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Nagaoka MP-500 Phono Cartridge (MM) Selling my very special Nagaoka MP-500 package including; Nagaoka MP-500 Cartridge & Stylus - (as new < 1 hour use) Nagaoka HSAL-01 Headshell (as new) Nagaoka AM-801/2 Stylus Cleaning Fluid (new unopened) This is a complete Nagaoka package as pictured, purchased here in Melbourne just 2 weeks ago. I’ve played the beginning of a couple of LPs to confirm its operation, which was perfect, and then stored, ready for a planned additional turntable project, which I’ve decided not to proceed with due to other commitments. All in pristine condition, this would
Conditioned as new, A$950 is fair to slightly strong against your recent AUD used comp set: it sits above the median A$853 and just under the 75th percentile A$964, so it’s priced toward the top of the usual market but not over it. For a clean example, that can still make sense if the seller is effectively offering near-new certainty rather than a typical used-deal discount.
That’s why the appeal here is the risk reduction: you’re buying a respected moving-magnet cartridge known for its refined, detailed, and natural presentation, with the kind of tracking and musicality that keeps it on enthusiast shortlists. If it’s truly new with full packaging and the stylus untouched, the extra spend over a median used piece is easier to justify; I’d mainly want confirmation of included accessories and genuine unused condition before treating it as a 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.
