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Thread: Nagaoka MP-500 Phono Cartridge Thoughts and Opinions

  1. #1
    Join Date: Nov 2018

    Location: Toronto Ontario Canada

    Posts: 18
    I'm KEVIN.

    Default 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.

  2. #2
    Join Date: Sep 2014

    Location: brighton uk.

    Posts: 4,737
    I'm jamie.

    Default

    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.
    My System
    John Wood KT88 Amp.
    Paradise Phono Stage
    Sony TTS-8000 Turntable.
    PMAT-1010 MK6 Tonearm.
    Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
    Sony X555ES Cd Player
    Yamaha NS1000m Speakers

  3. #3
    Join Date: Nov 2018

    Location: Toronto Ontario Canada

    Posts: 18
    I'm KEVIN.

    Default

    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.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Out on the wild and windy moors Lancs / Yorks Border

    Posts: 592
    I'm Andy.

    Default

    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.
    Analogue
    401 / PU7 / AT33ev
    Longdog Audio Quartz turntable PSU
    Longdog Audio MCJ1 - Prototype Phonostage
    Digital
    Innuos Zen Mini Mk 3
    Topping D50s
    Caiman Seg & Dorado
    Cambridge CXC
    Amps
    Tron Seven Linestage
    Bel Canto Set 40 or Nick Gorham built 300B Set Monoblocks
    Speakers
    Tannoy GRF Memory.
    Tannoy ST100.

  5. #5
    Join Date: Oct 2014

    Location: Surrey

    Posts: 549
    I'm Graham.

    Default

    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.

  6. #6
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: Staffordshire, England

    Posts: 37,779
    I'm Martin.

    Default

    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.
    Current Lash Up:

    TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.

  7. #7
    Join Date: Apr 2013

    Location: Solihull, UK

    Posts: 410
    I'm Bob.

    Default

    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.
    Source: Orbe SE / SME IV / Cadenza Bronze
    Source: WD NAS / Cyrus Stream X2 / Chord DAVE
    Source: Oppo UDP-205 (CD/DVD-A/SACD)

    Amplification: Icon Audio PS 3 Sig Phono + Audio Research LS27 + Musical Fidelity A5cr Power Amp
    Loudspeakers: ProAc Response D28
    Cables/stands: Mark Grant G1500HD + Linn K20 + Cat 5e
    Other bits: Okki Nokki keeping things clean

  8. #8
    Join Date: Jul 2009

    Location: Hampshire, UK

    Posts: 3,662
    I'm Adam.

    Default

    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.
    Engineers: fixing problems you didn't know you had in ways you don't understand.

  9. #9
    Join Date: Jan 2013

    Location: Birmingham

    Posts: 6,772
    I'm James.

    Default

    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!
    Main system : VPI Scout 1.1 / JMW 9T / 2M Black / Croft 25R+ / Croft 7 / Heco Celan GT 702

    Second System : Goldring Lenco GL75 / AT95EX / Pioneer SX590 / Spendor SP2

  10. #10
    Join Date: Aug 2012

    Location: South Beds, UK

    Posts: 1,950
    I'm Mike.

    Default

    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.
    Less bling, more integrity ©Spenagio

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