NAGAOKA MP-200

[Taketheflame]

Maybe price for boron has gone up, but here they use 5-6mm length. I love Nagaoka cartridges, but I really believe that at least lately are way overpriced.
I agree with stratokaster that at similar prices one can get better cartridge.

Nagaoka prices have definitely skyrocketed within the past couple of years, but sometimes good deals can still be had from sellers in Japan.

I have an MP-200 with only a dozen or so hours on it but first impressions are very positive. It's a noticeable improvement over the MP-150 (which I quite like) and even more so over the MP-110 which I think is a great entry-level cartridge.

 

[vintageadict]

"

Nagaoka prices have definitely skyrocketed within the past couple of years, but sometimes good deals can still be had from sellers in Japan."

Their prices are high. I think I paid around $ 350-375 for mine. Hard to find one for less than $ 450 now.

Another favorite of mine is the Audio Technica AT-150 body. I got the 150ea body (same as the 150mlx but Japanese only version) on ebay for $ 40 with no stylus. Added the ATN 150sa stylus when they were less than $ 200.00. It sounds a little better than the Nagaoka imo. More detailed without being too bright like the 440mlb and others in that range. Bass characteristics are similar. I would recommend looking for the 150 body if one is willing to buy used. I load mine at 47k /100pf. New comparable would be the VM740sh. They look to be around $ 400 now with shibata stylus but just an aluminum cantilever vs the boron of the nagaoka. My preference would be the AT at current costs. Not a night and day difference but the AT has the edge imo.

 

[Ilikevinyl]

View attachment 2426111
Another happy MP-200 owner here. It’s one of my favorites!

Do you have your Thorens sub chassis springs tightened because of the Jelco VTA?

Have a Jelco TS-550S MKII tonearm on my Thorens TD-160 with that same VTA adjuster. Had to tighten the sub chassis so it wouldn't move while I was adjusting the VTA on-the-fly.

 

[Ilikevinyl]

"

Their prices are high. I think I paid around $ 350-375 for mine. Hard to find one for less than $ 450 now.

Another favorite of mine is the Audio Technica AT-150 body. I got the 150ea body (same as the 150mlx but Japanese only version) on ebay for $ 40 with no stylus. Added the ATN 150sa stylus when they were less than $ 200.00. It sounds a little better than the Nagaoka imo. More detailed without being too bright like the 440mlb and others in that range. Bass characteristics are similar. I would recommend looking for the 150 body if one is willing to buy used. I load mine at 47k /100pf. New comparable would be the VM740sh. They look to be around $ 400 now with shibata stylus but just an aluminum cantilever vs the boron of the nagaoka. My preference would be the AT at current costs. Not a night and day difference but the AT has the edge imo.

Paid $368 for my MP-200 last year. My Grado Opus3 I'm liking better! Those Grado Woody cartridges are special!

 

[maxhifi]

Paid $368 for my MP-200 last year. My Grado Opus3 I'm liking better! Those Grado Woody cartridges are special!


View attachment 2428755

really? What do you prefer about it?

 

[Ilikevinyl]

really? What do you prefer about it?

Grado has a very black background that'll get you closest to the MC sound. It hums a bit on my Thorens TD-160 but doesn't interfere with the music, background is still very black. The way it separates all the instruments within the sound stage (3D), airy, is better than the Nagaoka. Very wide channel separation, wider than Nagaoka. The only drawback of the Opus3 over the Nagaoka, it needs to be retipped. You can send it back to Grado and they will give you a brand new Opus3 for $180. Or, you can get it retipped with a microline stylus and it will really sound exceptional! Now, over $100 cheaper than MP-200! Opus3 a bargain! Vocals with the Opus3 velvety sounding.

 

[maxhifi]

Grado has a very black background that'll get you closest to the MC sound. It hums a bit on my Thorens TD-160 but doesn't interfere with the music, background is still very black. The way it separates all the instruments within the sound stage (3D), airy, is better than the Nagaoka. Very wide channel separation, wider than Nagaoka. The only drawback of the Opus3 over the Nagaoka, it needs to be retipped. You can send it back to Grado and they will give you a brand new Opus3 for $180. Or, you can get it retipped with a microline stylus and it will really sound exceptional! Now, over $100 cheaper than MP-200! Opus3 a bargain! Vocals with the Opus3 velvety sounding.

