NagaokaCartridge MP Series - MP-500 Record Cartridge

I've owned this cartridge for about 3 years now. During that time, I have upgraded my turntable, amp, phonostage, headphones, and speakers (several times over). This cartridge has stayed put. I have never felt the urge to upgrade it, and every new piece of gear has simply showed me how much better this cart is than I'd previously thought. I am an absolute money-burning moron when it comes to this HiFi "hobby," but despite the *high* price tag, this is a product I have never regretted buying.I've previously used a handful of good Audio Technica carts, two MI Grado carts, and a mid-level MM Sumiko cart. This is miles better than any of them. The amount of spacial and tonal information conveyed through that little bit of diamond and boron is *wild*, and aside from these qualities, it simply sounds beautiful. I'm at a point in this reckless audio journey where many would recommend a nice MC cart, but I genuinely have no interest in one. This cart is so low-maintanance, so easy to re-tip (requires an allen wrench and 5 minutes), and so delightful to listen to that I simply don't care what else is out there. If you can swing it, get it.

I was looking for a high quality MM cartridge for my Technics turntable. I wanted MM because I’m using a vintage preamp. I found the setup was not difficult using the simple but clear instructions that were provided. I also followed the turntables instructions. I’m very happy with the sound quality. Excellent bass, smooth sounding without harshness. The stylus is replaceable which will save some money as opposed to having to replace a whole cartridge. The company has a long history of operating in japan which is something I valued. The cartridge feels and looks high quality and so does the packaging it came in.

Absolutely superb! Robust spund across the freq. Range. Sub bass and mid bass are deep and detailed. Drums are bold, never shy. They let you know who's boss. For the low and mid range. Definitely amazing. Highs are not harsh, sharp, brittle, yet very clear. They are just warm enough to be ear friendly, vibrant enough to resonate in your room, and detailed enough to hear the instrument for what it really is. I hate it! I wanted a horrible cartridge and I got stuck purchasing this beautiful masterpiece.

This cart is where you get true audiophile sound. It’s expensive but for the price it’s better then carts below and above this price point. Bass is amazing. Low noice. It tracks like fine piece of art. My system: Technics GR, Schiit Mani, Elac Ub5, Denon AVR

Straight to the point. Yes, you should buy the Nagaoka MP-500. The cartridge market is flooded with "good" cartridges. Music is my hobby and I don't view it as an expense. It makes me happy. This cartridge MAKES ME HAPPY! Many reviews talk about this cartridge before it has completed its break in period. Before the MP-500 has been broken in, it can out perform most all cartridges on the market. After it is broken in, you'd have to jump into a Soundsmith Cartridge to find better. If you are thinking about buying the MP-500 ask yourself this. "What kind of turntable do I have?" If you own an Audio-Technica At LP120 or equivalent ($250)? Buy a Nagaoka MP-110. If you own a Technics SL-1200 or equivalent ($500-1,000)? Buy the Nagaoka MP-200. If you LOVE your music and you want it. Buy the MP-500. Highs, Mids, Bass and everything in between explodes. I hate to sound cliche, but it truly is as if you are listening to a record for the first time. This cartridge will take you through Van Halen, George Winston, Paul Simon, Yo-Yo Ma, Depeche Mode, U2, Metallica, NWA, Beethoven, Benny Goodman, Nirvana, Snoop-Dogg, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy, Marvin Gaye, Elle Fitzgerald, and the list could go on all day. I have owned countless cartridges and for the money and love, the Nagaoka MP-500 is the Mike Tyson of cartridges. I didn't say Ali (Soundsmith)! This is simply a musics lover's cartridge. Worth every penny. Amazing music adventures await you.

For me $700 for a phono cartridge is serious cash. But in this topsy turvey world of newly discovered analog, it’s downright cheap. Yes I have lusted for the $5,000 Benz Micros and the $12,000 Koetsu’s but that is the lunatic fringe. It’s not that I cannot appreciate how great they sound, but they are simply beyond my reach. The MP-500H is equipped with a boron cantilever and a super fine line stylus. Give it some serious break-in time before you judge this cartridge. I did jump the gun and removed this cartridge from my analog rig way too soon. When the replacement cartridge fell apart, I revisited the MP-500. In 20 additional hours of play time it started sounding good. Then one day I put a James Taylor album on the turntable and it blew my digital gear away. It’s that good. Does a $12,000 cartridge sound better. It sure does. But in the world of normality, there is nothing this cartridge cannot do. I think I will buy a replacement stylus and settle in for the long haul. Very satisfied.

I love the sound and low tracking force at 1.73 grams. I purchased mine in Japan last year. The bass is deep and firm, the midrange sounds natural and the highs are super clean and silky smooth. I am using it on a carbon fiber tonearm (Infinity Black Widow with a modified counterweight). This cartridge will tell you if the VTA and the tracking angle are off. I love this cartridge. I don't see any point in looking for something better to beat this one. I'll just save my money for a spare replacement stylus.