Phono Cartridges

We're all moving in unison. My MP-500 from an ebay seller in Japan arrived last night, paid a little more, $650 shipped, but very happy. Nagaoka says there is a 30hr break in period, but it already sounds great. Hard to make any comparisons yet, as I'm not even finished with side 2 of the first LP, but compared to the DL-160 the bass is more controlled and resolving, and high hats are crisp but no longer as piercing. So far the vocals are a bit more recessed and highs a bit more forward than I would prefer but the highs at least should be tamed with break in. It's also a good compliance match for the arm on the Dual 1229 that I just finished restoring/rewiring.

 

I love it! Nagaoka fan club on SBAF. I have heard nothing but great things about the MP-200 as well and considered getting one and adding on an MP-500 stylus (not officially supported but it works) but the cost of the cart + stylus put me in the range of a 500, which I also got for $650 from Japan. And from now on I don’t need to buy or retip any carts, just replace the stylus, and don’t have to worry that I’m missing out on performance gains.

 

Hey, from a sound signature perspective, are Nagaoka carts generally regarded to be significantly different in sound signature from Audio-Technica MM carts? I like AT, but I'd like to find something else that's different for my collection that allows for stylus replacements. I've read on SHF and other sites that Nagaoka carts lean warmer, while AT carts are neutral/slightly analytical. Would prefer comments from SBAF community.

I think keeping my V15 Type III clothed in JICO SAS stylii and focusing on A-T carts + Nagaoka might be a way to bring some structure to slowly building and expanding my cartridge collection. They are like what headphones used to be for me!

Also: best place online to shop for Nagaoka??

 

From my understanding and hearing a few recorded samples of needle drops, Nagaoka’s tend to be fuller, richer, and sweeter than the more cutting Ortofon’s and Shure V15 III. So it seems if you want a bit more richness, go for the Nagaoka’s, or more clarity, go for the V15 III.

 

AT’s are leaner and brighter, Nags richer and warmer. The MP-500 is the least warm of the Nagaoka lineup and veers closer to neutral.

As Shane said, CD Japan has the best prices. eBay sellers from Japan can come close in price and may be able to ship sooner if a particular item is on back order at CD Japan.