Nagaoka MP-200 Phono Cartridge

Boron cantilever, elliptical diamond, and high-output Moving Permalloy generator

The Nagaoka MP-200 introduces a boron cantilever to the 6.5 g MP-series platform, pairing the stiff, lightweight material with a 0.4 × 0.7 mil elliptical diamond. The cartridge extends frequency response to 23 kHz while maintaining 4 mV of output for conventional MM phonostages.

The boron cantilever is the MP-200's principal mechanical distinction from the models below it, reducing flexure and moving mass while retaining the replaceable stylus and high-output operation of the MP design.

Moving Permalloy Generator

Rather than carrying a permanent magnet at the rear of the cantilever, Nagaoka's MP system uses a lightweight permalloy element within a stationary magnetic system.

The lower moving mass allows the cantilever to respond more freely to small groove modulations while still producing enough output for a standard 47 kΩ MM phonostage.

Boron Cantilever

Boron offers very high stiffness at low mass, helping the cantilever transmit stylus movement accurately without introducing significant flexure. This is especially useful when reproducing small, rapid high-frequency groove movements.

Elliptical Diamond

The 0.4 × 0.7 mil elliptical diamond has a narrower tracing radius than a conical stylus, allowing it to follow high-frequency groove modulation more accurately while remaining relatively straightforward to align.

4 mV Output

The MP-200 produces 4 mV at 5 cm/sec and is designed for standard MM gain. Nagaoka specifies a 47 kΩ load resistance and 100 pF load capacitance.

Replaceable Stylus

The matching replacement stylus is the Nagaoka JN-P200, retaining the boron cantilever and elliptical diamond.

What's Included

• MP-200 cartridge
• Stylus guard
• Mounting screws, washers, and nuts
• Non-magnetic screwdriver

Specifications

Type: Moving Permalloy stereo cartridge

Mounting: 1/2 in.

Stylus: 0.4 × 0.7 mil nude elliptical diamond

Cantilever: Boron

Output Voltage (At 1 kHz, 5 cm/sec): 4 mV

Frequency Response: 20 Hz–23 kHz

Channel Separation (At 1 kHz): 25 dB

Channel Balance (At 1 kHz): ≤1.5 dB

Dynamic Compliance (At 100 Hz): 7.2 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne

Vertical Tracking Force: 1.5–2 g

Load Resistance: 47 kΩ

Load Capacitance: 100 pF

Replacement Stylus: JN-P200

Weight: 6.5 g