Very old Nagaoka

coticcotic
in Analogue
I have just found a very old Nagaoka MP11 Boron, that was modified by a company called Stilton Audio, based in Peterborough. I have also found the instructions for set up. The cartridge was modified in June '87.

I tried it out,but it sounds awful, I remember playing it to death, not always carefully when I had friends round post pub; I was in my twenties then!!

I wondered if a new Nagaoka stylus would work? Also, I seem to remember a post about a cartridge renovating service, but can't find it now.

Or should I just abandon the idea, and buy a new cartridge? It will be used on a Michell Syncro with a Linn basik Plus arm, all bought new in '86.

Any thoughts, advice would be very much appreciated.

Simon

Comments

  • DocfosterDocfoster
    edited October 2016
    It's a handsome beast...
    image
    (Just a stock photo that, I have no knowledge of this model.)
    I like the idea of keeping old favourites going....
    IF it is just a new stylus, It looks like a replacement is the MP200 (click here) or the cheaper (non boron (?)) MP110 (click here), as the MP11 cart is no longer available.
    I also notice that there's a few SH MP11 carts on ebay (click here) for not much money that could be used as doners (though obviously no way of knowing how well they play before you buy).
    It might have been my post about J Wright audio services that you remembered re cart refurbishment. Mr. Wright sorted out my Decca Super Gold a few months back. He specialises in Deccas, but may do others too. Cart servicing / refurbishing more cost effective for more expensive carts of course, as work can cost up to a few hundred quid. Mr. Wright's work on my cart (which turned out to be less than anticipated) was I think about £150ish... And it came back sounding as good as new.
  • PACPAC
    I'd go with a new replacement MP-200 stylus personally.  You'll benefit from new suspension and it's a known quantity.  Avoid Ebay used buys...too many dodgy carts posing as "superb and less than 100 hours from new 70 years ago!!!"
  • cj66cj66
    I also enjoyed an AT-F5 Stilton for a few years before the cantilever was deftly removed by offspring intervention
    :-S

    Unfortunately the cost of a rebuild was prohibitive and it was replaced with an OC-9MLii back then. In your case, however, a new stylus is definitely on the cards.

    I'll throw Mr.Wright a line, just in case, as I still have the cartridge languishing in a drawer.
  • DocfosterDocfoster
    cj66 said:
    I also enjoyed an AT-F5 Stilton for a few years before the cantilever was deftly removed by offspring intervention
    :-S

    Unfortunately the cost of a rebuild was prohibitive and it was replaced with an OC-9MLii back then. In your case, however, a new stylus is definitely on the cards.

    I'll throw Mr.Wright a line, just in case, as I still have the cartridge languishing in a drawer.
    Children are at war with record players, aren't they?

    And a cartridge named after cheese. Hmmmm....
    image
  • DocfosterDocfoster
    Also this....
    image
  • DocfosterDocfoster
    Now back on track.
  • cj66cj66
    Docfoster said:

    And a cartridge named after cheese. Hmmmm....
    image
    As long as it La Roque, it's fine by me
    :-j
  • coticcotic
    Thanks everybody for your thoughts and advice. I had a search to see if Stilton were still operating, but no joy. I think I will probably go with the new Mp200 stylus option. Thanks for the link docfoster, and the Mp 11 photo. The Stilton version has the addition of a metal disc at the top of the cartridge body, this has 2 holes in to attach it to the headshell, and reminds me of the starship enterprise. Is it likely that the internals of the cartridge are damaged? How much of a hard life would a cartridge need to have to sustain damage? Just a bit worried about spending £200 on a stylus, only to find that the cartridge is knackered!
  • cj66cj66
    If you use a physical dealer maybe they will test in store for you, if it works well, buy it.
  • AntiCrapAntiCrap
    Docfoster said:
    cj66 said:
    I also enjoyed an AT-F5 Stilton for a few years before the cantilever was deftly removed by offspring intervention
    :-S

    Unfortunately the cost of a rebuild was prohibitive and it was replaced with an OC-9MLii back then. In your case, however, a new stylus is definitely on the cards.

    I'll throw Mr.Wright a line, just in case, as I still have the cartridge languishing in a drawer.
    Children are at war with record players, aren't they?

    And a cartridge named after cheese. Hmmmm....
    image
    MINE

  • cj66cj66
    edited October 2016
    cotic said:
     The Stilton version has the addition of a metal disc at the top of the cartridge body, this has 2 holes in to attach it to the headshell, and reminds me of the starship enterprise.

    image
  • DocfosterDocfoster
    cj66 said:


    cotic said:

     The Stilton version has the addition of a metal disc at the top of the cartridge body, this has 2 holes in to attach it to the headshell, and reminds me of the starship enterprise.


    image


    This is simply superb.

  • coticcotic
    Amazing, this is exactly how I imagined my cartridge saving the universe!
  • uglymusicuglymusic
    edited October 2016
    It's music, but not as we know it!  =)
  • jonnylagjonnylag
    i know this post is a bit old but can I add my two cents worth?
    I have a Stilton modified ts11 cartridge fitted with a new jn-p220 stylus on my Sondek/Ittok and it sounds wonderful. 
    Great trebles-not splashy or sibilant.
    Lots of detail, lovely mids and bass.
    The cart was cheap as chips ($30) on ebay and I bought the stylus for $150 from Japan-no tax :-).
    It's a winner, very low on noise, pops and clicks on old vinyl as well.
  • AntiCrapAntiCrap
    jonnylag said:
    i know this post is a bit old but can I add my two cents worth?
    I have a Stilton modified ts11 cartridge fitted with a new jn-p220 stylus on my Sondek/Ittok and it sounds wonderful. 
    Great trebles-not splashy or sibilant.
    Lots of detail, lovely mids and bass.
    The cart was cheap as chips ($30) on ebay and I bought the stylus for $150 from Japan-no tax :-).
    It's a winner, very low on noise, pops and clicks on old vinyl as well.
    HEY Dave no digital lies I love it 

    HAPPY NEW YEAR
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