Nagaoka MP-200 (MP200) phono cartridge

NAGAOKA MP-200 MP 200 MP200 PHONO CARTRIDGE

The Nagaoka MP-200 is a cartridge of musical contrasts. On one hand, it is a very refined cartridge that offers an organic, fluid presentation with an engaging midrange reproduction of vocals and instruments, and superbly smooth highs. On the other hand, it retains the detail, luster, dynamics and presence of music that are so often buried and attenuated by smooth sounding cartridges. It is this ability to engage music with its contrasts that makes the MP-200 so endearing, involving and extraordinary when compared to its price peers and beyond.

For many, this is the final cartridge to own given its affordability and ROME (return on musical enjoyment). For the few who seek beyond, the Nagaoka the MP-300 and MP-500 offer suitable solace.

Nagaoka MP-200 Phono Cartridge Specifications
- Type: Moving magnet
- Cantilever: High-strength Boron
- Stylus type: Superfine elliptical diamond
- Weight: 6.5 g
- Height: 18.6 mm (from top edge to stylus tip)
- Output voltage @ 1kHz,5cm/sec: 4mV
- Frequency response: 20Hz-23kHz
- Channel balance @ 1kHz: > 1.5dB
- Channel separation @ 1kHz: > 25dB
- Recommended loading: 47k ohms
- Dynamic compliance: 7.2 x 10-6 cm/dyne
- Static compliance: 20 x 10-6 cm/dyne
- Tracking force range: 1.5 - 2.0 g
- Break-in period: 30 hours
- Stylus replacement: Nagaoka JN-P200

Note: Nagaoka created the MP cartridges for use with their specified stylus. Thus using a MP200 stylus (JNP200) with a MP150 cartridge may upgrade its sound quality (SQ) BUT will not turn it into a MP200 cartridge. Same for the MP100 and MP110, MP300 and MP500.

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Footnote 1: See very informative review at Under $1,000 moving magnet cartridge shootout, 11 cartridges reviewed!.