{"product_id":"nagaoka-mp-500-phono-cartridge","title":"Nagaoka MP-500 Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003ch1\u003eNagaoka MP-500 Phono Cartridge\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLine-contact diamond, boron cantilever, and machined aluminum frame\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Nagaoka MP-500 combines the company's Moving Permalloy generator with a boron cantilever and line-contact diamond stylus. A machined aluminum frame gives the generator and suspension a rigid mechanical foundation, while the replaceable stylus and 3 mV output retain the practical advantages associated with the MP series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe line-contact stylus is the MP-500's defining difference from the MP-300 below it, providing a longer groove contact and fine tracing profile for retrieving high-frequency information with low distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMoving Permalloy Generator\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMP stands for Moving Permalloy. Instead of attaching a comparatively heavy magnet to the rear of the cantilever, Nagaoka uses a lightweight piece of magnetically permeable permalloy while the magnet and coils remain stationary in the cartridge body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reduced moving mass allows the cantilever to respond freely to small groove modulations while producing enough output for a conventional MM phonostage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLine-Contact Diamond\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MP-500 uses a line-contact diamond rather than the elliptical profiles fitted to the MP-300 and lower models. Its narrow tracing surface follows short-wavelength groove modulation accurately, while its elongated contact with the groove wall distributes tracking force over a larger area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBoron Cantilever\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoron combines very high stiffness with low mass, allowing the cantilever to transmit stylus movement to the generator with minimal flexure. This is particularly useful for preserving small, rapid groove movements traced by the line-contact diamond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMachined Aluminum Frame\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MP-500 uses a machined aluminum frame rather than relying solely on a molded cartridge structure. The rigid metal assembly provides a stable mechanical reference for the generator and suspension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eReplaceable Stylus\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe matching replacement stylus is the Nagaoka JN-P500, retaining the line-contact diamond and boron cantilever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMP-500 cartridge\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus guard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting screws, washers, and nuts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNon-magnetic screwdriver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eType:\u003c\/b\u003e Moving Permalloy stereo cartridge\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMounting:\u003c\/b\u003e 1\/2 in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStylus:\u003c\/b\u003e Line-contact diamond\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCantilever:\u003c\/b\u003e Boron\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Voltage (At 1 kHz, 5 cm\/sec):\u003c\/b\u003e 3 mV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency Response:\u003c\/b\u003e 20 Hz–25 kHz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChannel Separation (At 1 kHz):\u003c\/b\u003e 27 dB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChannel Balance (At 1 kHz):\u003c\/b\u003e ≤1 dB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDynamic Compliance (At 100 Hz):\u003c\/b\u003e 8.5 × 10\u003csup\u003e−6\u003c\/sup\u003e cm\/dyne\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eVertical Tracking Force:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.3–1.8 g\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLoad Resistance:\u003c\/b\u003e 47 kΩ\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLoad Capacitance:\u003c\/b\u003e 100 pF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrame:\u003c\/b\u003e Machined aluminum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReplacement Stylus:\u003c\/b\u003e JN-P500\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 7.8 g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nagaoka","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54067272941752,"sku":"MP-500","price":949.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1564\/1247\/files\/MP-500.png?v=1789663912","url":"https:\/\/upscaleaudio.com\/products\/nagaoka-mp-500-phono-cartridge","provider":"Upscale Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}