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Brand New Nagaoka MP-500 Cartridge.Can be picked-up in Montreal but I can also ship in Canada free of charge and the US for 45 CAD. (Reste of the world 75 CAD)
This is an ambitious ask: at US$837, it sits well above the comparable market’s US$680 75th percentile and far above the US$601 median, so I’d only pay it if the cartridge is genuinely exceptional condition or comes with strong provenance. Against the recent comp set, it’s not in bargain territory; it’s priced like a premium example.
That said, the MP-500 is well regarded for a refined, spacious top end, excellent tracking, and a very “finished” moving-magnet presentation that rewards a clean front end. If this one is original-owner, lightly used, and includes the stylus in genuinely strong shape plus the box and paperwork, the premium is easier to justify. If condition is unknown, I’d want clear photos of the stylus and cantilever before treating it as a serious buy.
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.
