Nagaoka MP150
Moving magnet (MM) cartridge fitted with a Superfine elliptical diamond and a Samarium-Cobalt magnet, for turntable.
Description
The Nagaoka MP150 is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge designed to be fitted to a turntable tonearm. It stands out for a stylus assembly combining a Superfine elliptical profile diamond, cut with a radius of 0.4 x 0.7 mil, with a tapered hardened aluminium alloy cantilever, designed to remain lightweight while staying rigid.
The Samarium-Cobalt magnet gives this cartridge an output level of 4.5 mV, measured at 1 kHz for a velocity of 5 cm/sec, which limits the need for additional amplification on the phono preamplifier side. The carbon-fibre reinforced plastic body combined with a housing shielded against magnetic interference protects the signal from unwanted interference. Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with channel separation of 24 dB and channel balance of 1.5 dB, measured at 1 kHz. Dynamic compliance of 6 x 10-6 cm/dyne and static compliance of 18 x 10-6 cm/dyne define the groove-tracking flexibility, to be considered in relation to the mass of the tonearm used.
- Cartridge weight: 6.5 g
- Recommended load: 47 kOhms
- Tracking force: 1.5 to 2 g
This cartridge is aimed at turntable enthusiasts seeking a noticeable improvement in tracking and playback quality, without requiring a very high-gain phono preamplifier thanks to its output level of 4.5 mV. It suits tonearms compatible with its tracking force of 1.5 to 2 g and its recommended load of 47 kOhms.
Technical specifications
| Body | Plastic and carbon fibre |
| Cantilever | Ultralight hardened aluminium alloy, tapered shape |
| Magnet | Samarium-Cobalt |
| Diamond | Elliptical, Superfine, radius 0.4 x 0.7 mil |
| Output level | 4.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) |
| Channel separation | 24 dB (1 kHz) |
| Channel balance | 1.5 dB (1 kHz) |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Dynamic compliance | 6 x 10-6 cm/dyne |
| Static compliance | 18 x 10-6 cm/dyne |
| Cartridge weight | 6.5 g |
| Recommended load | 47 kOhms |
| Tracking force | 1.5 to 2 g |
What to check before buying used
The Superfine elliptical diamond stylus is the part most exposed to wear: check its condition under magnification and for the absence of a flat spot, a sign of heavy use. Also check that the aluminium cantilever is not bent or misaligned, as an impact can throw off alignment without this always being visible to the naked eye. The housing and anti-magnetic shielding should be free of cracks, as the carbon-fibre body can become fragile over time or through poor fitting on the headshell.
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