View Full Version : Nagaoka MP-500 Phono Cartridge Thoughts and Opinions
Hi everyone and happy new years
I'm considering buying a Nagaoka MP500 cartridge to go on a Jelco SA 750 DB tonearm that is
mounted on a Technics SL 1210 M5G table.
I have never heard a Nagaoka cartridge before so if anyone has tried the above setup or have
any thoughts or opinions on this cartridge please let me know.
ive had one in the past,i enjoyed it,ive also had a 2m black which it competes with. they are both very good,the 2m though is notorious for set up,if i went MM again i think id give the mp500 another go.
the only downside is the mp500's cost.
Thanks for your reply I have had a 2M Black a Dynavector 20x2 homc and a Goldring 2500 all were very good cartridges
the Nagaoka is more of a try something different exercise.
Try TonyL across on the PFM forum, he has one on his main turntable on an SME 3009. I think the Nag replaced a 2m Black and is preferred.
graham67
02-01-2019, 00:28
I have owned the Nag500 with a jelco 750 and although possessed of a lovely rich tone, nice bass and good timing I found the top end unnaturally curtailed. I just wanted more top end extension at all times as it sounded too shut-in.
I quickly sold it and replaced it with an AT-150SA which is a stunning MM and at the time hugely cheaper. The current equivalent is the VM750.
I have one on a Technics SL1200, its very good. I don't find the top end to be curtailed although I suppose depends what you are comparing to but I don't like a rolled off sound so it can't be too bad. Had most of the Nags over the years. If I was doing it again though I'd go for the MP300 not the 500, the 500 is very good but the 300 just has a little bit more balls to it.
I had an MP500 a couple of years ago.
In my system it gave a very lively presentation, "full on" everything all of the time which eventually became a bit tiring. It's hard to say what was missing or exactly what was so wrong but ultimately I couldn't live with it - so close and I still can't properly figure it out, but it just wasn't for me. Closest I can get is that maybe it was just a tad too toppy with too much "energy" trying to escape. Masses of detail flooding out.
I'd say if your system needs livening up this would be a great cart to try. Probably very sensitive to VTA adjustment.
Beobloke
02-01-2019, 13:00
I like the MP-500 a lot but found it just a little too-over smooth at times for my liking. I would still take a 2M Black over it, personally.
I have heard the MP-500 and it is a nice sounding cartridge however I prefer the extra zip to the top end my 2M black has. The MP-500 is easier to set up and very smooth with a slightly fuller body than a 2M Black but the 2m sounds more alive and brings the performer to life and into your room. Well almost into your room!
Idlewithnodrive
02-01-2019, 15:04
I've had the Nag 500 and the 2M Black. I preferred the Black, as the more detailed, natural sounding cart. As has been said before though, it is an utter swine to set up optimally.
I preferred the AN IQ3 to either the Nag or the Black and, If I went MM again, would be very tempted to give the VM750 a try.
Thanks for all the informed information
Mike Reed
03-01-2019, 20:55
I read a review recently somewhere on the Nag v Black (but I think it was the MP150 or 200) but remember the conclusion that there was little in it, as least in regards to presentation. Different arms, phono stages, loadings and even decks, let alone partnering kit. One can only get a general impression and my fairly recent eureka moment was putting my donkey's years old VMS20E mk 2 onto my 12" Ace Anna and totally forgetting I was playing a cheapo m/m is the wrong mass arm ! I'm used to Proteus and Urushi and the like. Hence the interest in Nagaoka. Okay, the m/coils are a cut above, but not the amount I would have expected.
RobbieGong
03-01-2019, 21:55
I read a review recently somewhere on the Nag v Black (but I think it was the MP150 or 200) but remember the conclusion that there was little in it, as least in regards to presentation. Different arms, phono stages, loadings and even decks, let alone partnering kit. One can only get a general impression and my fairly recent eureka moment was putting my donkey's years old VMS20E mk 2 onto my 12" Ace Anna and totally forgetting I was playing a cheapo m/m is the wrong mass arm ! I'm used to Proteus and Urushi and the like. Hence the interest in Nagaoka. Okay, the m/coils are a cut above, but not the amount I would have expected.
