Nagaoka MP300
Moving magnet (MM) cartridge from Nagaoka, with boron cantilever and elliptical stylus, designed for turntables demanding high sound definition.
Description
The Nagaoka MP-300 is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge, positioned just above the MP-200 in the Japanese manufacturer's range. It mounts to the 1/2 inch standard and combines an elliptical diamond stylus with a boron cantilever.
The body, made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, forms a rigid housing shielded against magnetic interference, which limits parasitic resonances in the cartridge body. The moving assembly is built around a Samarium-Cobalt magnet paired with an ultra-rigid, very low mass boron cantilever, carrying a Superfine elliptical diamond stylus with a radius of 0.4 x 0.7 mil. This combination aims for high definition across the entire frequency response, low distortion, and precise tracking of groove modulations. The output level of 3 mV and channel separation of 25 dB at 1 kHz characterise its electrical behaviour, while the recommended tracking force, between 1.3 and 1.8 g, allows fine adjustment depending on the tonearm used.
This cartridge is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts seeking precise, detailed playback, with smooth, slightly rolled-off treble, clear midrange and articulate bass. It suits an already well set up phono system, where the turntable and tonearm allow this level of refinement to be fully exploited.
Technical specifications
| Body | plastic and carbon fibre |
| Diamond | elliptical, Superfine, 0.4 x 0.7 mil radius |
| Output level | 3 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec) |
| Channel separation | 25 dB (1 kHz) |
| Channel balance | 1 dB (1 kHz) |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 25 kHz |
| Dynamic compliance | 7.2 x 10-6 cm/dyne |
| Static compliance | 20 x 10-6 cm/dyne |
| Cartridge weight | 8 g |
| Recommended load | 47 kOhms |
| Tracking force | 1.3 to 1.8 g |
What to check before buying used
The elliptical diamond and boron cantilever are the most sensitive wear and fragility points on this type of cartridge: check the stylus tip for flat spots and the cantilever's integrity, as it can become misaligned or crack from impact. Also check the condition of the shielding and carbon fibre body, as well as the fixing to the cartridge mount, to rule out any mechanical play. Careful cleaning of the stylus before first use is recommended, without applying force to the cantilever.
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