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PREOWNED – FULLY TESTED – COMPLETE AND IN GREAT CONDITION – 15 HOURS OF USE
The Nagaoka MP-300H is a high-end moving permalloy (MM-type) stereo phono cartridge that comes pre-mounted on a dedicated lightweight headshell. It features a 0.4 x 0.7 mil superfine polished elliptical bonded diamond stylus and a hardened, low-mass high-strength boron cantilever.
Key Technical Specifications
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 25,000 Hz
• Output Voltage: 3.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
• Tracking Force: 1.3 g to 1.8 g (16 mN recommended)
• Channel Separation: 25 dB at 1 kHz
• Channel Balance: 1.0 dB or less
• Recommended Load Resistance: 47,000 ohms
• Recommended Load Capacitance: 100 pF
• Cartridge Weight: 8.0 g
• Total Weight (with Headshell): 21.5 g – 26.1 g depending on hardware
Design and Build
• Magnet: Powerful samarium cobalt magnet
• Shielding: Anti-ferrous magnetic permalloy shield casing
• Body: Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic housing with a machined aluminum frame
US$525 is a decent buy, but not a steal for this cartridge. New pricing clusters around US$729–US$779, while used-market sightings in the results include about US$558.78 and one unusually low US$375 listing, so this ask sits a bit above the cheap end but still below typical new retail.
That’s still attractive if it’s genuinely low-hours and complete, because the MP-300 is well liked for a smooth, refined MM presentation with solid detail and easy musicality. The real value is in a clean stylus, original packaging, and known history; with an unknown-condition cartridge, I’d want clear photos of the cantilever and stylus, plus confirmation of hours used before calling it a no-brainer.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Nagaoka, a Japanese precision manufacturer, traces its roots to 1940 when it began producing components for mechanical watches and clocks in Higashine, north of Tokyo. By 1947, the company had pivoted to turntable needles, leveraging its micro-fabrication expertise to specialize in analog audio technology. This heritage of high-precision engineering has positioned Nagaoka as a cornerstone of the global vinyl industry, supplying over 90% of the world's phono cartridge styli from its single factory.
The brand focuses exclusively on phono cartridges and replacement styli, with no diversification into amplifiers, speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables. Its flagship Moving Permalloy (MP) series, including entry-level models like the MP-110 and high-end options such as the MP-500, emphasizes in-house production of every component—from samarium cobalt magnets and diamond tips to coils and cantilevers. Complementary JT-series moving magnet designs and vinyl accessories round out a tightly curated lineup for analog playback.
Nagaoka holds a niche yet dominant market position as a mid-tier specialist revered by vinyl enthusiasts and professionals for its balanced sound, durability, and value. While not a household name among casual listeners, its technology powers many leading cartridge brands, earning "masterpiece" status for models like the legendary MP-110. This blend of reliability, precision, and performance makes it essential for discerning hi-fi buyers seeking authentic analog reproduction.
See all Nagaoka listings on RADAR.
