Nagaoka MP-100 Phono Cartridge

Conical diamond, aluminum-alloy cantilever, and high-output Moving Permalloy generator

The Nagaoka MP-100 is the entry point into the company's traditional Moving Permalloy cartridge series. Its straightforward 0.6 mil bonded conical diamond and aluminum-alloy cantilever are paired with the same fundamental low-moving-mass generator concept that distinguishes the MP family from conventional moving-magnet cartridges.

With 5 mV of output, a replaceable stylus, and standard 47 kΩ loading, the MP-100 is designed to work directly with ordinary MM phonostages. Its conical stylus also makes alignment comparatively forgiving and provides a practical choice for broad record collections.

Moving Permalloy Generator

Nagaoka's MP system differs from a conventional moving-magnet cartridge at the rear of the cantilever. Rather than moving a relatively heavy permanent magnet, the cantilever carries a small piece of lightweight permalloy that is magnetized by the stationary magnetic system inside the cartridge body.

Reducing the mass attached to the cantilever gives the stylus greater freedom to follow groove modulation while retaining the high electrical output associated with an MM-compatible cartridge.

0.6 Mil Conical Diamond

The MP-100 uses a 0.6 mil bonded conical diamond. Because a conical tip is rotationally symmetrical, its relationship to the groove is less sensitive to small alignment errors than more complex stylus profiles, making setup relatively straightforward.

The profile also makes the MP-100 well suited to general record playback, including collections that contain older or less-than-perfect pressings. Nagaoka specifies a tracking-force range of 1.8–2.3 g.

Aluminum-Alloy Cantilever

The diamond is mounted to an aluminum-alloy cantilever, combining low weight, durability, and economical manufacture. The cantilever carries the lightweight permalloy element that interacts with the cartridge's stationary magnetic circuit.

5 mV Output for MM Phonostages

The MP-100 produces 5 mV at the standard 5 cm/sec reference velocity, allowing it to connect directly to a conventional MM input. Nagaoka specifies a 47 kΩ load resistance and 100 pF load capacitance.

Replaceable Stylus

The stylus assembly is user-replaceable, allowing normal stylus wear to be addressed without replacing the cartridge body. The matching replacement is the Nagaoka JN-P100.

What's Included

• MP-100 cartridge
• Stylus guard
• Mounting screws, washers, and nuts
• Non-magnetic screwdriver

Specifications

Type: Moving Permalloy stereo cartridge

Mounting: 1/2 in.

Stylus: 0.6 mil bonded conical diamond

Cantilever: Aluminum alloy

Output Voltage (At 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec): 5 mV

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–20 kHz

Channel Separation (At 1 kHz): 22 dB

Channel Balance (At 1 kHz): ≤2 dB

Dynamic Compliance (At 100 Hz): 5.5 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne

Vertical Tracking Force: 1.8–2.3 g

Load Resistance: 47 kΩ

Load Capacitance: 100 pF

Replacement Stylus: JN-P100

Weight: 6.5 g