Nagaoka MP200
Moving magnet (MM) cartridge with boron cantilever and Superfine elliptical diamond, designed for precise and detailed vinyl playback.
Description
The Nagaoka MP200 is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge intended to fit onto a turntable's tonearm. It sits within the Japanese manufacturer's MP range, just above the MP150, and is built around an architecture that combines the operating principle of MM cartridges with a lightweight moving assembly, inspired by solutions usually reserved for moving coil (MC) cartridges.
Its assembly combines a Samarium-Cobalt magnet, a boron cantilever and a Superfine elliptical diamond, ground with a 0.4 x 0.7 mil radius. The boron cantilever, a material with high tensile strength, contributes to precise groove tracking and extended low-frequency response. The body combines plastic and carbon fibre, with an anti-magnetic shielded housing that limits electromagnetic interference. The 4 mV output level and recommended 47 kOhm loading correspond to standard MM phono inputs, with a stated frequency response of 20 Hz to 23 kHz and a tracking force of between 1.5 and 2 g.
This cartridge is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts wishing to upgrade a turntable already fitted with a quality tonearm, seeking a lighter and more detailed assembly than an entry-level MM cartridge, without requiring the additional electronics needed for an MC cartridge.
Technical specifications
| Body | Plastic and carbon fibre |
| Cantilever | Boron |
| Magnet | Samarium-Cobalt |
| Diamond | Elliptical, Superfine, 0.4 x 0.7 mil radius |
| Output level | 4 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) |
| Channel separation | 25 dB (1 kHz) |
| Channel balance | 1.5 dB (1 kHz) |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 23 kHz |
| Dynamic compliance | 7.2 x 10-6 cm/dyne |
| Static compliance | 20 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
On a used Nagaoka MP200 cartridge, the condition of the diamond tip and boron cantilever deserves close inspection, as the latter is sensitive to impact despite its stated robustness. Also check that the stylus suspension has not hardened or lost its flexibility over time, as this would affect tracking and the recommended tracking force. The anti-magnetic shielding of the housing and the internal wiring must remain intact to preserve the original channel separation.
Looking for this reference: MP 200 ?
Tell us what you are looking for: our merchants are notified, and one of them may have it in stock.