#test : Nagaoka MP-110, MP-150, MP-200 phono stylus & cartridges

This opening chapter begins a series of articles dedicated to phono cartridges, those minuscule transducers upon which the truth of the analog signal depends far more than one might imagine.

In high-fidelity, the balance of a system relies on a subtle interplay of matching: every component matters, none must betray the whole. But when the time comes to elevate one's listening experience, one truth becomes evident to the discerning audiophile: the source remains the foundation of any sonic aspiration. And even more so when it comes to vinyl playback

Here, everything begins with signals of extreme fragility, born deep within the groove, destined thereafter for very high amplification. The slightest gain in accuracy, noise floor, or precision achieved at this initial stage permeates the entire reproduction chain.

This is why the choice of cartridge cannot be considered secondary: it is, on the contrary, absolutely foundational.

Phono Cartridge: Critical Electromechanical Transducer

The phono cartridge constitutes the most complex and sensitive element in the entire analog playback chain. It performs an electromechanical conversion at very low level, under extreme conditions: variable linear velocity of the groove, high cantilever accelerations, non-linear mechanical stresses, and the necessity of perfect compatibility with the tonearm and phono preamplifier.

This first review focuses on the comparative and evolutionary analysis of three Nagaoka cartridges with MP technology, paired with an iFi Audio ZEN Phono 3 external phono preamplifier, selected for its neutrality and fine-tuning capability.

MM, MC and MP: Functional Differences

Two main technologies exist: MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil)

Although classified as MM, Nagaoka MP cartridges are distinguished by:

• a moving mass intermediate between MM and MC

• a more linear frequency response in the upper spectrum

• superior phase stability

  
  

Unlike MC designs, they retain:

• high output level

• universal compatibility

• simplified maintenance

  
  

Nagaoka: Materials Mastery and Moving Mass Control

Founded in 1940, Nagaoka has established itself as one of the very rare manufacturers to master in-house stylus production. This expertise is fundamental: the geometry, polishing quality, and rigidity of the diamond directly determine groove tracking ability, tracing distortion, and record wear.

MP (Moving Permalloy) technology differs from conventional MM designs through the use of a high-permeability ferromagnetic alloy (permalloy), displaced within the magnetic field: instead of a heavy moving magnet, an ultra-lightweight permalloy element oscillates within a fixed magnetic field.

This principle enables:

• significant reduction in moving mass

• improved transient response

• reduced mechanical losses

  
  

Electrically, MP cartridges exhibit lower inductance than many traditional MM designs, which limits interaction with the phono preamplifier's input capacitance.

iFi Audio ZEN Phono 3: Reference Platform for Analysis

The ZEN Phono 3 is based on a low-noise topology, featuring:

• hybrid passive/active RIAA equalization

• high-precision SMD components

• heavily filtered power supply

• extremely low input noise floor for its class

• subsonic filter

• 4.4mm balanced and RCA line outputs

• 36-72dB gain range

• Two MM and MC-High loading options (100 & 200pF) & MC-Low and MC-Very Low options (100, 400 & 1kΩ)

It offers multiple gain settings, enabling signal-to-noise ratio optimization without dynamic overload. The manufacturer recommends a 50-hour break-in period

Technical Specifications of Compared Cartridges

Modèle	MP-110	MP-150	MP-200
Diamond stylus	Elliptique collé	Elliptique nude	Elliptique nude haute précision
Output level Response frequency	~5 mV 20 - 20 kHz	~4,5 mV 20 - 20 kHz	~4 mV 20 - 23 kHz
Compliance	~18 µm/mN	~20 µm/mN	~20 µm/mN
Tracking force	1,5 – 2,0 g	1,3 – 1,8 g	1,5 – 2,0 g
Séparation canaux	23 dB	25 dB	27 dB

👉 Moving up the range translates to improved channel separation, reduced moving mass, and superior cantilever control.

Compliance Compliance measures the suppleness of the cantilever suspension. A high value indicates a flexible suspension that tracks the grooves easily, while a low value signifies a more rigid suspension.