Neither MP150 or MP200 will compete with the 2M Black.
The MP-500 is Nagaoka's flagship mm, hence it is so often compared with the 2M Black, Ortofon's flagship mm.
One other forum user expressed his experience of the two as below.
The Nagaoka is luxurious and romantic sounding. It is rich in the midrange and throws a wide holographic soundstage. The Ortofon is more precise and clear sounding and not quite as euphoric. I hope that makes sense!
They are both stellar trackers.
I've read a fair few other comments over the years in regards to comparison of these two. The common observations are similarly that both are very good carts, 2M Black being more on the precise side of the two, the MP500 being sweet, romantic, lush, more coloured of the two.
As I say, both good and liked, but different - depends on if you want more or less flavour included with the music I'd say ;)
Nagaoka state that the stylus degrades after 500 hours, but don't say how much?
Was enough to put me off buying one to try out.
RobbieGong
03-01-2019, 22:35
Nagaoka state that the stylus degrades after 500 hours, but don't say how much?
Was enough to put me off buying one to try out.
If thats what they say and it is actually true Mikey then yeah, thats a joke - one for the guy who plays an album on Sundays only :lol:
Mikeandvan
03-01-2019, 22:37
Nagaoka state that the stylus degrades after 500 hours, but don't say how much?
Was enough to put me off buying one to try out.
My Nag MP200 replacement stylus was only £100 direct from Japan, for a cart costing £260 (or £380 + in the UK!), that's very cheap. I'm guessing there would be a similar price difference with the MP500.
If thats what they say and it is actually true Mikey then yeah, thats a joke - one for the guy who plays an album on Sundays only [emoji38]I argued with someone on one of the forums that it couldn't be right as 500 hours would take me a few months lol.
But I hunted about and it was right enough, mind you I'm pretty sure it really only meant a slight wear as I'm sure they all do after a few hundred hours so what it really meant I've no idea
I found one reference but it states 120-150 hours before it degrades but I'm sure it must be a misprint. However the got I argued with was adamant that 500 hours was the correct figure. But it must be wrong surely.
New replacement styli are £350-360
Mikeandvan
04-01-2019, 00:10
I found one reference but it states 120-150 hours before it degrades but I'm sure it must be a misprint. However the got I argued with was adamant that 500 hours was the correct figure. But it must be wrong surely.
New replacement styli are £350-360
£185 from Japan.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EMS-Shipping-NAGAOKA-JN-P500-Phono-Needle-for-MP-500-MP-500H-Japan-w-Tracking/112295925340?hash=item1a255bd65c:g:-MkAAOSw9GhYmf04
£185 from Japan.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EMS-Shipping-NAGAOKA-JN-P500-Phono-Needle-for-MP-500-MP-500H-Japan-w-Tracking/112295925340?hash=item1a255bd65c:g:-MkAAOSw9GhYmf04
Big difference even taking into account any fees [emoji4]
I paid £220 a couple of years ago. The higher you go up the range the quicker the styli wear out. For an MP500, 500 hours is probably the extreme end. Although I would also add that most people are in denial as to how long their styli last regardless of the make cartridge. Talk of 2000 hours before degradation is nonsense IMO
Mikeandvan
04-01-2019, 10:27
Big difference even taking into account any fees [emoji4]
I bought twice from Japan, never got hit with customs.
at 150 hrs thats a quid or so a play of a record.:eek:
at 150 hrs thats a quid or so a play of a record.:eek:
yes, that's one of the reasons I gave up on vinyl. Even with the most optimistic estimate it's about twenty pence a side.
yes, that's one of the reasons I gave up on vinyl. Even with the most optimistic estimate it's about twenty pence a side.
dont think ive worn out a stylus;certainly not for years.
dont think ive worn out a stylus;certainly not for years.
I used to go through one about every 6 months back when I was vinyl only. But back then they weren't asking silly money for them. I paid £70 for an MP30 and a new stylus for it was about 25 quid. Twenty years on your practically adding a zero to those numbers.
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