Nagaoka MP700 cartridge

Nagaoka has been offering only very high quality moving magnet cells for over ¾ of a century. Fans of this technology appreciate being able to change the diamond as they wish and being able to do without an MC preamplifier.

To satisfy demanding music lovers, the manufacturer has developed a new high-end cartridge, the Nagaoka MP700. This commemorates the 85th anniversary of the brand which clearly displays all the know-how of the Japanese manufacturer.

Nagaoka MP700: characteristics

The presentation is relatively sober, unlike the famous MP500. The whole cell wears a matte black dress but above all remains faithful to the look of the brand. It reminds us of a pretty golden “Lego”.

The MP-700 features an armored body, made from Ultra-Duralumin, with a three-layer surface treatment: nickel plating, black tin plating and insulating coating. 

This treatment minimizes interference and improves resistance to heat and wear, and also preserves the exterior appearance.

This body is particularly inert and rigid and therefore limits coloring.

It should be noted that its square shape facilitates its alignment on the cell holder. The manufacturing does not call for any criticism and reaches the level of its competitors.

We can only regret that this Nagaoka MP700 does not have a captive nut to facilitate its tightening and alignment. However, if this were the case, it would be impossible to install on certain cell holders like that of the Thorens TD 160, TD 166...

Nagaoka MP700 : Stylus

The MP-700 features a Boron cantilever combined with a new MicroRidge bare-type diamond measuring 0.12 x 0.3 millimeters. 

This association improves the precision of the restitution and makes it possible to extract the smallest details from the microgroove of vinyl records.

The mobile crew receives superb Permalloy (MP) magnets. Compared to conventional magnets, this magnetic part is lighter and therefore relieves all moving parts. Of course this remains entirely an MM technology, but it attempts to get closer to the lightness of an MC moving unit and attempt to approach the refinement and fidelity of a moving coil cell.

The MP-700 also features a new, more flexible suspension, allowing the Boron cantilever and stylus to produce optimal performance. 

The soft damper makes the cantilever movement faster and improves precision.

It is rare to find such an efficient combination on an MM cell.

It should be noted that to give the cell/stylus assembly excellent rigidity and limit vibrations, the stylus is screwed onto the cell. To change it you will need to use an Allen key.

Nagaoka MP700 : association

The 4 mV output level allows association with the majority of quality integrated or separate MM phono preamplifiers.

It should also be noted that the high compliance (18) and its low mass (8g) allow this Nagaoka MP500 to be mounted on a large number of arms with low or medium effective mass (Thorens, Dual, Lenco, Garrard, Pro-Ject, Rega, Linn, SME arm, etc.).

Nagaoka MP700: testing and listening

To come….