Phono Cartridges

Pros

a nice, balanced sound

Cons

Nope

Review

In terms of recoil reduction, the MP-150 seems to me to be the best model in the Nagaoka lineup. It has a nice, balanced sound. Stylus: a nude 0.4 x 0.7 elliptical rhombus on a tapered aluminum cantilever. The lego-block shape makes aligning this cartridge easier than others I've had to work with. On Technics turntables, the overhang requirements of certain alignments cause the cartridge to hang off the end of the head housing quite a bit. In some cases it may be a little short. The head housing included in this kit is a bit longer, and is weighted to compensate. I was able to get whatever alignment I wanted with no problems. The Nagaoka MP-150 was a replacement for the very good, well-behaved AT-VM95SH. From the first time I tried it, it was hard not to notice the incredible separation, soundstage, and midrange texture. Bass and dynamics are also excellent, but it took some time for the suspension to settle in and the bass to come around. The treble has adequate airiness and detail, although there is a little more emphasis on recorded vocal sibilants than on the very refined Shibata. Tonal balance leans slightly toward the warmth side, but offers a very involving presentation. Overall, this is a decent upgrade over the VM95SH, though not in all aspects.

Pros

Eroica HX is a detailed cartridge

Cons

no

Review

The bolts would have put me off a bit. The 20-30 minutes I spent failing to attach the Nagoaka cart bolts was the most frustrating thing I've ever had to do to my system. I have big fingers, and by the end I was almost ready to smash the thing against the wall. But the Goldring Eroica HX is a detailed cartridge, and it proved to be a very strong and reliable tracker even with very dirty recordings.

Pros

great midrange and tight low bass.

Cons

the cartridge took a long time to install in the arm.

Review

I have used the Grado Silver, Empire 2000E, Shure V15iv with Toner HE stylus and the m75ed. The Mp-200 gives me all the detail I could want, no harshness, great midrange and tight low bass. It feels more musical than other cartridges I've owned. It sounds equally good on both modern and older recordings. Low surface noise and ESD. Great price. I give it a 4 for sound for an MM cartridge. The only downside was the price of a replacement stylus and the fact that the cartridge took a long time to install in the arm. The stylus didn't want to go into the cartridge, but it finally did.

Pros

low noise level

Cons

no

Review

I replaced my Ortofon OM5E with the Nagaoka JT and am very happy with it. Very low noise level. High resolution in the midrange frequencies. If you have an Orbit turntable, this would be a great upgrade. The little "Jeweltone" MM plays energetic and direct. It offers - within certain limits - some extra punch thanks to its elastic lower frequencies, and it also fits nicely into more affordable systems thanks to its relatively high output voltage. I only listened to it for 4-5 hours. It takes 25-30 to get used to it. I like it so far.

Pros

cartridge is well balanced

Cons

no

Review

As always, Nagaoka is at the top of its game very clean treble reproduction, really appreciable, and nothing to complain about in the mids and lows. This cartridge is silky smooth and well balanced. Deep bass, smooth highs. Very easy to set up. Compared to my AT VM540ML, the JT-80 has more detail and sounds perfectly balanced. This model is the same as the cartridge that came with the Technics 1200GAE special edition that was sold in Japan. You will not regret purchasing this cartridge.