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Nagaoka MM-type stereo cartridge MP-700
MP-700's commitment and innovation
The MP-700 incorporates meticulous design and innovative technology to provide an unprecedented experience for all music lovers.
1. Addition of magnetic flux induction plate inside the cartridge
By adding a magnetic flux induction plate, the flow of magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit is improved. The amount of magnetic flux around the permalloy at the rear end of the cantilever has been increased, and the sensitivity to weak vibrations has been improved. This makes it possible to capture a wide range of minute sounds that support spatial expression, and the sound image and localization become clearer. Please look forward to the new acoustic experience brought about by the evolution of the cartridge structure.
2. "Three-layer" surface treatment for both durability and beauty
The cart frame is made of ultra-duralumin. In addition, three layers of surface treatment (nickel plating, black tin plating, and insulating coating) are applied to the cart frame and shield case to suppress the intrusion of static electricity and achieve quietness and stability of sound quality through noise reduction. In addition, it combines heat resistance, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance, and retains its beauty over a long period of time.
3. Clear sound contours and stability produced by "tension wires" and "microridge needles"
Based on many years of research and technology, we are the first MP series to adopt a tension wire structure. It suppresses the effects of needle pressure changes due to warping and distortion of the vinyl record, improves the stability of tracing, and depicts the sound contours of each band more clearly. In addition, the use of microridge needles not only adds thickness and depth to the sound, but also emphasizes the clarity of the reverberant sound and achieves deep sound quality.
The supreme music experience for you
The MP-700 continues the tradition of the MP series with a modern evolution. In particular, the efficiency of the magnetic circuit and the adoption of the tension wire structure improve the clarity and spread of the sound, creating a richer music experience. Hopefully, it will be an attractive option for many audiophiles. The MP-700 is the crystallization of Nagaoka's technology and passion, which has carved out a history of 85 years. Please experience it for yourself.
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
89/100
Features Usability
87/100
Value for Money
85/100
The Nagaoka MP-700H brings high-resolution groove retrieval to moving-magnet playback, pairing a MicroRidge diamond and boron cantilever with clear dynamics, precise bass and naturally voiced mids. Best of High End found it composed through complex passages, with excellent channel separation and brilliant treble—a refined flagship for revealing vinyl systems.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers clear, dynamic and highly detailed reproduction that exposes subtle musical nuance.
Tracks complex passages with fine, clean detail and excellent channel separation.
Balances precise bass, natural midrange tone and brilliant high frequencies.
Ultra-duraluminium body and triple surface treatment are presented as robust, durable and resistant to electrostatic charge.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
The available review describes a notably clear, dynamic and refined presentation that exposes musical nuance without losing composure on demanding material. Bass is described as precise, the midrange natural and the treble brilliant, suggesting a carefully balanced and highly revealing sound.
Overall Sound
91/100
Best of High End calls the MP-700's listening experience exceptional, praising its clarity, dynamics and ability to reveal subtle musical information. Its reported balance of precise bass, natural midrange tone and open highs should suit listeners seeking a detailed, full-range MM presentation.
Tracking Retrieval
92/100
The review attributes the cartridge's freer, more sensitive groove scanning to clearer and more detailed reproduction. It specifically reports fine, clean playback during complex passages, with musical details remaining clearly audible, while also praising tracking accuracy.
Soundstage Imaging
88/100
The review specifically notes excellent channel separation, which supports stable stereo placement and well-defined images. There is less direct commentary on stage width, depth and layering, so the spatial picture is not described in detail.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 87/100
Tonearm compatibility / system fit.
Tonearm Compatibility
87/100
Its 4.0mV output and standard 47kΩ loading make the MP-700 straightforward to use with conventional moving-magnet phono inputs. At 8g, it should be practical for many standard tonearms, though the available review does not discuss compliance matching or setup sensitivity in detail.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
89/100
The MP-700 uses an ultra-duraluminium housing with nickel, black-tin and insulating surface treatments. The review presents this as a robust, durable construction that also reduces electrostatic charge, although it offers little long-term ownership evidence.
Value for Money
85/100
The review portrays the MP-700 as a premium cartridge for demanding vinyl listeners and high-quality systems, but does not directly compare its asking price with competing cartridges. It therefore offers little guidance on whether the premium is especially compelling against similarly priced alternatives.
Reviews
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Nagaoka MM-type stereo cartridge MP-700
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- ALAIN CHOUKROUN — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Art et son — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Art Sonique — France (website)
- Audio Affair — online and in-store — Deritend, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 81 more verified dealers