The pursuit of the perfect sound is a journey many audiophiles embark on, navigating a vast ocean of audio equipment, each with their own character and contribution to the overall sound quality. Among these, the humble phono cartridge holds a pivotal role, serving as the primary interface between your beloved vinyl records and the intricate world of sound they embody.
This post will compare two acclaimed phono cartridges: the Sumiko Pearl and the Nagaoka MP 110. Both are revered in the world of high-fidelity audio, each known for delivering distinct, desirable soundscapes.
Post Contents
About Sumiko Pearl and Key Specifications
The Sumiko Pearl is a well-respected moving magnet phono cartridge that holds its own among analog audio enthusiasts. It has carved out a niche for itself with its distinctive attributes and noteworthy performance.
The Sumiko Pearl, with its hand-assembled components and polished elliptical stylus, is known for delivering an articulate sound that stands out for its detail and clarity. It features a low-mass cantilever assembly that enables excellent tracking, minimizing distortion and ensuring clean, high-fidelity sound reproduction. This cartridge is a worthy consideration if you prioritize sonic precision and subtlety in your vinyl playback.
Key Specifications:
- Cartridge Type: Moving Magnet (MM)
- Frequency Response: 12Hz – 30kHz
- Output Voltage: 2.5mV
- Channel Separation: Greater than 30dB at 1kHz
- Channel Balance: Less than 0.5dB at 1kHz
- Load Impedance: 47k ohms
- Compliance: 15 x 10^-6 cm/dyne
- Stylus Type: Elliptical
- Tracking Force Range: 1.5 – 2.0 grams
- Cartridge Weight: 6.5 grams
About Nagaoka MP 110 and Key Specifications
The Nagaoka MP 110 is a moving magnet phono cartridge celebrated for its musical warmth and outstanding dynamic range. It enjoys a significant following among audiophiles, particularly those seeking a balanced, engaging, and nuanced listening experience.
The MP 110 is lauded for its ability to extract musical details with aplomb while delivering a rich tonal balance. Its well-designed generator system ensures smooth sound reproduction across the audio spectrum, making the MP 110 a favorite among those who desire a warm and vivid representation of their vinyl collection.
Key Specifications
- Cartridge Type: Moving Magnet (MM)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Output Voltage: 5mV
- Channel Separation: 23dB at 1kHz
- Channel Balance: 1.5dB at 1kHz
- Load Impedance: 47k ohms
- Compliance: 6 x 10^-6 cm/dyne
- Stylus Type: Superfine Elliptical diamond
- Tracking Force Range: 1.5 – 2.0 grams
- Cartridge Weight: 6.6 grams
Difference between Sumiko Pearl and Nagaoka MP 110
The Sumiko Pearl is revered for its ability to render meticulous detail and clarity, leading to a refined and articulate sound. However, the Nagaoka MP 110, with its superior tonal balance and dynamic range, presents a warm and engaging listening experience that’s hard to match.
Indeed, one might have to consider the higher-tier Sumiko Rainier to approach the performance of the MP 110, yet, even in this comparison, the Nagaoka often emerges as the more preferred choice among discerning audiophiles. In essence, for a harmonious blend of detail, dynamism, and tonal richness, the Nagaoka MP 110 tends to lead the way.
1. Sound signature
The Sumiko Pearl is revered for its clarity and detail. It presents an articulate sound, leaning towards accuracy and precision. The Nagaoka MP 110, in contrast, is known for its warm and dynamic presentation. It delivers a rich, balanced sound with a slightly emphasized midrange and bass, contributing to a more “musical” experience.
2. Frequency response
The Sumiko Pearl has a wider frequency response (12Hz – 30kHz) compared to the Nagaoka MP 110 (20Hz – 20kHz). This means the Pearl can theoretically reproduce a broader range of frequencies, potentially offering more detail and extending the highs and lows.
3. Output voltage
The Nagaoka MP 110 has a higher output voltage (5mV) compared to the Sumiko Pearl (2.5mV). Depending on your amplifier and the rest of your audio setup, this can result in a louder sound output.
4. Channel separation
The Sumiko Pearl offers greater channel separation (>30dB at 1kHz) compared to the Nagaoka MP 110 (23dB at 1kHz). Greater channel separation can lead to a wider soundstage and better delineation between instruments in a mix.
5. Stylus type
Both cartridges use elliptical styli, but the Nagaoka MP 110 uses a superfine elliptical diamond stylus which may help with more accurate tracking of record grooves and improved detail retrieval.
6. Compliance
The Sumiko Pearl’s higher compliance (15 x 10^-6 cm/dyne) compared to the Nagaoka MP 110 (6 x 10^-6 cm/dyne) means it would generally match better with a wider range of tonearms, particularly those of medium to high mass.
FAQs
What is the tracking force of Sumiko Pearl cartridge?
The recommended tracking force for the Sumiko Pearl cartridge is within a range of 1.5 to 2.0 grams. This range ensures optimal performance and longevity of the stylus while reducing record wear.
Are Nagaoka cartridges moving iron?
Nagaoka cartridges, including the MP 110, are moving magnet (MM) types, not moving iron. This type of cartridge design features a tiny magnet attached to the stylus that moves within a coil of wire when the stylus tracks the grooves of the vinyl record, generating a small electrical signal.
What is the tracking force of mp110?
The Nagaoka MP 110 cartridge has a recommended tracking force between 1.5 to 2.0 grams, similar to the Sumiko Pearl. Adhering to this range allows the cartridge to provide the best possible tracking and sound reproduction.
Conclusion
After comparing the Sumiko Pearl and the Nagaoka MP 110 in detail, it is evident that both cartridges offer outstanding performance, each with their unique strengths. The Pearl’s emphasis on detail and clarity could make it the ideal choice for listeners who appreciate a meticulous representation of their music.
On the other hand, the MP 110’s rich tonal balance and dynamism might sway enthusiasts seeking an engaging and warm listening experience. However, it is crucial to remember that these characteristics can be subjective, and the final choice depends on your unique tastes and the synergy with your existing audio equipment.