The Nagaoka MP-110, MP-150, and MP-200 cartridges feature dynamic compliance compatible with medium to high-mass tonearms (10-18g), ideal for turntables such as Audio-Technica, Technics SL, Pro-Ject, Rega, or Thorens.

Stylus Type All three Nagaoka cartridges use elliptical diamonds (bonded for the MP-110, nude for the others), but differ in their polishing and materials.

MP-110: Bonded on standard aluminum alloy cantilever

MP-150: Nude on lightweight, stiffened aluminum alloy cantilever

MP-200: Nude on ultra-lightweight boron cantilever.

Implementation was carried out for listening on a Technics SL-1401 turntable, Technics SU-G700 amplifier, Cabasse loudspeakers, and for spectral analysis also directly from the preamplifier to a Universal Audio digital audio interface (24-bit/192kHz) with real-time monitoring using FabFilter Pro-Q 4 plugin and Focal Clear headphones.

Technical Listening Analysis

MP-110: Stability and Tolerance

The MP-110 favors high mechanical damping, resulting in:

• excellent tracking on imperfect records

• controlled harmonic distortion

• deliberately rolled-off frequency response beyond 12 kHz

  
  

Unapologetically versatile, it honors the entire spectrum admirably. Spatially, the soundstage is stable with good depth. Very well balanced with slightly damped transients, which promotes fatigue-free extended listening sessions. Highly enjoyable in use.

MP-150 : optimized transient response

With the MP-150, the lower moving mass noticeably improves:

• transient rise time

• attack precision

• lower midrange definition

  
  

The subjective bandwidth extends, phase response appears better preserved, and the stereo image gains lateral coherence. There is more body in the upper midrange (4kHz and 9kHz) and especially more air in the treble (between 9kHz and 15kHz) with reduced surface noise

MP-200 : resolution and microdynamics

The MP-200 is distinguished by:

• wide soundstage

• enriched detail retrieval

• superior reproduction of micro-amplitude variations

• increased operational silence

• 
  

The MP-200 offers a highly balanced presentation, characterized by neutral timbre and minimal coloration. The midrange register proves articulate and resolving, with precisely focused vocals. Even more air and detail is evident in the upper midrange zone (4kHz and 9kHz).

Natural reverberations are longer and better delineated, indicative of more faithful groove tracking thanks to the boron cantilever.

Sonic planes are layered, depth becomes tangible. The soundstage benefits from wide lateral extension, coherent depth, and stable layering, ensuring precise and structured imaging. In short, an exceptionally enjoyable cartridge for listening.

Cartridge/Preamplifier Interaction: Role of the ZEN Phono 3

The ZEN Phono 3 proves particularly relevant for:

• stabilizing the low end (controlled input impedance)

• preserving dynamics at high levels

• avoiding premature clipping

  
  

With the MP-200, the pairing reveals a resolution capability approaching certain entry/mid-level MC cartridges, while maintaining the ease of use of an MM design.

Technical Verdict

Configuration	Analyse
MP-110 + ZEN Phono 3	Reliable tracking, controlled, highly tolerant
MP-150 + ZEN Phono 3	Optimal balance, linear response
MP-200 + ZEN Phono 3	High resolution, three-dimensional soundstage

Conclusion

The MP-110 stands out for its ease of matching, tolerance of average pressings, and stability on medium-mass tonearms. It establishes a sound, reliable, and musically coherent foundation.

The MP-150 delivers an immediately perceptible gain in definition and channel separation, with more precise stereo imaging and better-controlled upper spectrum. It demands more careful setup, but rewards with cleaner, more structured tracking.

The MP-200 takes this logic further, with superior groove tracking and more resolving reproduction of low-level information. It emerges as the most technically accomplished, without compromising the tonal balance or universal compatibility that define the appeal of the MP series.

More info: https://fusion-acoustic.com/nagaoka/

Next step: moving coil cartridge testing.

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