Now that's interesting, I might have to short list it for next time around

 

[Ilikevinyl]

Now that's interesting, I might have to short list it for next time around

You better get one before Grado raises the price on the Opus3. Cartridge comes in a handmade wooden case, like all Grado Woody cartridges.

 

[Ilikevinyl]

Now that's interesting, I might have to short list it for next time around

Another thing about Grado, hides some of the groove noise so used records sound better than Nagaoka.

 

[maxhifi]

You better get one before Grado raises the price on the Opus3. Cartridge comes in a handmade wooden case, like all Grado Woody cartridges.

I have to admit I went over to MC about half a year ago, and haven't really enjoyed the MP-200 since then, the airy highs produced by an MC just can't be matched by the Nag. Strangely the only MM I've really enjoyed recently is my old Clearaudio Aurum Classics wood. The prospect of a better sounding high output cart is always exciting though.

 

[Ilikevinyl]

I have to admit I went over to MC about half a year ago, and haven't really enjoyed the MP-200 since then, the airy highs produced by an MC just can't be matched by the Nag. Strangely the only MM I've really enjoyed recently is my old Clearaudio Aurum Classics wood. The prospect of a better sounding high output cart is always exciting though.

Grado Opus3 has airy highs, natural sounding. I bought the high output (4mv) but they make a low output (1 mv) .

 

[vintageadict]

I don’t. I have the easy vta mounted to my TD 321. It’s suspension is not quite as sensitive as the TD160. I do have the jelco 550s on a td 160 but I adjust the VTA manually on that one. Set it and forget it! Love the Jelco’s.

 

[Geoff777]

Hi I have pretty much read the whole thread! & I really like the MP200, lets just get that out there at the beginning.!
It is not currently on my turntable - another story, but the basics are relevant. I had the Gyrodec/Techno Arm MP200 and it worked quite well -
better than a 2M Blue by far. Next I got an AT VM540ML and I will come back to that. After that an AT 33EV. I already have an AT 630 SAT. More deep bass than the MP200 but not quite as tight and punchy - but has more weight to the deeper bass.
Switched now to a Technics SL1200G (yes I know!) TBH its a close thing between the decks each with its own good features. I still have the AT 33 EV, and also with a Jelco Head shell (TT Matt to be upgraded) I have recordings of every permutation using a reference track * (including direct CD copy as well) The Nagaoka MP200 is closest in overall balance to the CD but with nicer sounding detail - however compared with the AT33 EV its a narrower soundstage - not a deal breaker as its not by a big margin - SO I may end up popping the MP200 back on. Listening to a comparison between the MP300 & MP500 I would maybe consider an MP300 but have never heard it side by side with an MP200. I am currently switching between the Technics mat and an old Denon Mat and once I have a new Mat in mind for very soon. So my decision is to switch back to the MP200 with the benefit of easy user replaceable stylus, or try an MP300 (not cheap!).. Or maybe even an AT 760 SLC!I have still got an AT VM 540 ML - mixed bag!! Very good tracking and slightly better bass extension than the MP200 But it tends to sound unexciting somehow - The MP200 is far more tactile and percussive - So I was wondering further back about the AT VM 760 SLC but I got an AT 33EV which is just very nice all round - maybe not quite as tight as the MP200, but very musical and fluid. Thats the one that manages to always bring a smile to my face - so with the
Jelco head shell its as tight as the MP200 and maybe with an Achromat it will be spot on....or not!!
All that and no real conclusion - its a work in progress like most of us! !
Anyone in the market for or considering an MP200 I would so get one!
Its great! IMO the MP200 & MP300 are the sweet spot in the range - shame there is still no direct comparisons have found out there
* Reference track = Dave Valentin - 'Reel Life'

 

[knotscott]

