✌✌✌✌✌✌!!!
Another amazing, detailed and accurate analysis Ian! We cannot thank you enough for your work and effort! I've the Nagaoka MP-110 (bought it following your recommendation) attached on my SL-1200 MK2 and I love the combination. As a spare headshell (Nagaokas are not easy to get in Portugal) I also have the Grado Black. So, after watching carefully your video, if I attach the Red stylus into my Black cart will the performance be the same as the original Red combo? (or just slightly the same) I'm asking that because I would like to have an alternative to the MP-110 should it gets wear off or I simply want to experiment a different sound signature once in a while. Thanks once more for all your work and valuable recommendations! You are one of my mentor's in the vynil world!
Zé Rui Pelayo Silva Hi Brother Zé Rui! HAPPY to see you again! I just came back from a 20-lap freestyle swim... hahaha...great to immediately chat about hifi and vinyl!...courtesy of your message👍😄! Yes i agree that getting the Red replacement stylus onto a Black, would be the same as getting a whole new Red! Go ahead my friend. I do play with both Grados, Goldrings and Nagaokas regularly. My Grado Red and Green are "permanently" attached to their Jelco headshells coz i want to listen to them anytime!...just like i did for the GR1006, MP110 and MP150. All ready to clip on and do duties on the SL1200 tonearms 💪😄. Thank you for chatting up brother!
HiViNyws channel Wow... Really quick reply! 😉 Thanks a lot for the confirmation. I'll definitely look upon this upgrade soon. Also, if you could provide me your address to my email address (zeruipelayo@gmail.com) I would appreciate. I would want to send you a Madredeus record that I believe you'll enjoy (very Portuguese and unique). Consider it a small token of appreciation for all your efforts and time spent (as well as money) guiding us in the right directions within the vynil world! Thanks a lot and best regards! 😉
Hi, regards, missing test for Grado Blue, i waiting for this (if you can do it).... i review all your tests, they are very helpful to all we need to buy a good cartridge and listen good vinyls, regards from Chile....
Dear Carlos :-D from Chile, thank you for your kind support and time writing in. I am very happy i am able to help. Thus far, the Green outshines the Black slightly, and since the Red and Blue rolls off the Grado line together but with the Red having tighter tolerances than the Blue, I will extrapolate here that the Blue would really be in the middle in terms of performance, flanked by the Green and the Red.
Based on this review I picked up a Grado Red 1 from Audio Classics Ltd. WOW!!! I put on Springsteen's 180gram remastered DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, made the hairs on my arms standup.
Yes Buddy🤗👌👌👌the Red1. One!!!! Not the Red2. Yes!!!! Congratulations for your purchase my friend!!!!!!!💪😄👍 great pick up. Great pick up! (Pun intended)
Just bought Grado Red, already had Nagaoka 110 and OM Red (yuk) OM Blue, but can't find anything like my Goldring 1012gx for SQ. Have to say been watching your channel for a while but thought you were a bit OTT however now realised your way of thinking is the same as mine and not full of the crap that magazine reviews want us to believe. Have you tried the Graham Slee Communicator phono stage? That's what I use, wonder how the Shiit Mani compares to that.
:-D thank you brother for your kind encouragement!!! I know of a friend here with the Communicator and would love to ask him to lend it to me for assessment. AND, thank you for telling me about your 1012gx. I would love to get to that soon!!!!!!! Warmest Regards, and great week ahead my friend, ian :-)
Dear Brother!!!! INDEED I HAVE planned to!!! :-D !!!! You have gotten it right!!!! Amazing!! You are telepathic and read my mind! I planned to do it in a few weeks' time. Brother, amazing.... you have really predicted it right :-D! Hi five and cheers my friend! Warmest Regards! ~ ian.
My local audio store really pushes the Ortofon 2M line but I agree with this review that the Grado is more musical and harmonically superior. My local audio store is nominally a Grado dealer but I have to talk them into a special ordering Grado cartridges. Nothing anywhere near this price matches the midrange on the Grado. I think dealers push the Ortofons because they have a higher mark-up than the Grados. I also noticed that replacement stylii for the Ortofons cost almost as much as the cartridge. Ortofon makes a decent cartridge but their cartridges have always sounded a bit thin and clinical to my ears. Ignore the hype from audio dealers and the audio press and buy the Grado.
*Ignore the hype from audio dealers and the audio press and buy the Grado.* PRECISELY. Very well said and dissected Brother Armand :-D !... Money makes people do funny things. Honesty transcends all these profiteering.
oh wow! Then my gal Jasmine at the House of Music in SF did me a SUPER REAL solid cause she recommended and had me buy the Grado Red! I completely agree with you though, it does look hella cheap! :-P
I was holding my breath throughout this review coz I already bought the MP110+Mani to replace my current 2MRed+Project Phono Box. I'm glad at the end you still recommend the Nagaoka. I'll set up everything at one go when my order for the Audiomods Classic arm arrives. It's really difficult to source the MP110 in Singapore. The local distributor don't have it on stock. I was referred to an Ebay seller from Japan who sells the MP110 at lower than SRP. Thanks for your reviews. It's not possible to audition cartridges and preamps so I solely relied on your reviews to make my purchasing decision.
Rene Limjoco Dear Rene... definitely my pleasure to help guide in your purchasing choices😄✌!!! Well done on your individual sourcing efforts too💪💪💪. Now...await your tonearm and.... drum roll...... 😉
HiViNyws channel I'm excited with the Audiomods arm. Jeff the owner looks to be a one man team and it takes patience to have an arm made by hand. It's good coz it'll give time for my cable modder to make a silver litz interconnect that won't cost me an arm and a leg. Thanks again.
Another great analysis and review of these cartridges my dear friend. Very well done and this place is better for you having undertaken the extensive time and labor in making these. Thank you, on behalf of us all. I also agree, the Grado Red is a far "better" cartridge to my ears. The Ortofon 2M Blue is one that I just do not think delivers performance which matches its price point. For the price, there are better options available, options which even cost less and deliver more. Additionally, I found it is not at all worth the jump in price from it's little brother, the Ortofon 2M Red. In any case, I digress. Your reviews, analysis and insight have been terrific. Until next time my friend.
Simon Dear Simon, thank you for your kindness and catching up yet again!!!😄🖑
Yes...it has been hard work... but with you friends' support and encouragement, it is worth all the effort. Thank you Simon!!! How is it going on your end thus far? Any new or current vinyl resolution(s) 😄 you are engaged in now?
Best Regards!!!
I am currently having my home renovated and with the chaos brought by construction (and having to have moved out of my home temporarily while this is completed), most such endeavors have been placed on hold, though I have continued digging in record stores and brought to my temporary home about 50-60 new records. Lol. Such is our passion.
Simon Wow! Congratulations! Home renovation!!!!
You will soon be relaxing a refreshed home and enjoying those 50-60records with even better acoustics!!!!! 👏😄
Excited for you my friend!!! Your labour of love will pay off very soon!!!
Thank you for your kind words! I can't wait. Even though I removed all of my equipment, I am waiting until I return to my home to play these new ones. The challenge, and truly time consuming task, was boxing up my 3000+ other vinyl to remove while the construction takes place. But as I am sure we can all understand, no way was I going to leave it all exposed to all the potential damage which could occur when surrounded by guys with hammers, sanders, saws, etc.!!! Thanks again my dear friend.
