Nagaoka MP-500 MP Stereo Cartridge

Nagaoka MP-500 MP Stereo Cartridge

The MP-500 is the established reference model in Nagaoka's classic MP range, built around a fine-line diamond stylus and boron cantilever for high-resolution groove tracing while retaining the practical replaceable-stylus architecture of the series.

This is a cartridge upgrade where setup matters. Correct overhang, alignment, tracking force and phono-stage loading are all part of getting the result the cartridge is capable of delivering.

Cartridge Design

It is intended for better turntables and tonearms where alignment, setup accuracy and phono-stage quality are good enough to take advantage of the more advanced stylus assembly.

System Matching and Setup

Use the manufacturer's recommended tracking-force range and a standard 47kΩ phono input where specified. Tonearm effective mass, headshell weight and available counterweight range should also be checked before installation.

Key Features

• Type: Moving Permalloy stereo cartridge
• Stylus: Fine-line diamond
• Cantilever: Boron
• Load: 47kΩ
• Weight: 8.0g
• Replacement stylus: JN-P500

Specifications

Detailed Technical Specifications

For those who like to drag out all the useful bits

Important Notes

• Cartridge alignment, tracking force and anti-skate should be set correctly after installation.
• Check tonearm and phono-stage compatibility before ordering.
• Replacement stylus compatibility is model-specific.

The Audio Experts Take

The MP-500 is not the cartridge to choose as a casual bolt-on upgrade. On a capable arm with careful setup, though, it is the model for listeners who want the most information from the classic MP platform without moving to a low-output MC design.