NagaokaMP150 Moving Magnet Phono Cartridge

Sounds as good as the reviews say- only downside is you must spend time aligning it - but at this price most people would be knowledgable- but placing the needle on the protractor is not easy because of the bulk and overhangWorth the effort though

This is a great sounding cartridge at a good price. It replaces my Ortofon Quintet blue and beats it hands down in all areas. It is a little bit more difficult to fit but that is the only downside.

Superb upgrade from Goldring elektra on RB250 arm. Seems to be more of everything without sibilance and surface noise. Detail is Very impressive especially when combined with a Schiit Mani phono stage. Suits my tastes anyway :)

Incredible.

I had a MP110 cartridge and was impressed with it on my refurbished Pioneer PL12D deck. However, I had read good things on the MP150. I took the plunge, and although a bit fiddle to bolt it in the pickup head shell, as there are no captive threads, the first track I played you could tell it was a marked improvement on the MP110. Much more bass output, a silkier clear top end on cymbals and percussion, and much better separation. Some of the tracks were quite stunning, and yet it is supposed to take 30 hours to run-in. It will only get better in time. It has a good balanced output as regards frequencies. Using it at present with a Naim amplifier and Rega Mk 3 fono preamp and Dynaudio DM7/2 speakers. There is noticeable decay of ambient reverb on some tracks, with a realistic dying away of sound. Yet lots of 'Ooomph' for Jazz, Classical and pop. Have only used it for around 3 hours so far, so awaiting more of the run-in benefits. I tried a wide range of vinyl, from Orchestras to Chet Atkins on guitar and Fleetwood Mac, and female American singer Keely Smith. All excellent, and believable. Would not want to go up to the MP200 on the Pioneer arm, as is not really suited to it, but no need, it sounds brilliant on the MP150.