Hi I have pretty much read the whole thread! & I really like the MP200, lets just get that out there at the beginning.!
It is not currently on my turntable - another story, but the basics are relevant. I had the Gyrodec/Techno Arm MP200 and it worked quite well -
better than a 2M Blue by far. Next I got an AT VM540ML and I will come back to that. After that an AT 33EV. I already have an AT 630 SAT. More deep bass than the MP200 but not quite as tight and punchy - but has more weight to the deeper bass.
Switched now to a Technics SL1200G (yes I know!) TBH its a close thing between the decks each with its own good features. I still have the AT 33 EV, and also with a Jelco Head shell (TT Matt to be upgraded) I have recordings of every permutation using a reference track * (including direct CD copy as well) The Nagaoka MP200 is closest in overall balance to the CD but with nicer sounding detail - however compared with the AT33 EV its a narrower soundstage - not a deal breaker as its not by a big margin - SO I may end up popping the MP200 back on. Listening to a comparison between the MP300 & MP500 I would maybe consider an MP300 but have never heard it side by side with an MP200. I am currently switching between the Technics mat and an old Denon Mat and once I have a new Mat in mind for very soon. So my decision is to switch back to the MP200 with the benefit of easy user replaceable stylus, or try an MP300 (not cheap!).. Or maybe even an AT 760 SLC!I have still got an AT VM 540 ML - mixed bag!! Very good tracking and slightly better bass extension than the MP200 But it tends to sound unexciting somehow - The MP200 is far more tactile and percussive - So I was wondering further back about the AT VM 760 SLC but I got an AT 33EV which is just very nice all round - maybe not quite as tight as the MP200, but very musical and fluid. Thats the one that manages to always bring a smile to my face - so with the
Jelco head shell its as tight as the MP200 and maybe with an Achromat it will be spot on....or not!!
All that and no real conclusion - its a work in progress like most of us! !
Anyone in the market for or considering an MP200 I would so get one!
Its great! IMO the MP200 & MP300 are the sweet spot in the range - shame there is still no direct comparisons have found out there
* Reference track = Dave Valentin - 'Reel Life'

The JN-P300 is nearly identical to the JN-P200 with very minor differences in compliance for the additional body mass of the MP300. You can add a JN-P500 stylus to the MP200 body with excellent results. CDJapan has them for ~ $200. I added one to the MP150 body (same body as MP200), and have been very pleased. It gives the midrange and dynamics of the MP200 body with the treble delicacy and trackability of the fine line profile, I did add some mass to my headshell to more closely match the body mass of the MP500.

 

[Geoff777]

I have thought about that in the past - I wondered if there were any great improvements over the MP200 with the MP300 -
I have heard both but completely separately - they seem somewhat similar... I would consider that possibility to try the MP200 body with an MP500 stylus.
I cannot decide if I should pursue the MP pathway, or stay MC and get the ML version of the AT 33 - The At 33 EV is very nice, and musical too. Directly comparing recordings from both decks under the same circumstances and the MP200 is close in overall performance with a few minor differences. Maybe use the AT 33 EV until it needs a new stylus then think again...I have to say it SO close I could go back to MM style pickups...

 

[knotscott]

I have thought about that in the past - I wondered if there were any great improvements over the MP200 with the MP300 -
I have heard both but completely separately - they seem somewhat similar... I would consider that possibility to try the MP200 body with an MP500 stylus.
I cannot decide if I should pursue the MP pathway, or stay MC and get the ML version of the AT 33 - The At 33 EV is very nice, and musical too. Directly comparing recordings from both decks under the same circumstances and the MP200 is close in overall performance with a few minor differences. Maybe use the AT 33 EV until it needs a new stylus then think again...I have to say it SO close I could go back to MM style pickups...

