Nagaoka Cartridges

[Clint H]

HI All

Currently running a Nagaoka MP200 on my Rega RP6 & love it to bits. Had a demo this week of my next deck upgrade which will be an ex demo Notts Analogue Hyperspace with Ace Space arm, absolutely loved it. I'm not interested in going the mc route yet, would prefer to get the Hyperspace. Just wondering if there are any folk on here who have jumped from the Nagaoka MP200 to the MP500 & would care to give me their verdict on the difference between the two. The dealer with the Hyperspace also stocks Nagaoka & can do me an MP500 for a good price. I do like my MP200 though, just a lovely musical mm cartridge. Thanks in advance folks.

Regards

Clint H

[Hibster_2000]

MP500 replacement stylus cost has always put me off, especially with the publicised life expectancy figures if I am honest.

[Floyddroid]

Owned numerous Nagaoka cartridges over the years. In fact my son was still using one till recently that i bought from Gilson Audio (Middlesbrough) in 1983 and it still sounds musical. I would describe them as bright and breezy

[Alex_UK]

I can't answer your question directly, but several years ago I went from an MP-15 to an MP-30 (2 rungs up, same as you are considering) and it was an improvement - at the time I said it was still the same "house sound" but a bit more of everything. If you like the Nagaoka sound, I don't think you'll be disappointed moving higher up the range.

[Mikeandvan]

HI All

Currently running a Nagaoka MP200 on my Rega RP6 & love it to bits. Had a demo this week of my next deck upgrade which will be an ex demo Notts Analogue Hyperspace with Ace Space arm, absolutely loved it. I'm not interested in going the mc route yet, would prefer to get the Hyperspace. Just wondering if there are any folk on here who have jumped from the Nagaoka MP200 to the MP500 & would care to give me their verdict on the difference between the two. The dealer with the Hyperspace also stocks Nagaoka & can do me an MP500 for a good price. I do like my MP200 though, just a lovely musical mm cartridge. Thanks in advance folks.

Regards

Clint H

I have used the MP200 for the past year, just changed the stylus on mine, was only £130 direct from Japan, was very pleased when I moved to this cart from the Denon dl110. So bought another replacement stylus ready for next year, at £130 be silly not to. What made you move to the Notts hyper from the RP6? I use a Notts Interspace, with a thicker than standard platter, was apparently discontinued due to the platter being uneconomic to produce at that size, arm is Jelco 750, though I've just bought a unipivot arm for it - Roksan Nima, which I hope matches it better, as I'm finding the Jelco/NAS combo a bit strident. BTW replacement stylus for the MP500 direct from Japan are only £230 on ebay, strange as the cheapest whole carts I could find were almost £600. I'd be tempted to buy one though just because of how cheap replacement carts are, I play 2-5 hrs daily, so just replace mine annually.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NAGAOKA-JN-P500-Diamond-Stylus-Replacement-Needle-for-MP-500-H-New-Free-Ship/163705663898?hash=item261d9e319a:g:4rsAAOSwdhla6Zn k

[Mikeandvan]

MP500 replacement stylus cost has always put me off, especially with the publicised life expectancy figures if I am honest.

£230?

[karma67]

No way are mp 500 stylus’s £230

[Hibster_2000]

£230?
£360 at Analogue Seduction.

[Macca]

No way are mp 500 stylus’s £230

That's what I paid a couple of years ago.

[scotty38]

He's getting them direct from Japan hence the lower price...

[Mike Reed]

One stylus but two styli or styluses. No apostrophes. Also interested in the MP500 as a possible mm replacement for my under-used Ortofon VMS20E2, as I believe that is the 'refined' model comparatively. Have looked at the Nag. ladder and there's no clearly described distinction between the models that I can find, though there must be steps in superiority.

[Clint H]

I still have my RP6 at the moment, spinning some Grateful Dead on it now as I write this message. Thanks for the link to the Nagaoka replacement stylus Mike, most appreciated. A local dealer carries the Notts Analogue decks, he really rates them. I had a recent demo with the Rega P8 which I thought was superb (I really like Rega decks) along with the Interspace Junior & Space Deck. Hadn't heard a Notts deck until this demo & I thought the Space Deck was the best, just loved the way it played music & got out of the way of the system. I was going to get an Ace Space deck but I have been offered an ex demo Hyperspace at a REALLY great price, had a demo last week & was very impressed. My pragmatic side is saying get the Ace Space but my heart is saying get the Hyperspace. Must admit I did like the Hyperspace, just more of everything. Re the stylus from Japan, do you pay import tax on them? Cheers Mike.

