Nagaoka MP-500 Phono Cartridge Thoughts and Opinions

[KWJ]

Thanks for all the informed information

[Mike Reed]

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]

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

[mikeyb]

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]

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

[Mikeandvan]

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.

[mikeyb]

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

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

[mikeyb]

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]

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-Shipp...kAAOSw9GhYmf04

[mikeyb]

£185 from Japan.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EMS-Shipp...kAAOSw9GhYmf04

Big difference even taking into account any fees