Nagaoka MP-110 MP Stereo Cartridge

Nagaoka MP-110 MP Stereo Cartridge

The Nagaoka MP-110 is a high-output MP-type stereo cartridge built as an easy step up from basic factory-fitted cartridges, combining a bonded elliptical diamond stylus, aluminium-alloy cantilever and 5mV output with straightforward 47kΩ moving-magnet phono-stage compatibility.

It is a practical choice for listeners who want more refinement from a turntable without moving into the lower-output and more setup-sensitive world of moving-coil cartridges. The MP-110 tracks at a sensible 1.5 to 2.0g, weighs 6.5g and uses a replaceable JN-P110 stylus, making it well suited to a broad range of conventional tonearms and phono inputs.

Nagaoka MP Generator Design

High output with low moving mass

Nagaoka's MP system uses a moving piece of magnetised Super Permalloy rather than moving the magnet itself. The aim is to keep the moving element light while retaining the healthy output level and replaceable-stylus convenience normally associated with moving-magnet cartridges.

For the system owner, the important part is compatibility: the MP-110 is designed to work into a standard 47kΩ phono input and produces 5mV at 5cm/sec, so it suits the phono stages built into many integrated amplifiers as well as dedicated MM phono preamps.

Bonded Elliptical Diamond Stylus

A sensible balance of tracking, detail and record friendliness

The 0.4 × 0.7mil bonded elliptical diamond is a clear step up from basic conical profiles. Its narrower contact geometry is designed to follow higher-frequency groove modulation more accurately while remaining relatively forgiving to align and use.

That makes the MP-110 a strong everyday cartridge for mixed record collections. As with any cartridge, correct alignment, tracking force and anti-skate matter more than simply fitting the body and playing a record. Good setup protects both the stylus and the record groove and is essential to getting the intended channel balance and tracking performance.

Aluminium-Alloy Cantilever

Lightweight construction for consistent groove tracking

The stylus is carried on a lightweight aluminium-alloy cantilever. Together with the MP generator and elliptical diamond, it gives the cartridge the ability to track subtle groove information while maintaining the robust 5mV output that makes system matching straightforward.

Easy Phono-Stage Matching

Designed around the standard 47kΩ input

The MP-110 is specified for a 47kΩ load with 100pF capacitance. In practical terms, that puts it firmly in familiar moving-magnet territory. You do not need a low-output MC input or step-up device, and most conventional MM phono stages will provide appropriate gain.

If your turntable or amplifier has adjustable loading, start with the manufacturer's 47kΩ recommendation. Capacitance is influenced by the phono stage, tonearm wiring and interconnect, so it is worth considering the whole signal path if you are chasing the final bit of tonal balance.

Replaceable JN-P110 Stylus

Keep the cartridge body and replace the wear component

The MP-110 uses the replaceable Nagaoka JN-P110 stylus assembly. That means normal stylus wear does not require replacing the complete cartridge body, which makes long-term ownership simpler and more economical.

Turntable and Tonearm Matching

Setup matters as much as the cartridge choice

At 6.5g, the MP-110 sits comfortably in the weight range expected by many standard detachable and fixed-headshell tonearms. Recommended tracking force is 1.5 to 2.0g. We normally begin in the middle-to-upper part of the recommended range during initial setup, then confirm tracking and channel balance once alignment and anti-skate are correct.

Cartridge compatibility is not only about whether the mounting screws fit. Tonearm effective mass, headshell weight, available counterweight range and phono-stage loading all contribute to the result. If you are unsure whether the MP-110 suits your turntable, talk to us before ordering and we can check the combination properly.

Key Features

• MP-type stereo cartridge
• 5mV output at 5cm/sec
• 20Hz–20kHz frequency response
• 0.4 × 0.7mil bonded elliptical diamond stylus
• Lightweight aluminium-alloy cantilever
• 23dB channel separation at 1kHz
• Channel balance within 1.5dB
• 47kΩ recommended load resistance
• 100pF recommended load capacitance
• 1.5–2.0g recommended tracking force
• 6.5g cartridge weight
• Replaceable JN-P110 stylus

Specifications

Detailed Technical Specifications

For those who like to drag out all the useful bits

Important Notes

• Correct cartridge alignment, tracking force and anti-skate are essential for proper performance and record care.
• The MP-110 is intended for standard 47kΩ phono inputs.
• Check tonearm counterweight range and cartridge compatibility before installation.
• The replacement stylus is the Nagaoka JN-P110.

The Audio Experts Take

The MP-110 sits in a very useful part of the cartridge market. It is substantial enough to be a genuine upgrade from the entry-level cartridges supplied on many turntables, but it does not demand an exotic phono stage or difficult setup to make sense.

The 5mV output and 47kΩ loading make it easy to integrate, while the elliptical stylus gives you a worthwhile improvement in groove tracing without becoming overly fussy. It is a sensible choice for someone upgrading the cartridge before replacing the whole turntable.

We would still treat setup as part of the purchase. Cartridge alignment, tracking force and phono-stage compatibility have a major influence on the result, so if you want to know whether the MP-110 is the right match for your tonearm and phono input, ask us and we can check the combination properly.