I have no idea how I haven't discovered your channel until now, but I absolutely admire your enthusiasm and detailed analysis. Thank you so much for what you are doing!
Brother, thank you! What's up on your vinyl front now?😄more records to fill up a certain section of your collection?!
Warmest Regards Buddy 🤗
@@HiViNywschannel Right now I'm exploring the combination of a Denon DL-110, Schiit Mani, and an Orbit turntable with an acrylic platter. Looking at the possibility of a Goldring G 2100.
That, and making my way through your wonderfully informative videos! Thanks again!!
You are my favorite UA-cam audiophile reviewer! Your positivity and thoroughness are awesome. Keep it coming.
Koogert Brother...thank you for your positive words for ne too! I will keep up my spirits for more hard work along the way. Thank you for giving me that energy. i owe it all to you friends to be able to accomplish all these projects for the vinyl community 😄...
Best Regards,
ian
You're such a fun and engaging reviewer and it shows that you love what you do. Thanks, man.
Dear Buddy :-D my goodness!!! I have just checked out your channel... and man!! You take so much effort making so many mixes for your listeners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish you all the love and friendships you find with your listeners and subscribers. Very selfless and diligent of you!! Thank you!!! I am going to show my friends about it! Warmest Regards and what you do on your channel shows how much love you have for your music!!!!!! ~ ian.
Wow, man. You just made my day. Seriously. I didn't expect that. Unfortunately, not all of the music on my channel are vinyl rips dirrectly from me. Many of the records within those mixes are EXTREMELY RARE and expensive. But I do collect records as well. I wish you LOTS of love as well. Thank you so much. You helped me decide on the Nagaoka MP 110. I HAD an Ortofon 2M Red but it's been a few years now and I wanna upgrade. Thanks again. :)
Yes, Brother!!! Don't worry about it!! It is your own hard work to have compiled all the mixes!!! Very, very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your choice of the MP-110 is spot-on :-D!!! It is doing duties on my SL1200Mk5/G/Rega Planar 3 always :-D!!! Brilliant, excellent cartridge!!! See you buddy! I have subscribed to Max Stacks!!!!!! ~ ian.
Yes indeed. If I had to rip them all, I'd probably be old and grey by now hahaha. But I suppose many collectors spent their life doing just that for our benefit! Be on the look out for a Singapore selection or two on volume 19 as a token of my thanks. It should be good fun. And THANK YOU for subscribing. My hope was always that I could get people to enjoy the music I've loved since I was a small child. And that with the click of a button, any group of friends or even two lovers could start a party and get to dancing. I've enjoyed your content very much. You're so well spoken and passionate about audio. Of which, an understanding of, and appreciation for is dying. You do tremendous work here.
Yeah! I cannot wait to hear how it performs. I also look for that LIVE feel in a setup and I think I'll achieve it with the MP-110. I'll see you around, cool cat!
Ooooh that Singapore one!! Thank you!!! Very resourceful and kind of you!!!
Yes the MP110 is going to give THAT LIVE feel!!!!
Hi Ian,
I am siting around and relaxing on a Saturday afternoon and going through some of your older vids. I hadn’t yet read what you wrote below about putting money aside each month and even getting a lesser car to pursue your passion for analog sound reproduction, but mostly your kindness towards everyone in the vinyl community, and your friends and buddies in general. I feel very fortunate to be one of them. Your outlook on life is so refreshing and wonderful to read and know that there are such wonderful and selfless people in this world such as yourself. I would just like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your contributions to the VC, but more importantly to people in general. You are truly a wonderful person, and your passion for everything you do shows that in a big way. It’s too bad we live on opposite parts of the world. I had been on tour with my old band twice in Japan and China about 5 or so years ago, and wish I had known you then so we could have possibly met up to go record shopping together! Haha! Again, thank you very much, Ian.
- Your friend,
- Nick
Dear Buddy Nick :-D, i believe each and every one of us in the vinyl community is glad and happy to know one another too!! Wow wow WOW on tour with your old band!!!! Brother, we can still catch up if we happen to be in Tokyo in the same travel period in future! My next one would be in early October :-D... let me know Buddy, let me know... if not this year, the next, there sure would be a good time.
Your friend too :-D,
~ ian.
Dude, never change, your reviews are the best!
I am really humbled and happy to receive your kind encouragement...🤗
Thank you Sir!!!
It gives me strength to do just be plainly honest about things and forget brands, marketing might, marketing hype, herd mentality affecting our decisions, and nasty advertising dollars "you scratch my back i scratch your back" between manufacturers and paid audio reviewers.
People power and honesty are needed to perpetuate the industry, help consumers get in, stay in and enjoy the best music we can have!!😄😄✌
Thank you Jesse and may you and your vinyl playing friends have another good year ahead.
Sincerely,
ian.
Saturday vinyl dreams. A Happy New Year to all those in the video. That's some gathering! Another informative, interesting and enjoyable video. Very time consuming for you to do but well worth it for all us lucky vinyl viewers.
Big brother :-D ... thank you for your kind words and support... may you and M have a happy weekend cuddled together!!!
I'm really enjoying (thanks again for the vids) my ORBIT with GRADO Black. Thanks for this review and pointing out that I will be able to upgrade the stylus to Red when the time is right. I think it was your review of the Black and then seeing it is upgradable to the Red that led to my purchasing decision that I'm very pleased with.
Happy New Year to your family Ian. Thanks for Your great reviews. I have recently bought a Schiit mani pre amp and a nagaoka MP110, I am in vinyl heaven thanks again.
Robert Johnson Dear Robert!😄🖑thank you very much for your well wishes!!! May you have a joyous Lunar New Year too!!... yes yes!! Enjoy your Mani and MP110💪😄✌ scorchingly crazy giant-killers in their individual own right, combined together, you have them!!!!!
I ordered a Nagaoka MP-110 because I was dissatisfied with the Rega Exact 2 that I bought along with a Rega RP6 turntable. While waiting for the cartridge to arrive, I recalled that I had a cartridge in the ProJect TT I had junked. That cartridge was a Grado Red...I removed the Exact, mounted the Grado. Now I'm uncertain whether I want to open the Nagaoka box.
The Grado Red is a vast improvement over the Exact 2, which I experienced as dull and lifeless, with little depth, detail or dynamics. The Red has all of this and more by the bushel, at around one quarter the cost of the Rega. I've once again been hearing things I've never before heard in records I have owned for close to fifty years.
Thanks, Grado and thanks to Ian for this channel and his enthusiasm.
Buddy Jam🙏😄!!!!! EXACTly! (Pun intended)!!! you are right! Lively, detailed and dynamics,...all there in abundance over the Rega Exact2. And provided at a fraction of the cost!
I am very glad that a great cart IS discovered, appreciated rightfully! I am glad to be of humble help.
Do have a great weekend Buddy🌞🎶🎵🎶🎶
The thing I find odd--but probably one of the reasons we do this hobby--is that when I had the Grado Red mounted in a ProJect 6.1 turntable, I got nowhere near the results from the cart I do when it is in the Rega RP6. The ProJect, from my experience, is a fiddly piece of junk which I regret having spent money on. The Rega, on the other hand, seems to be a good platform for the Grado.
