NagaokaMP200 Cartridge

I have had many reasonably good cartridges over the years, many of which were of the Moving Coil type, reputed for transparent and clear sound with good bass and top end.This Nagaoka MP200 will sound best after a run in period - but actually sound good straight out of the box anyway (unlike some).Great care setting up is needed and if you are not really confident then get a professional to do it for you.The fixing bolts screw up from underneath and the 'nuts' are round with screwdriver slots - but really you need pointed nose pliers.The stylus is set back in the cartridge and hard to see when adjusting the overhang.Once all set up you will notice clean clear deep bass usually associated with more expensive Moving coils - also a smooth detailed clear midrange - beautifully integrated with the bass - the treble is also clean and well extended but not overly bright so it is clean and detailed but not fatiguingSide by side with CD it has a similar balance yet smoother.UPDATE: After quite a bit of use I am even more impressed.This pickup is kind with old pressings and scratchy old records - somehow digging out the detail and laying the surface noise further back. I still feel this is as good as any affordable MC I have owned.

Very decent cartridge, good detail, quick with transients, picks out the subtleties well, tracks well. Slightly mellow, unforgiving with worn records, took all 30 hours to break in. IMO.

Superb cartridge and an absolutely amazing upgrade from my Rega Elys2. The price was the cheapest place anywhere and it arrived less than 24hrs after I ordered. Highly recommend the seller and product.

The MP 200 sounds amazing better than my previous MP 150 highly recommended

I bought this item on the recommendation of a friend. I am Impressed with the performance at this price point and therefore happily recommend it.