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Brand new. I have used it to test all is good. RRP $489. Save $$$$
This is a buyer’s market for used moving-magnet cartridges, and A$380 is a strong deal for an MP-150 if the stylus is healthy. New examples sit around A$520–A$650 after currency conversion, so a clean, tested sample at A$380 is comfortably below typical replacement cost and worth pursuing.
The MP-150 is a particularly appealing all-rounder: open and detailed without turning bright, with articulate bass, smooth treble, low surface-noise emphasis, and excellent tracking from its nude elliptical stylus. It suits a good mid-to-high-end arm and offers much of the refinement people seek from pricier cartridges. Because stylus wear is the main value variable, ask for clear close-up photos or a known playing-hour estimate; with the original hardware and no bent cantilever, this looks like a genuine bargain.
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.