A pity Rega couldn't make/market a $600US cartridge that performs as well as a product at less than a third the cost. I know certain cartridges are sensitive to tonearm mass and such but one would think Rega would be able to match its cartridges to its arms. I don't know what they intended with the Exact 2 but I know the end result is that i will never buy another Rega cartridge. With luck, the Grado and the Nagaoka MP-110 will keep me satisfied for a long, long time.
Thanks again, Ian.
Ian, a friend of mine has the Grado Red which he has been happy with. The stylus is reaching the end of its life and he is looking to renew it. This review helped him decide not to waste money on a cartridge replacement, merely a stylus replacement. Thanks for helping him.
Dear Buddy Stephen :-D !!! Great to see you again!!!! Thank you for catching up again Brother!!!
Heehee you must be very happy with your Kiseki MC with that Manley Chinook and Nagaoka MP-200!!!
You are doing very good work helping so many friends!!!...amongst them, this friend who has been listening through his vinyl records through the very capable and musical Grado Red1!!!
Yes it is very gooood!!! My best regards to your friend!!!
Warmest Regards to you and your family too, and thank you for coming to see me here again!
Thank you Brother.
~ ian.
Excellent video with a good conclusion to the shootout. But the best part of the video was seeing you and your family enjoying yourselves. Happy Lunar New Year my friend. My best to you and yours. =)
How am I just now finding your channel. This is one of the most engaging and interactive review channels I've seen in quite some time. Amazing! This has been a huge help with wanting to upgrade my record player after having the default stylus on the Debut Carbon for almost a year now.
You need to set up a patreon account if you haven't already! Many, including myself would gladly make contributions for this quality content! Nicely done!
Ian,
Your reviews are fantastic. I just binge-watched every single one of them. Your delivery and analysis are on point! We're all holding our breath for your next round of results.
Calvin
Dear Calvin,
I am very humbled to have received your support. I thank you.
All these efforts are done to benefit the vinyl community at the expense of my own sacrifices.
I feel they are worth it because vinyl users are the warmest music appreciating people and I want to serve all my friends.
Your time to write these kind words continue to encourage me further along the way.
I owe everything to you guys' support.
Sincerely,
ian :-D
Thanks Ian for your enthusiastic, thorough and entertaining reviews! You were helpful in convincing me to try out a Grado cartridge on my Rega P6 and I’m happy I did! Syabas!
Grado red it's my goal. I started with the black, and I'm just enjoying the Grado experience on my oldie Thorens td 160. Thanks my friend. You're the "best in town"
Thank you the great informative video. I am running a Grado Red on my Pioneer PL-50. It is a big step up from the old Pioneer PC-50 cart I was using.
Daer Brother Patrick!! Well done and congratulations on having the Grado Red. It is one of my favourite top satisfying carts!!!! :-D Enjoy as I do. I always have it on the headshell just like Grado Green ready to play anytime and to imbue my home with beautiful dynamic and musical music. Warmest Regards. ~ ian.
HiViNyws channel Thank you for taking the time to respond to my message. I was pleasantly surprised to get a response from you. Once again and have a great day.
You are very welcomed Patrick :-D...see you soon and have a good nice weekend.
Hello Ian, Happy Lunar New year to you and your nice Family. And once more thank you for your great videos !!!
Hi Thomas! Great to see you again and thank you for your wellwishes, my best wishes for you and your family and friends as well for the Lunar New Year!!!
See you my friend :-D,
- ian
Happy New Year my friend 💥🐔 many thanks for a year of fantastic exciting reviews 🎶👍 with the Cartridge series, Ian being magnificent 🍻... I think you've discovered two groundbreaking products 🥇
Chris Bishop Dear Brother Chris. I owe it much to your immense support and cheering all these while too!!!... Hi five!🖐😄🖑!!! and we will cotinue to enjoy our beautiful journey of vinyl music listening and making friends all over the world!..breaking barriers of culture and language💪
Best, best regards brother Chris.
HiViNyws channel
Dear Ian, just a little bit of info ... Nagaoka have been casting musical magic with vinyl cartridges for many years. I remember owning the MP-30 back in the 80's ... it generated much excitement, and they're doing again brother with the MP-110 thanks to you 👍
Chris Bishop My goodness. I didn't know all these my friend... thank you for telling me! MP-30? WOW😄!!! Hahaha... i am indeed a latecomer!!! Better late than never though!!! Hahaha...
Really. Thank you Brother.
Hontouni Arigatogozaimasu.
Another great review Ian!! Would you say that the Grado Red is an overall step up from the Nagaoka MP-110? I'm doing research for my next possible cart that is better than the MP-110 without hitting $200. I'm preferring something around 170.00 to 185.00 if possible. I will definitely still keep my MP-110, I'm just looking to explore and the Grado Red seems pretty good. Any other recommendations? Much love to you and Miyako my brother. 😊
After watching all the awesome comparisons in Group B, C and D I wanted the Grado Red. I had a Grado Black "P" mount I loved. I kept it when the Technics TT failed and tried to mount it on my Denon TT with an adaptor but that didn't work out. I bought a standard mount Grado Black cartridge that was on sale for $65 and a Grado Red stylus for $65 on sale ($130 total). The sound is awesome. I prefer it to my AT-VM95ML which cost me $25 more. The depth and presence are more pronounced than the AT which has excellent highs but not as much "life" as the Grado Red. Thanks for the hard work you put into sharing your knowledge and experience with us.
Brother Rose! Great, great!!! You've gotten a superb Grado Red1, and, in sale!!!!💪😄👍👍👍👍 super!!!!! Enjoy, enjoy!!!!!
Thank you for coming by and chatting up with me my friend!!!!
May you and your family be safe and healthy, always 🤗🍀🤗🍀🤗🍀
Happy New Year ! I always enjoy seeing what you are playing.
Happy New Year, Ian,
Thank you for another very informative review. I need to replace the stylus on my Grado Green cartridge and I was contemplating upgrading to the red stylus. However, since you think so highly of the Nagaoka MP-110, I may just spend the extra $30 for the MP-110 cartridge.. After watching your reviews, it will be a difficult decision.
I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Your passion and enthusiasm for vinyl is contagious.
Thank you for your hard work and informative reviews.
Steven Suehiro Dear Brother Steven... thank you very much for your support and encouragement too. I am very happy to be of service. Happy to hear from you my friend in-Vinyl😄✌.
May you have a wonderful time: great that you have a solid Green base and either Red modular upgrade or Nagaoka MP110 are superb choices. Hmmm...you are right though: $130 vs $100... i will take the MP110 too.💪😄
Warmest Regards,
ian.
Woww ... happy new year Ian and for your big family.
Excellent video and another great Grado red cartridge with excellent sound. I see you have an Aaron Copland vinyl from the Reference Recordings brand.
The "fanfare for the common man" directed by Eiji Oue is really spectacular, good brass instruments and brutal percussion. Excellent version. (thumbs up)
I am already anxious to hear your review of the Nagaoka MP-150.
Greetings my friend and enjoy our vinyls. :-D
Thank you, Ian. Very informative and helpful.
Loving the videos! Very informative and entertaining! Second to none!
