Nagaoka Turns 85 with a Luxe New Cartridge: Meet the MP-700

A flagship model promising lifelike sound and masterful vinyl detail — debuting at High End Munich.

Close-up of a Nagaoka MP-700 turntable stylus on a spinning vinyl record. Warm lighting highlights the gold tonearm and black grooves.

For its 85th anniversary, legendary Japanese audio brand Nagaoka is pulling out all the stops with a brand-new flagship cartridge: the MP-700. This premium model sits at the pinnacle of the brand’s long-running MP (Moving Permalloy) line — and it’s shaping up to be a celebration of heritage, precision, and audio excellence.

Set for its official launch at High End Munich 2025 (May 15–18), the MP-700 is built to offer an unmatched “vivid and lifelike listening experience” to the most discerning of vinyl enthusiasts.

From Clockwork to Cartridges: Nagaoka’s Journey

Nagaoka began life in 1940 as a manufacturer of precision clock parts, later pivoting into fine jewelry, and finally evolving into a household name in stylus and cartridge innovation.

Their craftsmanship roots show — the award-winning MP-200 remains a favorite in the midrange segment. But the MP-700? This is something else entirely.

Black Nagaoka MP-700 phono cartridge with visible wiring on a white background. Gold label and metal connectors add detail.

What Makes the MP-700 a Flagship?

Engineered for those chasing uncompromising sonic fidelity, the MP-700 combines cutting-edge materials, meticulous design, and elite specs to capture every nuance pressed into vinyl.

Key Features:

🧲 Moving Permalloy (MP) designA lightweight permalloy armature replaces a standard magnet, reducing moving mass and enhancing stylus precision.
💎 Micro-ridge nude diamond stylusPrecision-ground at 0.12 x 0.3 mil, designed to extract exceptional detail from deep within vinyl grooves.
🪵 Boron cantileverStiff and ultra-light for superior tracking accuracy.
⚖️ Integrated suspension wire systemDelivers improved channel separation, clarity, and tonal stability across the frequency range.
🛡️ Ultra-duralumin bodyMade from copper-aluminum alloy, then treated with:
- Nickel plating
- Black tin finish
- Insulating coating✅ For protection against EMI, heat, wear, and static.

The Specs, Distilled:

Feature	Details
Stylus	Micro-ridge nude diamond (0.12 x 0.3 mil)
Cantilever	Boron
Body Material	Ultra-duralumin with multi-layer coating
Output	Moving Permalloy (MP) design
Frequency Performance	Optimized for clarity across full spectrum

Black Nagaoka MP-700H cartridge box with gold text and design on a plain gray background.

Pricing & Models

This is no entry-level cartridge — but audiophiles know great analog detail doesn’t come cheap.

MP-700 Cartridge Only: £1149 / $1399
MP-700H (with headshell): £1249 / $1499
JN-P700 Replacement Stylus: £599 / $789

Expected availability: May 2025, shortly after its High End Munich debut.

Final Notes

The MP-700 is more than just a commemorative model — it’s a milestone in Nagaoka’s cartridge legacy. With a blend of precision engineering and audiophile finesse, it’s designed to bring your records to life in startling detail and realism.

🎂 85 years in, Nagaoka is still pushing boundaries — one groove at a time.