
NAGAOKA · MP
MP-type stereo cartridge MP-700
The flagship moving permalloy cartridge delivering unparalleled precision and natural musicality.
Marking Nagaoka's 85th anniversary, the MP-700 establishes a new reference point for the brand's storied MP series. By refining the classic moving permalloy principle, this flagship model achieves an extraordinary balance of high-output convenience and the granular detail typically associated with exotic moving coil designs.
At its core, the MP-700 utilises a newly developed generator that pushes performance boundaries through reduced mass and increased signal stability. The inclusion of a soft damper, complemented by a proprietary suspension wire in the pivot system, allows the assembly to track with exceptional speed and control, ensuring that even the most complex musical passages are rendered with clarity.
The sound character is defined by a rare combination of authority and finesse. Listeners will encounter a wide, deep soundstage, precise instrument placement, and a natural tonal richness that avoids the analytical fatigue often found in lesser high-end designs. It is an accomplished, authoritative cartridge that brings a sense of fresh discovery to even the most familiar vinyl records.
Key Features
01
Boron Cantilever
Equipped with a high-rigidity boron cantilever that minimizes moving mass for superior transient response and tracking precision.
02
Nude Micro-Ridge Stylus
Features a nude micro-ridge diamond stylus (0.12 x 0.3 mil) for exceptional detail retrieval and groove-wall contact.
03
Ultra-Duralumin Body
The chassis is crafted from ultra-duralumin with a triple-layer finish of nickel, black tin, and insulating coating to effectively suppress static and resonance.
04
Pivot Suspension Wire
A newly integrated suspension wire enhances the stability of the cantilever, providing improved channel separation and clarity.

Chapter 01
Engineering Legacy
The MP-700 is the culmination of over eight decades of Japanese precision manufacturing. By refining the moving permalloy principle—where a tiny permalloy element moves within fixed coils—Nagaoka has created a cartridge that bridges the gap between the practicality of moving magnet systems and the dynamic nuance of moving coil designs.

Chapter 02
On the Bench
Technically, the MP-700 excels through its highly efficient generator design and superior tracking ability. Achieving 30 dB of channel separation at 1 kHz, it provides a stable and etched stereo image. The integration of the softest damper in the MP series is expertly balanced by the new pivot suspension, ensuring that compliance remains high without sacrificing the control required for demanding tonearms.

Chapter 03
Listening Notes
In practice, the cartridge presents music with a sense of 'blacker' backgrounds and startling transparency. The midband is liquid and sweet, while the bass is tight and well-delineated. It possesses a rhythmic authority that makes complex arrangements feel effortless, maintaining its poise even during the most demanding peaks of a recording.
Specifications
Frequency response20 Hz – 27,000 Hz
Sensitivity4.0 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec)
Impedance47 kΩ
Power handling100 pF
Weight8.0 g
JAN4967736083577
Cantileverboron
with headshelldeadweight26.3g
Needle tipMicroridge Solid Diamond
Appropriate needle pressure1.4 g
Package ContentsCartridge body, needle cover, cartridge case, attached set (shell mounting screws, washer, nut, hex wrench, screwdriver), serial card, instruction manual