Glad you like them! Thank you my friend!!!
Any plan for a group D? As the Grado Red is quite a performer, I'll like to see the performance of a Grado Gold1. I'm looking forward to see the comparison between the Grado Gold1 Prestige and the Nagaoka MP-150. I actually own a Grado Gold1 Prestige and your reviews let me think about changing my cartridge for a Nagaoka. I'm not too sure the MP-110 will really be better cart compare to the Gold1. So I'm thinking about getting the MP-150!
LuciferNicolas Brother. Yes. I am finishing running in all the GroupD carts... Will get back to you asap with the results. You are smart about that logic you gave at the end about 110 vs Gold vs 150... 👏😄 true. Me thinks the same way too!!! But so far i have not tested all three of them back to back yet...apologies my brother!
But thank you really for going along with my judgement of the MP110 and thinking along these lines. Best Regards fellow Brother in-Vinyl!😄
Ciao Ian,bellissime recensioni comparative.Dopo averle viste,ma soprattutto "sentite"ho deciso di acquistare una Nagaoka MP110.Grazie ancora! Mario.
Dear brother Mario, the Grado Red is a superb cart. I was listening to my MoFi records through the Grado Red and the music just sounded FANTASTIC. What class, what bliss. I was very, very happy last night. MP-110 is my daily workhorse too... these carts are super classy. I congratulate you on having the MP-110. Brillant!! Warmest Regards my friend.
Hi Ian, I've been wanting to try a Grado cart. I noticed your review regarding the Grado Gold and the Platinum. It seems as though upgrading up the Grado line, it doesn't give the returns (price to sound quality ratio). I don't want to go all in and get a pricier Grado and be disappointed. According to your fine reviews the Red seems to be the sweet spot in the Grado line of carts.
I am really enjoying these videos. Thank you for your diligent work!
Dear Eric,
Thank you!! Appreciate your time and kindness... thank you!
Have a great week ahead and a fruitful RSD with friends!
Some friends and I are meeting up this Saturday :-D
Warmest Regards,
ian.
I bought the MP-110 bc of this video. Upgraded from an Ortofon Red that was leaving out portions of songs. That’s unacceptable. I wonder what the upgrade from an MP-110 would be?
"Boogie factor" that's a perfect term to describe what I feel listening to my AKG K240 Sextett headphones! I smile, bounce, and my spine tingles. :) I'm so happy to see you back, Ian. All the best to you and your family.
Dear Buddy👋😄! Thank you too for catching up too!!!! Hehheh....keep bouncing and boogieing Brother!!!!😁😁😁🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
@@HiViNywschannel Will do!! You too! :))
Amazing final review. Wonderful breakdown of all aspects of sound.
Very pleased to hear the big N of Japan got the overall thumbs up!
Now I need find a Schiit Mani in the UK and I might be set for life :)
jonathan ioannou Oh yes brother!!! Get that Schiit!💪😄 Gosh that big N of Japan.... always amazes me again and again when i put it onto my records!!!
Thank you for coming by again and writing in to encourage me. I will continue to do my utmost best!!!
Best Regards,
Ian.
Thank you for this great review. Could you tell me what alignment method you use for the Grado Red on your Technics turntable? It looks like it's based on just overhang and putting it squared in the shell but I'm not sure. Thank you!
Thank you very much for this great series of videos. By your recomendation, I just upgraded from my Audio Technica AT110E to the Nagaoka MP-110 , and I couldn't bee happier (though I must admit I'm keeping the Audio Technica, it is an impresive cartidge, specially taking into account that I paid 35 bucks for it)
Hi Ignacio! Thank you for coming by and catching up!!! Oh yes!!! Please enjoy your Nagaoka MP-110!!! :-D I am super happy that you are happy!!!!!
$35? Yes, keep it! :-D
Brilliant review. Thank you. Love your passion. Is this the Grado Prestige Series Red 1 (5mv) Cartridge or
Grado Prestige Series Red 2 (5mv) - both are available for sale? Appreciate your advice.
Hi..Is the Grado Gold a good pickup?Thank.-
I have an old blue grado GT. Looks much the same , how do these compare..
Ian, now I having the Nagaoka mp110 on my SL1200. Would buying the Grado Red improved the sound compare to the MP110? Would appreciate if you advise me. Thanks.
getting the red for my new essential 3 turntable I had to retire my u turn orbit had audio Technica vm95ml .. which one now go to my other turntable techniques SL 202..
Hi Ian, Goldring 1042 review...?
great start on a saturday =) supergood review. Greetings from Sweden
Thomas Nylund Dear Bro Thomas... hope you have woken up to a bright and warmer day in a wintry month today🤗... bright sun and best regards for you and your family!
Excellent review, I really appreciate all the time, money, and effort that you put in to the videos! Can't wait to hear your reviews of the rest of the Nagaoka line as well as others!!!
Dear Brother-in-Vinyl!!! :-D Thank you so much for your kindest support and encouragement.
It really touches me because it is really a lot of time, money and effort... I am glad you can see through all of it
Thank you brother.
May you have many wonderful years of vinyl appreciation, playback and digging :-D ahead,
- ian.
Dear Sir, Do you think Schitt mani would be an advantage for either the Grado Red or the Mp-150 or maybe even the MP-200, Or are those Carts already past the Mani's ability?...thanks for your great reviews!
GenesisPlanet Dear Buddy, i am glad to let you know that even as you upgrade to Grado Reference Platinum 2 or Nagaoka MP-200, the Schiit Mani won't be the bottleneck in performance. Won't 💪😄. Confirmed. Affirmative. Warmest Regards Brother👋😄and thank you for catching up! See you my friend!!
DEAR FRIEND!! PLEASE ANSWER ME IF U KNOW!!
Can i upgrade my cart which is a GRADO PRESTIGE BLACK 1 that my father buy back in 90s with a replacement stylus of modern Grado RED?
Brother Dimitris, sorry i didn't see this message earlier.
I am very happy you've gotten the Grado Red tip onto the Blue body and resurrected it!!! enjoying good music performance now!!!!!
Warmest Regards, and update anytime my friend!! Thank you for catching up!
~ ian.
these videos are just great, I really appreciate that you've tested so many carts in so little time. after watching these videos, it looks I'm picking up a mp110
Bryan Morgan Dear Brother Bryan,
Thank you for your support and encouragement!!!🤗
I will continue to do my best for the community.
💪😄i am very sure your appreciation and enjoyment of vinyl music will be elevated to a much higher level after getting your Nagaoka MP110!!!
Sincerely,
ian.
Bryan Morgan Dear Brother Bryan,
Thank you for your support and encouragement!!!🤗
I will continue to do my best for the community.
💪😄i am very sure your appreciation and enjoyment of vinyl music will be elevated to a much higher level after getting your Nagaoka MP110!!!
Sincerely,
ian.
I decided on the Grado Red 3 after watching this. But unfortunately, the sound isn't what I expected. Quite muffled. Not sure if I need to run the cart in. So far it has around 10 hours of play. But when I put the Pick It S2 MM cart back the sound opened up again. I guess it's not compatible with my Pro-Ject X1 B TT.