My MC experience is limited to the HOMCs I've owned, and the very high end stuff we've used at the shows on a system I'd get to hear a lot of, but not that I was intimately familiar with like my own system. A good system can easily reveal what the boron cantilever and nude fine line needle of the JN-P500. It brings another level of treble clarity and air without the treble rise or emphasis. In recent years, my better carts have been the Stanton 500 w/Swiss nude elliptical, AT-3600DLXVL, AT-VM95SH, SAE 1000E and 1000LT, Nag MP150, then MP500 needle on the 150. The 1000LT is really pretty nice....beautiful midrange clarity with somewhat subdued presentation (more typical of MC). My FrankeNag is a bit more forward, and notably more dynamic....mids and treble are great, just bit more there than the 1000LT. Bass from the Nag is more solid. YMMV on your setup, but as much as I like the 1000LT, I find myself still leaning to the FrankeNag on the current setup. I may pursue an SUT and LOMC at some point, but it opens another bag of snakes for bigger bucks. For now, and I suspect going forward at age 63, I'm super happy with what I have, and don't see a lot of point spending money for something I know has potential to be superior, but that I probably can't truly appreciate at this age, and that ain't getting any better by next year! MM/MI/MP can be stellar too.

 

[Old Guy8]

I have some 8k+ hearing loss and tinnitus. That disclosed.
I really like the MP-200 on my rebuilt LP12 with Basik LVX arm. Ear834 MM clone phono, Cronus Magnum amp and Ohm C2 speakers. It seems to track well with Basik arm. 1.8g tracking,1.5g antiskate.
Got it from a Japanese Ebay seller, last July.
Never had a MC cart to compare.
Other carts: Grado Blue2, Grado Gold2, Grado ME+mono, AT440MLB, Shure M95 LP Gear Vivid microline, ADC XLM.

 

[Geoff777]

My MC experience is limited to the HOMCs I've owned, and the very high end stuff we've used at the shows on a system I'd get to hear a lot of, but not that I was intimately familiar with like my own system. A good system can easily reveal what the boron cantilever and nude fine line needle of the JN-P500. It brings another level of treble clarity and air without the treble rise or emphasis. In recent years, my better carts have been the Stanton 500 w/Swiss nude elliptical, AT-3600DLXVL, AT-VM95SH, SAE 1000E and 1000LT, Nag MP150, then MP500 needle on the 150. The 1000LT is really pretty nice....beautiful midrange clarity with somewhat subdued presentation (more typical of MC). My FrankeNag is a bit more forward, and notably more dynamic....mids and treble are great, just bit more there than the 1000LT. Bass from the Nag is more solid. YMMV on your setup, but as much as I like the 1000LT, I find myself still leaning to the FrankeNag on the current setup. I may pursue an SUT and LOMC at some point, but it opens another bag of snakes for bigger bucks. For now, and I suspect going forward at age 63, I'm super happy with what I have, and don't see a lot of point spending money for something I know has potential to be superior, but that I probably can't truly appreciate at this age, and that ain't getting any better by next year! MM/MI/MP can be stellar too.

Nag MP200 is pretty good for sure - I might consider making it a FrankinNag at some point but the AT 33EV is a little more fluid and more solid and extended in the bass, plus a bit wider soundstage.. So I may stick with that or the AT33PTG II later..? I have a very old AT 630 SUT and its lovely if you can pick one up second hand...
(Edit Achromat has done its magic and the At33EV is tighter and cleaner without loosing any of its lush bass - Had to put the achromat on upside down though! another story!)

 

[troika]

I just crossed 30 hours with mine. I was patient and got a deal with a domestic supplier. I'm going to hold off on saying too much about the sound yet, because I'm really just starting to listen to it, but it's nice.

From a handling standpoint, the quality feel of it has exceed my fairly high expectations. Part of that might be that I set up my own table for really the first time to this degree. Everything just feels more precise and quiet and smooth. It's hard to say how much of that is the cartridge, but it seems like a good bit of it. I've set up Grado Prestige, Audio Technica, and Rega carts a few times, but it was almost always on a table that was set up for that cart or one like it. I really liked the Grado, but the Nagaoka just feels nicer.

And it is quieter than the Grado and the Rega Exact, both of which hummed on the cradle. With the volume up 1/2 way on my amp, I don't hear anything on the cradle or anywhere over the record. It's spooky silent. All the energy is there when the music is playing, though. I'll get back to you in about 10 listening hours on the rest.

I admit, the purple gave me pause, but I dig it. It's much cooler on the arm in my basement.

 

[Mr Boochie]

I liked the MP-200. If I didn't go to MC, I'd prolly still be using the Nagaoka.