Nagaoka MP-500 Cartridge

...a wealth of detail for the price...(scroll down for full review)

Nagaoka MP-500 Features:

Weight: 8,0g


Nagaoka MP Series Flyer PDF

Brian at Needle Dr loves this cartridge, here's what he says:

Nagaoka MP-500
The Nagaoka MP-500's nature is to get out of the way. It’s with that manner that it excels. She’s completely transparent, and offers a wealth of detail for the price. The high frequencies are especially sweet, and never fatiguing. This is most-likely due to it’s diamond profile - the ever exotic Shibata cut. Information is never lacking, nor edgy in the slightest. The balance between warmth and detail is almost laughable. Sure, it won’t blow you away with big, powerful bass, or the most lush, thick midrange, but it will certainly give you an honest portrayal of what lies in the grooves. Vocals are especially engaging, and plant themselves front and center - where they belong.

In listening to John Vanderslice’s “Pixel Revolt”, tracks like, “Trance Manual”, and “New Zealand Pines” were a testament to the MP-500s ability to make it seem like the vocalist was in the room. Guitars on “Continuation” were so good it hurt.

Further listening included Talking Heads “Stop Making Sense”, where the Nagaoka showed off a bit in handling the intense and tight rhythm sections. In, “Psycho Killer”, the distinction between the players was flawless, exposing a life-like soundstage - deep and wide.

To give the MP-500 a tough test, I threw the Mars Volta’s “Amputechture” at it. The long, drawn out intro, psychedelic and melodic, sounded lovely and imaginative - the band’s aim. When the guitars come out of the gate, and the drums get kicking, though, the MP-500s weaknesses were revealed. It just seemed like a bit much for her to handle, though it wasn’t awful.

All in all, this cartridge is a steal at the price, and will suit even a picky audiophile for many listening sessions.

Recommended Listening:
Small ensemble jazz
Pop/Rock
Vocal/Pop