Thank you for the awesome reviews. I'm building my first actual vinyl & stero set up and your reviews have been very helpful. I'm currently waiting on my rega 3 to arrive. I'm thinking about buying this cart as I had to get one without the cart.
I wanted to ask, do you believe this cart is at the same quality as the elys 2 cart that would have came with the table? I'm using the schiit mani phono as your other video recommended if that will have any impact.
Thank you again for your videos and your great responses to your followers.
Yes Buddy😄✌, I would take the Grado Red1 over the Elys2. And, congratulations for getting the Rega P3💪😄✌!!!!!!
Schiit Mani is in the house as well. You're set for superb vinyl analogue magic and replay quality and bliss.
Have fun my friend!!!
~ ian
Gong Xi Fa Chai to you and your family members Ian.
A very exciting and animated presentation indeed.
Looking forward to more from you. This will be an exciting year.
Wong Ang Lai Wan Shi Ru Yi and Gong Xi Fa Cai to you and your lovely family too!!! Love our ever improving friendly relationships between our countries!!!💪😄 Brotherly neighbours we are✌.
Thank you for your time again brother Wong!!!
- ian
Hi Ian Looked at the video again and it is the Red1. Have you had the opportunity to test and compare to the Red 2? What is the difference?
Angus Flood Yes Buddy...it is the Red1... i have not gotten to the latest Prestige Series2 as yet because the first batch of Grado Prestige Series2 carts arrived at my local retailer all defective. All of them came with one channel flattened with no sound at all...and Grado needed to resend a new batch to our local distributor. I will thus wait for things to settle down a bit before i venture out to buy the latest Series2 carts for review. I hope you'd understand Brother👋😄!!! Thank YOU very much for your kind words and support.... I'll continue to do my best. I reckon perhaps in 2 months' time, i will venture into their Series2 models.... Warmest Regards Buddy👍😄🎶
Thanks Ian. I will pick your brain about setting up once the cartridge arrives. Wish you lived near Sussex, UK!
Angus Flood Ah Sussex!!! My best audio friend is from Norfolk 👋😄 who had recently moved to Essex. Hope it had warmed up a bit over your side after a few days of grayish skies🌚🌫🔜🌞!!!
I went to University in Norfolk. Very nice place. It is very sunny here in Sussex in anticipation of the royal wedding tomorrow :)
Here in Italy the Grado Red 3 has the same price of the MP-110, do you think the MP-110 is still worth it?
Yup, at the same price, i would still pick the MP-110. It would take a Goldring 1006 to just slightly beat the MP-110 :-D !!
@@HiViNywschannel Thanks for the answer, I'll consider the 1006 as well. =)
Is it compatible with the higher range styluses from the same series?
Love this review, thanks! I'm excited to get the Nagaoka.
QueeferSutherland Hi my friend!!! Thanks for just catching up😄🖑. YES! Please do!!! Excited for you too!!
Keep up the good analysis!
another great video ian,keep up the great work,recently purchased the nagaoka mp-110 to go with my vintage denon dp37f turntable and it sounds amazing!,now waiting on schiit mani coming back in stock,happy new year!
Wow brother!!! Denon DP37F + MP110 and coming up a Mani.
Thank you for trusting my ears my friend!!!!
:-D
Excited to hear from you again...your updates!!!
Happy listening always, may you be surrounded by warm vinyl friends always too!
- ian
thank you,i'd also like to thank you for introducing me to the music of melody gardot and halie loren :)
Another great series, I can't wait to see the next. I have no experience with the Grado Red, but completely agree with your reviews of the Ortofon Blue and the ML440A. I have been using the ML440A for about a year now, and while the highs sound amazing, they definitely overpower the mids. Thank you for all that you do!
Harmless Rebel's Vinyl Channel Hi bro!! How do you do?! Thank you for catching up yet again and sharing your experience😄!!
Hello my good friend i want to say thank you first of all because of the great amount of knowledge in this channel , look i'm a music enthusiast and i'm very exited to start my vinyl collection so i've been gathering information and buying almost all i need to get going , so right now i have an Audio Technica AT LP-1240 USB turntable , i've ordered a Nagaoka MP110h which is not only the stylus and cartridge but also the headshell ,and even though the turntable has is own Pre-Amp built in it has a switch to by-pass it, that's why i'm ordering the Schiit Mani that you recommended in other video for usage with this cartridge , and i have a pair of Technics SB-CR77 , these are 200w 3 way speakers , what i'm missing now is a good Amplifier i guess , is there any that you would recommend for this kind of speakers i have also heard that a AV Reciever would do the trick too is that right? if that's the case would you point me in the right direction? thank you very much one more time for all your videos i hope that you or somebody can help me with my problem
I can never tell which cart you are playing. labels when switching would help
My UTurn Orbit with a Grado Black cart comes in this Monday, so I'll be upgrading to the Red stylus like you recommended at some point - thanks for the extremely relevant tip!
ralree YES the U-Turn Orbit with Grado Black option!!!💪 supremely powerful combination. Superb, superb value. I am sure you will be enjoying great sound like many users of this option!😄✌
ralree ...and congrats again!... super streamlined and effective upgrade path ahead of you, affordable powerful and EASY!
Happy new year to you and yours
Hi Brian!!! 😄Happy to see you again! Happy Lunar New Year to you and your family too!!! Hope you are doing well!
You helped me, again!
Enjoy your MX5!👍!!😄🙏
Hello Ian.
Congratulations on your excellent job! Keep on exciting us!!!
I have a question i would like you to answer. Do you change the Schiit Mani's adjustments, each time you test a different stylus? Or maybe you have a fixed set-up for general use on all MM cartridges?
I am really looking forward for your reply!
Greetings from Greece,
Michael K
Thank you Buddy Michael!!! 🤗😄hehheh....yes I do. Most MM carts' output is kind enough and hence 42dB is the default one I use on the Schiit Mani for all the (high output) MM/MI/MP carts i have tested✌😄. Do have lots of fun ahead in your vinyl'ing musical journey my friend! Let's continue shopping at brick and mortar shops and sometimes, discogs😁glad to see your message and kind friendship offered Brother💪🌞🎶🎵🎶🎶🎶
@@HiViNywschannel Thank you so much for your answer!!! Wow, that was quick..lightening quick..!
I believe that when you make a group-test on different cartridges, changing the adjustment on the phono preamp would probably reflect on the cartridge performance. I don't know if a high output MM cartridge with recommended load capacitance - 200-500 pF, would work at the same adjustments as a cartridge with 100-200 pF recommended load capacitance. I currently own a fixed capacitance phono preamp (at 120pF) and i assure you that these two types of cartridges "behave" totally different mainly because of the lack of adjustments.
Glad to see your message! Your friendly communication is very much appreciated!
@@mkoutalianos yes Brother 🤗, most phono preamps at this affordable range are rated and fixed at 100pF, and this wise and sensible cartridge manufacturers come out with cartridges that suit 100pF🤗.
You're right Buddy😃
DOES GRADO RED BEAT NAGAOKA MP 110?
Hi friends! I just resurrected my fathers spare grado prestige blue (which had played for more than 1000 hours with minimal cleaning and had a tip like a ball :-P) with a red genuine replacement stylus. It replaced an at95e finally. Im astonished by the results after listening to 3 different type of music recordings i like, rock by pink floyd reggae by ini kamoze and couple jazz records of miles davis and john coltrane respectively. I have to say it sounds way better than the at95e even for my wife can tell (which is a good cart for the buck after all) and also to my ears..
