Nagaoka

Founded in 1940 in Japan, Nagaoka originally started as a precision clock parts manufacturer, leveraging their expertise in micro-fabrication to specialize in processing micro elements with unparalleled perfection. The company transitioned into audio equipment production, becoming pioneers by producing sapphire replacement needles and manufacturing Japan's first diamond needle in 1956. Based in Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture in the Tohoku region, Nagaoka has spent over 80 years perfecting their craft as one of the world's major suppliers of vinyl pickup technology. The company is unique in the cartridge business as the only producer making all required parts in-house, maintaining 100% quality control over each individual component. Their audiophile-grade phono cartridges feature high-polished diamonds and have gained a cult following among turntable enthusiasts. The renowned MP Series, launched in 1979 and rising to fame in the West during the 1980s with the MP-10 model, has evolved into today's highly regarded MP-100 and beyond (MP-110, MP-150, MP-200+), celebrated for their exceptional price-to-performance ratio. Nagaoka styli are used by many world-renowned companies under their own labels, establishing the company as a global leader in phono and audio products. Over five decades, this Japanese micro-fabricator has become one of the most influential suppliers in the vinyl industry, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.