Clint H


I have used the MP200 for the past year, just changed the stylus on mine, was only £130 direct from Japan, was very pleased when I moved to this cart from the Denon dl110. So bought another replacement stylus ready for next year, at £130 be silly not to. What made you move to the Notts hyper from the RP6? I use a Notts Interspace, with a thicker than standard platter, was apparently discontinued due to the platter being uneconomic to produce at that size, arm is Jelco 750, though I've just bought a unipivot arm for it - Roksan Nima, which I hope matches it better, as I'm finding the Jelco/NAS combo a bit strident. BTW replacement stylus for the MP500 direct from Japan are only £230 on ebay, strange as the cheapest whole carts I could find were almost £600. I'd be tempted to buy one though just because of how cheap replacement carts are, I play 2-5 hrs daily, so just replace mine annually.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NAGAOKA-JN-P500-Diamond-Stylus-Replacement-Needle-for-MP-500-H-New-Free-Ship/163705663898?hash=item261d9e319a:g:4rsAAOSwdhla6Zn k

[Clint H]

I contacted Penny at Nottingham Analogue with a couple of Hyperspace questions last week & it turns out that they can supply Nagaoka cartridges, she highly recommended them with NAS decks. It's looking like a no brainer people. Thank you for all the replies, most appreciated. MP200 sounding so good on my RP6 right now!!

Cheers

Clint H

[Hibster_2000]

I still have my RP6 at the moment, spinning some Grateful Dead on it now as I write this message. Thanks for the link to the Nagaoka replacement stylus Mike, most appreciated. A local dealer carries the Notts Analogue decks, he really rates them. I had a recent demo with the Rega P8 which I thought was superb (I really like Rega decks) along with the Interspace Junior & Space Deck. Hadn't heard a Notts deck until this demo & I thought the Space Deck was the best, just loved the way it played music & got out of the way of the system. I was going to get an Ace Space deck but I have been offered an ex demo Hyperspace at a REALLY great price, had a demo last week & was very impressed. My pragmatic side is saying get the Ace Space but my heart is saying get the Hyperspace. Must admit I did like the Hyperspace, just more of everything. Re the stylus from Japan, do you pay import tax on them? Cheers Mike.

Clint H

If your package gets inspected, you will pay import duty, and quite possibly a handling charge.
Also bear in mind that if there is a problem with the item, then you will have very little chance of getting it sorted.
You pay your money, and take your choice as if you want dealer backup or if you are happy to take the risk. I have never had a problem with any stylus received through the post.

[Clint H]

Thanks for the info Kev.


If your package gets inspected, you will pay import duty, and quite possibly a handling charge.
Also bear in mind that if there is a problem with the item, then you will have very little chance of getting it sorted.
You pay your money, and take your choice as if you want dealer backup or if you are happy to take the risk. I have never had a problem with any stylus received through the post.

[Mikeandvan]

I still have my RP6 at the moment, spinning some Grateful Dead on it now as I write this message. Thanks for the link to the Nagaoka replacement stylus Mike, most appreciated. A local dealer carries the Notts Analogue decks, he really rates them. I had a recent demo with the Rega P8 which I thought was superb (I really like Rega decks) along with the Interspace Junior & Space Deck. Hadn't heard a Notts deck until this demo & I thought the Space Deck was the best, just loved the way it played music & got out of the way of the system. I was going to get an Ace Space deck but I have been offered an ex demo Hyperspace at a REALLY great price, had a demo last week & was very impressed. My pragmatic side is saying get the Ace Space but my heart is saying get the Hyperspace. Must admit I did like the Hyperspace, just more of everything. Re the stylus from Japan, do you pay import tax on them? Cheers Mike.

Clint H
Emmm, I wonder is there that much difference between the hyper/space decks? I've imported 1 cart and 2 styluses (thanks Mike Reed!) from Japan now via Ebay and I've managed to avoid import taxes, luck or may'be the Japenese sellers know what to put on the declarations form? I never noticed. Worth a punt I'd say. Not sure the MP500 is worth the £400 increase in cost myself, it is a huge jump, but then styli (thanks Mike Reed!) are only £230! Look out for a used MP500! I'm gonna have to send my TT back to NAS this week so they can fit an arm board for my new tonearm - the Nima, they are very nice people there.