Dear Buddy :-D YES!!!! GREAT!!!!!!! WOoooohoooooOOO!!! You've got it! Yes! Definitely, a Grado body, and a new tip. Red tip. More than doable, it works! Hehheh...Pink Floyd, Ini Kamoze, Coltrane, Miles.... all superb they sound now don't they!!! Way . much better than the 95e definitely. Easily!!!
Hello Ian, first of all thank you so much for all your amazing videos! To me they are a bigger help than almost anything else I find on the internet related to turntable gear.
Currently I am considering a cartridge upgrade and I've narrowed my choices down to the Nagaoka MP-110 and Grado Red. Could you maybe describe the differences between those in sound? My impression is that the Grado has a little more bass than the Nagaoka and I prefer a more bassy sound signature, so could it be the better choice for me? Thank you very much in advance for your help and have a nice day!
Dear Friend, :-D you are very welcomed... and I am very happy to be of service to the vinyl community... Yes, probably the Red may give a slightly more bassy sound. Just slightly. The overall low level signal detail retrieval and harmonics retrieval by the MP-110 is better. Both carts are great :-D so enjoy either my friend!!! Thank you for coming by and catching up too... see you and warmest regards... have fun in your journey!!!! Catch up anytime. ~ ian.
I'm just upgrading my U-turn orbit turntable stylus from grado black 1 to Grado red2. Can't wait for it to be delivered now decide what album play test out
I just got an email from the place that online shopping I ordered from . They were back ordered so they upgrade me to the silver2 no extra cost..
Ian,you are a true passionate audiophile.
I love your analysis.
I am the cheif designer of noxaudio and waveburg acoustics,and when I listen to you I still learn a lot.
I have a question for you regarding ripping vinyl to dsd,
I have a Sony PSHX500 Hi Res USB Turntable and would like your advise on which cartridge to use for ripping.
I don't mind the investment.
Thanks my friend and keep up the amazing work
What about the nagaoka mp 150 or 200 ?
Just fired up a brand new Grado Red 3 and fresh Schitt Mani 2 - Oh boy what a treat! Ian is right - even in my totally meh p-mount Technics turntable the Red can separate and delineate complex tracks with ease. The speed, clarity, definition and depth of bass is truly impressive. Snares have so much snap, toms have this resonant depth, and bass guitars have never sounded so musical and tuneful. Hi-hats crack and sizzle. Vocal harmonies are rendered so crisply and each voice has it's own body, dynamics, and harmonics. A tremendous, dynamic, exciting, and musical presentation. In May 2022, the Grado Red 3 is still under $200 straight from Grado, and the Schitt Mani 2 is a paltry $149. Bargains both. Highly enjoyed and recommended.
hello is his a good match for a Gyro SE and Rb 300 without spacers?
Apologies Brother... i do not have a Gyro SE and RB300 model to test this out and reply to you with any firm confidence.
Thank you for coming by still my friend. Enjoy your vinyl'ing journey!! Have fun and we catch up again! ~ ian.
I appreciate the effort you put into your videos :)
headforthehills Dear fellow brother in-Vinyl. Thank you too for your message and time to write to me. I really appreciate it... just back home again after walking my little doggie daughter😄 and so happy to see you message!...
Best Regards brother🤗,
ian🖑
Yay for Grado! And yay for Ian for doing these reviews and giving us such great videos. I am so happy you let people know of the upgrade path for existing Grado owners!
dixielandfarm YAY for YOU AND YOUR LOVELY and busy CHANNEL keeping all of us alive too and brimming with energy and laughter BROTHER KRIS!! 💪😁😄✌
Thank YOOOOU!!!
This video made me go for the Grado Red1 instead of the 2M blue that I've had my eye on for a while. And at almost half the price! Thankyou!
Dear Brother, may you have a glorious lovely journey in your vinyl hobby and appreciation!
HiViNyws channel Oh I'm 6-7 years in. Loving it.
blarmingscience oh yay💪😄!!
Why can't people learn to package like the Japanese? Wrapped in it's own instructions??? Sheesh. That said, I am happy to see that Grado did well in the shoot-out since their product a generally well designed. Their headphones are really well done. Great video as always Ian and it was cool to see the family event!
As an aside, one of your viewers that is a little bit shy to comment in public asked me to ask you, if you had your choice between an Rega RP6 and the new Technics SL1200G, which would you take?
Dear Paul,
:-D great to chat with you for an hour just now!
Now you know why my friends in Britain and subsequently me, picked the G.
Astounding:
- accurate pin-point imaging,
- correct image size according to recording, e.g. smaller image sizes for each of the instruments for orchestra, and bigger and 1:1 sizing for jazz musicians performing in fornt of you in a quartet/quintet :-D,
- vocals, appear very "WHOLE", fluid and detailed,
- yes, fluid and detailed, this seems to be the case for treble, midragne and bass. This "fluid and detailed" sound quality is an amazing sound quality, accorded by, the lowest recorded rumble through-groove of -74.3dB measured by Paul Miller on the test bench,
- +0.006% speed stability. You know the market rate.
- bass, dungeons' deep.
- bass that starts and stops like never before.
- sustain and air of piano solos are pretty eery.
- cymbals, triangles that are shimmering and crystalline. Crystalline, clear. Transient that "tings" right into the brain: sharp, refreshing and clear.
I am the lucky beneficiary of my Briton friends' experience with the G, and they, who played with countless types and models of turntables, but find themselves now stuck with their G, and totally neglecting all their other decks that are crazily more expensive.
Best Regards Paul and your lovely family,
Really happy to chat with you again about the industry and our happy vinyl friends again!!!
Sincerely yours,
- ian.
...oh yes, and yes, Paul, the G made my Nagaoka MP110 AND the Grado Red sounds like $1,000 cartridges. My jaws dropped when either one of them were put on. The Grado Red is suddenly transformed to something I never knew existed... sounded like a high end cart that i would never, ever know. Ditto for the MP110. Now I am using the Mk5, the G and the Avid to test out the GroupD carts :-) and I am most glad to offer the findings within the next two months. Exciting times ahead again :-D.
Thank you for your immense friendship, my vinyl blood brother.
Sincerely Yours,
ian.
Hello Ian I have watched your channel for many months and have never commented but i appreciate very much the time and research you and BarakaPDub put into your videos for us. I'm from that 60s generation so we (sorta) kicked this equipment thing into hi gear ( no pun intended) But I'm rambling now, so again thank you for these great videos! Please keep them coming! Be well and safe-- Lisa
Hi Lisa... just watched your very heartfelt performance on your channel... Five Years.
Touched by all your positive emotions and passion.
Awed.
Hi Ian, though I am not Chinese Happy Chinese New Year!
What cartridge do you play on your Avid table (very nice!) , just curious.
Cheers Mike
Mike Hydropneumatic Dear Mike!!! 😁glad to see you again!!! Thank you for your wellwishes..
Thank you...
Warmest Regards my friend... it has been a long time we know each other.
