Nagaoka Launches MP-700 Cartridge at High End Munich 2025
Nagaoka has unveiled the highly anticipated MP-700 Moving Permalloy cartridge ahead of its official debut at High End Munich 2025. Building on an 85-year legacy of precision audio engineering, the MP-700 leads the esteemed MP series with innovative design enhancements that promise to elevate vinyl playback.
The MP-700 distinguishes itself from traditional Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges through its Moving Permalloy (MP) design. By utilizing a lightweight permalloy magnet attached to a boron cantilever, the cartridge significantly reduces moving mass. This allows the stylus to navigate grooves with greater freedom and accuracy, resulting in a more refined and detailed sound reproduction. The integration of a micro-ridge naked diamond stylus measuring 0.12 x 0.3 mil ensures exceptional detail retrieval, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Engineered for optimal performance, the MP-700 employs the softest damper available, enabling the boron cantilever to move effortlessly. To counter potential instability from the softer damping, a newly integrated suspension wire controls the movement of both the cantilever and stylus. This innovation maintains stability while preserving clarity, particularly in the treble range, leading to improved separation and precise representation of bass tones and timbre across all frequencies.
Constructed with a shielded ultra-duralumin case and cartridge frame, the MP-700 features a three-layer surface treatment of nickel plating, black tin plating, and an insulating coating. This robust construction minimizes static interference and enhances heat and wear resistance, ensuring long-term durability and consistent performance.
Set to launch globally on May 13, 2025, in celebration of Nagaoka's 85th anniversary, the MP-700 will be available in both standard and premium versions, priced at $1,399 and $1,499 respectively. Additionally, the replacement JN-P700 stylus is offered at $789, providing audiophiles with an option to maintain their setup with ease.