[Mike Reed]

.... and 2 styluses (thanks Mike Reed!) ........ styli (thanks Mike Reed!)

:lol:

[Mikeandvan]

Special offer from a Canadian ebay seller - only £500!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nagaoka-MP-500-Cartridge-NEW/202723260377?hash=item2f333f77d9:g:recAAOSw9T9dGl8 z

[Flo]

I keep a 500 as a spare for when mc carts are being retipped, sound is bit old fashioned, [in a good way]lovely rich bottom end, lots of energy. Vg vfm

[Rocky]

Buy it from Amazon from a seller in Japan, ask the seller the declare as $15 and a Gift. No duty or handling charges to pay.

Its what every sensible person does. There are also German sellers who sell them very cheap also, and theres no issues with value declarations in the EU.

Thats where my MP500 came from for £350, and it is the best moving magnet cart I have ever owned.

[Clint H]

They really are great mm carts Laurie, love my MP200.

Rocco, do you have a link for the MP500 carts from Germany at all? Thanks for the info on this, most appreciated.

Clint H

[Clint H]

HI Folks

Nagaoka MP500 just running in on my Hyperspace deck upgrade & sounding absolutely marvellous 7 albums in. It can only get better as the cart burns in. Happy!!

[Mikeandvan]

HI Folks

Nagaoka MP500 just running in on my Hyperspace deck upgrade & sounding absolutely marvellous 7 albums in. It can only get better as the cart burns in. Happy!!

Where did you buy it from and how much?? I might be temped.

[Clint H]

HI Mike

I got my MP500 from Cheshire Audio in Crewe £719. Analogue Seduction have them at £799. I got a fantastic deal on a ex demo Notts Analogue Hyperspace from Phil at Cheshire Audio so I got the cart from him too. He popped over last night & set everything up & i'm extremely happy, just the most wonderfully musical deck i've heard. I know I could of got the cartridge cheaper on ebay but the deal on the Hyperspace plus having a dealer 20 miles away for help & after sales assistance is more important to me. It really does sound good.


Where did you buy it from and how much?? I might be temped.

[Mikeandvan]

HI Mike

I got my MP500 from Cheshire Audio in Crewe £719. Analogue Seduction have them at £799. I got a fantastic deal on a ex demo Notts Analogue Hyperspace from Phil at Cheshire Audio so I got the cart from him too. He popped over last night & set everything up & i'm extremely happy, just the most wonderfully musical deck i've heard. I know I could of got the cartridge cheaper on ebay but the deal on the Hyperspace plus having a dealer 20 miles away for help & after sales assistance is more important to me. It really does sound good.

Well the replacement styli are pretty good value. Is it worth the jump in price over the MP200? Mind you did you hear the NAS with the mp200?

[Clint H]

HI Mike

I definitely made the right choice re the MP500, it's like the MP200 only much better, just more of everything, it just sounds right to my ears. What it does do, along with the Hyperspace & the rest of my system is it disappears & just leaves me listening to the music, I have no desire anymore to upgrade my system, it sounds absolutely marvellous to me. The last piece of the jigsaw was the Hyperspace & MP500. I thought getting the Hyperspace would be overkill for the rest of my kit but if anything the new deck & cart makes everything else sound even better. I am a very happy chappy.


Well the replacement styli are pretty good value. Is it worth the jump in price over the MP200? Mind you did you hear the NAS with the mp200?

[Jimbo]

HI Mike

I definitely made the right choice re the MP500, it's like the MP200 only much better, just more of everything, it just sounds right to my ears. What it does do, along with the Hyperspace & the rest of my system is it disappears & just leaves me listening to the music, I have no desire anymore to upgrade my system, it sounds absolutely marvellous to me. The last piece of the jigsaw was the Hyperspace & MP500. I thought getting the Hyperspace would be overkill for the rest of my kit but if anything the new deck & cart makes everything else sound even better. I am a very happy chappy.

What is the rest of your system Clint? I very nearly bought the Hyperspace myself, nice turntable. The MP500 is a fabulous cartridge BTW.