Wife besides me now at dinner time... we send you best wishes for this Lunar New Year😍
Happy New Year Ian! Thanks for your great work again. I'll look at buying a Mani - but they've been out of stock in EU for an age.
Wow I saw the new SL1200 grand class there. I'd love to know how far it goes beyond the old 1200 - I have a couple of mk2's.
Cheers, Wayne.
Wayne B Dear brother!... amazing!😀 you have a couple of Mk2s!?!!!!! Tell me about it man! One in stock form? and the other three modified in various methods and along different paths? 💪😎✌
Great review as always. Happy New Year to you! You're mission now is to beat the MP-110!
wcg66 Yes brother, yes!😣
Thank you for being here for me bro!!!
Best Regards my friend!😄
- ian.
Hello there Ian my friend. Great video on the Grado Red. You just added yet another cartridge to my personal setup. I see that you have what I call a suitcase turntable on the floating stand to the left of you (9:03 time stamp on the video), what turntable is that and where did you get it from. Thanks for all you've done and much love and prayers to you and your lovely family.
Ah...sorry Wayne...
that is actually a Victrola vintage turntable :-D..
I do not understand how you are using a Grado Cartridge on a direct drive turntable?
Could you explain?
Dear Brother, :-D they function excellently on my Technics SL1200Mk3D before, and also, the Mk2 and Mk5 that I have now as well :-D. May you have fun and joy too in your vinyl journey :-D ~ ian.
HiViNyws channel. Hi just replying to your responce. I have tried to use Gado's on direct drive turntables and they hum alot.
Unbearable.
Brother :-D which direct drive turntable did you try which has the hum?
Does it hum with technics sl5 dd turntable?
Hi! Thank you very much for your reviews. It is a pleasure to watch them :) I am thinking about upgrading my Ortofon OM 5E. Would you recommend upgrading to Grado Red or Nagaoka MP110? Here in Sweden, Grado Red is cheaper than Nagaoka :) I am also planning to buy Musical Fidelity V90-LPS. Do you think it is a good combination with Grado Red? Thank you again for great reviews!
EDIT: I just realized you recommended Nagaoka over Grado Red!
Ah yes Brother!!! Yes!! The MP-110 still, gets my full nod over the brilliant Grado Red.
:-D Get it my friend!!!... Just been to Ikea for a light meal with my family too!!! Did some Ikea shopping too :D Thank you to Sweden for giving us Ikea!!!!
Yours,
ian.
Thank you my friend! I will get Nagaoka based on you recommendation. Unfortunately I can't get Schiit Mani here, so I am thinking about Musical Fidelity V90-LPS. I really hope it will improve sound comparing to integrated phono pre amp in my Yamaha AS-500. Have a great time in IKEA :)
Hahaha... yes brother, the V90-LPS is a great performer itself. I highly recommend it if the logistics and cost for acquiring the Schiit Mani are prohibitive. Go for it, the V90-LPS!!!
Hello, I just stumbled across your channel while looking for cartridge reviews and I love the time and effort you have put into your videos. I was recommended the Grado Blue today for my turntable. I think it is the step right below the red. Do you know anything about the Grado Blue? Or how it compares to the Red? Thank you for the reviews!
-Alexander
Dear Brother Alexander :-D. The Black and the Green belong to the same series, the Blue and the Red belong to the same series too. From my experience, the Black and Green sound almost identical, with the same sonic signature. Likewise, the Blue and Red SHOULD also of the same sonic signature. The Red is significantly better than the Black & Green. Thus, though I have not heard the Blue before, I am very confident the Blue is going to rock :-D!!!! Get it. Make sure it is a new one. Check the cantilever, ask your kind retailer to set it up for you carefully and listen to it. It should have no distortion. Any new cartridge should not have any distortion. Anyways..
BE VERY HAPPY with your purchase!
Warmest Regards,
~ ian.
Mr Ian how you doing what are you up to my friend can wait to see your next project so I got a jvc td-v661 3 head direct drive cassette deck from 1993 I was going to get the pioneer but I don't want to spend money on constant repairs my prerecorded nat King Cole cassettes sound great on the jvc I also got a pioneer pl510 turntable I am going to use my other turntable for mono playback only what do think we'll have a great week take care
Woa!!!>.... a dedicated turntable for MONO playback. Thumbs up Michael!! THAT, is wonderful. Really wonderful thing to have. AND THAT Pioneer PL510 IS SUCH A WONDERFUL SOLID AND STUNNING, BEAUTIFUL TURNTABLE TO HAVE!!! YOU ARE MAKING ME ENVIOUS!!!!!!!! ARGH... Michael!!!! :-D!!!
According to Grado:
"The newly redesigned Blue1 and Red1 have had their coil design
reconfigured, and the effective moving mass of their generating system
has been reduced by 17%. The Blue1 and Red1 models use a four piece OTL
cantilever technology, standard oxygen free wire in the coils and
Grado's specially designed elliptical diamond mounted on a brass
bushing. The Red1 model is selected from the Blue1 production run and
meets higher test specifications. Approximately 10% of the production
run will meet these standards and become Red1 models."
I've often wondered if this is pure hokum...does anyone know what testing process is used to separate the Red from the Blue production run? Has anyone been able to accurately replicate it with testing equipment?
One thing you have to consider is the stylus lifespan. My Mp-110 last me 6 months, about 300 hours ( nagaoka says 150-200 hours ) . Grado told me that a Grado red3 stylus last 2000 hours. I will be changing for a Grado just for that.
Happy new year my friend..
barrie Brother thank you!!Happy Lunar New Year to you and your family too!😄
Kong Hei Fatt Choy Ian, hope that your new year celebration was festive.
Albert Balendran Thank you Albert and Gong Hei Fatt Choy too to you my friend!!!! See you soon...very soon!!!😄
Now I waiting for the comparison for the nagaoka mp 110 and mp 150 I want to know if the mp 150 worth the extra money. I was waiting for this from last year. Thx again for making a video for all vinyl lovers.
landy feliz Dear brother..
i am happy and glad to be of help...😄
Hahaha... yes the mp150 vs mp110 as well. Very, very interesting and exciting proposition to compare the two of them. Worth double the amount? 😄my British friend loves the dual Green tone!
We shall see: its sonics!
I myself am excited to discover it too!!😁
Glad to be of service, will continue to do my very best.
Sincerely,
ian
landy feliz I'm also looking forward to seeing (well, hearing technically) how the MP150 performs. I've heard some people call it "Nagoka's secret weapon", which has really piqued my interest, especially after how good the MP110 is.
Hey Ian, thanks for the video! I have a Grado Prestige Black right now, do you think upgrading to the Red will be worth the upgrade ($100 replacement stylus)? Or should I go with the Silver maybe? Thanks again, you're awesome.
Chris Manning Red is fine!!!! Go for the Red!!! The Gold doesn't fare well unfortunately and thus i guess the Silver too. So....go for the Red please💪😄✌✌✌✌✌✌!!!
Ok, the decision is made! Thanks bud!
Chris Manning You are very welcomed brother💪😃👌👌👌!!!!
Chris Manning ....and have fun!!!!!
Another amazing, detailed and accurate analysis Ian! We cannot thank you enough for your work and effort!
I've the Nagaoka MP-110 (bought it following your recommendation) attached on my SL-1200 MK2 and I love the combination.
