Nagaoka JT-80 BK MM cartridge

The “Jeweltone” range was created in 2020 by Japanese manufacturer Nagaoka to celebrate the brand’s 80^th anniversary.

In addition to the famous cartridges of the MP range, there are now two Jeweltone JT-80 models introducing a new design and style: the JT80 LB and the JT80 BK.

According to Nagaoka, the firm is said to produce 90% of all diamonds used for modern cartridges currently on the market, making it the largest producer in this field.

The Jeweltone “Black” features a very light but hard boron cantilever. The elliptical stylus is cut with high precision.

We also notice that the cartridge is 0.2 g lighter than its little sister the “Lapis Blue”.

The weight of the moving system was limited to enhance nuance and precision. Consequently, the output voltage of the Nagaoka BK is decreased to arrive at the lower limit of MM standard values. This is not a problem for most quality separate phono preamplifiers but the output voltage may be too low for some built-in phono preamps inside amplifiers.

The Nagaoka Jeweltone cartridges are suitable for average mass tonearms. 

The reproduction of the Nagaoka JT80 BK is of outstanding finesse and musicality. Frequency response and balance are stunningly right. Timbres are precise and very realistic. We also notice a natural and articulated aspect usually attributed to MC cartridges.

The compactness and “frontal” side of the JT-80LB “Lapis Blue” version is not present.

The “Black” version proves a little wider and more open without providing artificial clarity. Bass is remarkable through its surprising articulation and transparency. It’s the same for midrange, while treble is of incredible finesse for an MM cartridge.

You guessed it! The Nagaoka JT80 BK is surely part of the two or three best MM cartridges across all ranges.

Our favourite!