[Clint H]

HI James

I have a Sugden A21 Signature amp, Rothwell Simplex mm phono stage, Sonneteer Byron CDP & a set of Neat Motive 3 stand mount speakers which i've had for 5 years that I got for £550 instead of £950 as they were "slight seconds" Nothing wrong with them that I can see. These speakers were made for my room which is 13 foot square. Absolutely can't fault them. Heard lots of other speakers but theses things just sing in my room. Phil from Cheshire Audio who set my Hyperspace up on Monday even commented how good they worked in my room & how every component worked so well together. He is going to look into stocking Neat speakers so they must of made an impression on him. I really am happy with what i've got & it sounds wonderful together, just so musical. As I said, i'm a happy chappy.


What is the rest of your system Clint? I very nearly bought the Hyperspace myself, nice turntable. The MP500 is a fabulous cartridge BTW.

[fordy]

I've owned a boat load of cartridges from AT95's to Koetsu's and everything in between but one of the standout carts for me over the years was the MP500. An absolutely beautiful cartridge with detail and colour. It was easy competitive with MC's up to a grand I had at the time and better than most budget MC's. Very nice cart and one I should never have sold. Given the price of them these days it would be painful to re-buy it though :-(

[Mikeandvan]

HI Mike

I definitely made the right choice re the MP500, it's like the MP200 only much better, just more of everything, it just sounds right to my ears. What it does do, along with the Hyperspace & the rest of my system is it disappears & just leaves me listening to the music, I have no desire anymore to upgrade my system, it sounds absolutely marvellous to me. The last piece of the jigsaw was the Hyperspace & MP500. I thought getting the Hyperspace would be overkill for the rest of my kit but if anything the new deck & cart makes everything else sound even better. I am a very happy chappy.

NAS have done me another massive and put a suitable armboard on my Interspace for virtually nothing, they are definitely my favourite company! Last year they put a new motor on it free of charge, not sure what I've done to deserve this! Supposed to be arriving tomorrow, will try it with my new arm - the Nima, and for now the mp200, but I think a move to the mp500 is imminent, even though I said i'd stay away from expensive carts after breaking an AT £400 one a few years back after only a few days use, that kinda left me numb. But, replacement styli for the MP500 are only £200 from Japan!!

[Clint H]

A month or so in from getting my Hyperspace with the MP500, everything has burned in very nicely & I simply couldn't be happier, absolutely loving this deck & cart combination. It's got musicality in spades & I have a HUGE grin on my face every time I play albums. I did before with my old RP6 but the grin is even BIGGER now. So glad I went for the Hyperspace over the Acespace. I know I could go down the MC route with S.U.T's etc but when you find something you can live with for ever, why bother. Right, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds "The Boatman's Call" is spinning & I need to drift off into musical nirvana with it, by for now.

[Mikeandvan]

A month or so in from getting my Hyperspace with the MP500, everything has burned in very nicely & I simply couldn't be happier, absolutely loving this deck & cart combination. It's got musicality in spades & I have a HUGE grin on my face every time I play albums. I did before with my old RP6 but the grin is even BIGGER now. So glad I went for the Hyperspace over the Acespace. I know I could go down the MC route with S.U.T's etc but when you find something you can live with for ever, why bother. Right, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds "The Boatman's Call" is spinning & I need to drift off into musical nirvana with it, by for now.

Get a spare stylus from Japan while they're still only £200!!

[Weeman1973]

Would the MP500 stylus fit the MP110 cartridge body do you know?

Appreciate you wouldn’t get the full MP500 benefits as not a metal body etc on the MP110 but thinking that for £220 it’s got to be a significant improvement on the standard MP110 (which is already great BTW)


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[Mikeandvan]

Would the MP500 stylus fit the MP110 cartridge body do you know?

Appreciate you wouldn’t get the full MP500 benefits as not a metal body etc on the MP110 but thinking that for £220 it’s got to be a significant improvement on the standard MP110 (which is already great BTW)


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I think the only other cart it fits is the mp300.

[Clint H]

HI Russel

I wouldn't have a clue but if you phone Phil at Cheshire Audio where I got my new deck & MP500 from, he would be able to tell you. He stocks Nagaoka. Cheshire Audio 01270 580734. He's a top guy & knows his stuff.


Would the MP500 stylus fit the MP110 cartridge body do you know?

Appreciate you wouldn’t get the full MP500 benefits as not a metal body etc on the MP110 but thinking that for £220 it’s got to be a significant improvement on the standard MP110 (which is already great BTW)


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