As a spare headshell (Nagaokas are not easy to get in Portugal) I also have the Grado Black. So, after watching carefully your video, if I attach the Red stylus into my Black cart will the performance be the same as the original Red combo? (or just slightly the same)
I'm asking that because I would like to have an alternative to the MP-110 should it gets wear off or I simply want to experiment a different sound signature once in a while.
Thanks once more for all your work and valuable recommendations! You are one of my mentor's in the vynil world!
Zé Rui Pelayo Silva Hi Brother Zé Rui! HAPPY to see you again! I just came back from a 20-lap freestyle swim... hahaha...great to immediately chat about hifi and vinyl!...courtesy of your message👍😄! Yes i agree that getting the Red replacement stylus onto a Black, would be the same as getting a whole new Red! Go ahead my friend. I do play with both Grados, Goldrings and Nagaokas regularly. My Grado Red and Green are "permanently" attached to their Jelco headshells coz i want to listen to them anytime!...just like i did for the GR1006, MP110 and MP150. All ready to clip on and do duties on the SL1200 tonearms 💪😄. Thank you for chatting up brother!
HiViNyws channel Wow... Really quick reply! 😉
Thanks a lot for the confirmation. I'll definitely look upon this upgrade soon.
Also, if you could provide me your address to my email address (zeruipelayo@gmail.com) I would appreciate. I would want to send you a Madredeus record that I believe you'll enjoy (very Portuguese and unique). Consider it a small token of appreciation for all your efforts and time spent (as well as money) guiding us in the right directions within the vynil world!
Thanks a lot and best regards! 😉
Zé Rui Pelayo Silva Yes Sir😃✍will write to you...thank you my friend. I am very touched by your generosity..speechless. Thank you Brother Zé..
Hi, regards, missing test for Grado Blue, i waiting for this (if you can do it).... i review all your tests, they are very helpful to all we need to buy a good cartridge and listen good vinyls, regards from Chile....
Dear Carlos :-D from Chile,
thank you for your kind support and time writing in. I am very happy i am able to help.
Thus far, the Green outshines the Black slightly, and since the Red and Blue rolls off the Grado line together but with the Red having tighter tolerances than the Blue, I will extrapolate here that the Blue would really be in the middle in terms of performance, flanked by the Green and the Red.
... either way, the Green, and Red are superb!! and may you have fun in your vinyl listening!
Best Regards from Singapore,
ian :-)
I see the cartridge I use on your table (the red box)... the Nagaoka MP-200. Look forward to to hear what you think about it.
Henry Aves Dear friend, thank you for catching up!!! Yes the MP-200 indeed. We will come to that soon... as soon as possible 😄✌
Based on this review I picked up a Grado Red 1 from Audio Classics Ltd. WOW!!! I put on Springsteen's 180gram remastered DARKNESS ON THE EDGE OF TOWN, made the hairs on my arms standup.
Yes Buddy🤗👌👌👌the Red1. One!!!! Not the Red2. Yes!!!! Congratulations for your purchase my friend!!!!!!!💪😄👍 great pick up. Great pick up! (Pun intended)
Just bought Grado Red, already had Nagaoka 110 and OM Red (yuk) OM Blue, but can't find anything like my Goldring 1012gx for SQ. Have to say been watching your channel for a while but thought you were a bit OTT however now realised your way of thinking is the same as mine and not full of the crap that magazine reviews want us to believe. Have you tried the Graham Slee Communicator phono stage? That's what I use, wonder how the Shiit Mani compares to that.
:-D thank you brother for your kind encouragement!!! I know of a friend here with the Communicator and would love to ask him to lend it to me for assessment. AND, thank you for telling me about your 1012gx. I would love to get to that soon!!!!!!!
Warmest Regards, and great week ahead my friend,
ian :-)
Subscribed, great reviews Ian, keep them coming.
@@theoldgitfrom58.18 Which of the cartriges do you think is better Grado Red or Nagaoka MP110? Thank you!
Really can't wait for the Nagaoka MP-150 review bro..
Big Bad Wolf Alright brother😄🖑!! Hahaha... me too! It would be very interesting/exciting!😁and thank you bro for catching up!
Ian, at 2:35 what amp is that?
Danthehorse Dear Buddy, the amp is the Leben CS300XS with upgraded tubes. The full details are listed in the video description. 💪😄✌
Ah thanks mate, sorry i did not stop to look at the description! Silly me. That system sounds lovely bro.
Have fun at RSD2018 happening in 15days' time brother!!! :-D See you again!!
Thank you
Renegadeproject You are very welcomed brother...🤗 thank you for catching up!!!! May you have a great year ahead my friend!!!
Can you make a video of the grado red playing some records
Dear Brother!!!! INDEED I HAVE planned to!!! :-D !!!! You have gotten it right!!!! Amazing!! You are telepathic and read my mind! I planned to do it in a few weeks' time. Brother, amazing.... you have really predicted it right :-D! Hi five and cheers my friend!
Warmest Regards! ~ ian.
HiViNyws channel hi dude, I will be waiting to the vidio to become real and thanks for the reply
Dear Buddy, thank you :-D !!! See you again, anytime:-D~ ian
HiViNyws channel you are welcome
When arey you gonna make the video
My local audio store really pushes the Ortofon 2M line but I agree with this review that the Grado is more musical and harmonically superior. My local audio store is nominally a Grado dealer but I have to talk them into a special ordering Grado cartridges. Nothing anywhere near this price matches the midrange on the Grado. I think dealers push the Ortofons because they have a higher mark-up than the Grados. I also noticed that replacement stylii for the Ortofons cost almost as much as the cartridge. Ortofon makes a decent cartridge but their cartridges have always sounded a bit thin and clinical to my ears. Ignore the hype from audio dealers and the audio press and buy the Grado.
*Ignore the hype from audio dealers and the audio press and buy the Grado.*
PRECISELY.
Very well said and dissected Brother Armand :-D !... Money makes people do funny things. Honesty transcends all these profiteering.
oh wow! Then my gal Jasmine at the House of Music in SF did me a SUPER REAL solid cause she recommended and had me buy the Grado Red! I completely agree with you though, it does look hella cheap! :-P
I was holding my breath throughout this review coz I already bought the MP110+Mani to replace my current 2MRed+Project Phono Box. I'm glad at the end you still recommend the Nagaoka. I'll set up everything at one go when my order for the Audiomods Classic arm arrives.
It's really difficult to source the MP110 in Singapore. The local distributor don't have it on stock. I was referred to an Ebay seller from Japan who sells the MP110 at lower than SRP.
Thanks for your reviews. It's not possible to audition cartridges and preamps so I solely relied on your reviews to make my purchasing decision.
Rene Limjoco Dear Rene... definitely my pleasure to help guide in your purchasing choices😄✌!!! Well done on your individual sourcing efforts too💪💪💪. Now...await your tonearm and.... drum roll......
😉
HiViNyws channel I'm excited with the Audiomods arm. Jeff the owner looks to be a one man team and it takes patience to have an arm made by hand. It's good coz it'll give time for my cable modder to make a silver litz interconnect that won't cost me an arm and a leg. Thanks again.
***** ooooh thank you for the tip-off brother!!!😁✌ another one for me to check out and know about!!!