Avid Diva II SP
With the 4.100 euro Avid Diva II SP, the MP-150 + TA-3 worked every bit as well as in the Sequel. I won’t go into the sonic differences between the Diva and the Sequel here but suffice to say that the cartridge was effortlessly capable of highlighting the differences between the two turntables.
Dynavector with Audio Origami arm
Interestingly, the Dynavector did prove to pair superbly well with the Audio Origami PU7 tonearm (12-gram effective mass version with Cardas 33ga internal wiring and super OFC external cable), resulting in an overall delivery that consistently surpassed that of the Nagaoka and TA-3 arm. To be fair, the PU7 costs 3.100-3.400 euros depending on the color while the entry-level Rega/Avid tonearms only cost a few hundred euros and they do have their inherent drawbacks, such as a gray tonality and a somewhat over-controlled sound. Evidently, this did not match well with the Dynavector at all but, apparently, it works superbly well with the Nagaoka.
MP-150 with Avid TA-3 arm on Avid Ingenium
Finally, it’s time to go back to the entry-level Avid Ingenium to see what the Nagaoka can do. The Ingenium has a different offset between platter and armboard than the Diva and Sequel. Thus, considering that the Nagaoka is a much more precise cartridge than the entry-level AVID CA-1 cartridge, I made sure to maintain the exact same VTA on the Diva as on the Ingenium, by raising the arm’s pivot point by the required 3,5 mm by using stacks of 3 metal washers.
Although the Ingenium sounds darker, less explicitly detailed and expressive, and less forceful than the Diva or the Sequel, the entry-level turntable with the MP-150 still sounded surprisingly groovy and engaging. The overall level of refinement and nuance can’t match the bigger turntables and I do hear a wooden tonality that is induced by this turntable’s MDF platter. But it has the same kind of undisturbed calmness and gently smooth fullness that I have come to find typical of Avid turntables. The Avids simply never sound lean.
What this experiment shows very clearly is that the Ingenium deserves a better stylus than the one that is fitted by default. I also wouldn’t go overboard with this as the turntable has its built-in limits but it is well-deserving of a nice cartridge in the 400-500-euro range. I’m unsure what more the Nagaoka models above the MP-150 would bring but it’s likely that the returns will be diminishing when used with a Rega arm. The Nagaoka MP-150 is only 379 euro and it definitely makes a great sonic match with this arm and all the Avid turntables, and I suspect that it will work well with a very wide range of other tonearms and turntables.
Avid Distributor for the Benelux: Hexagon Audio
Manufacturer’s website: Nagaoka.eu
Hi Christaan,
Just a short comment. Great to read your review. It confirms my experiences with the Nagaoka MP300. It is mounted on a Jelco arm of a refurbqished and upgraded Lenco 76/S. Music is delivered by Lejenklou Slipsik7, Supernait 2 and Millon Phantom S speakers. I’d say this is a very fine, musically setup, detailed, dynamic, and fine bass. So MP300 give musically a real boost as it was an upgrade grom the Grado prestige Gold /basic
Ro-ject preamp.
Hi Christiaan,
Thank you for the review.
Since spring of 2021 I play with the Nagaoka MP300. It is a very impressive cartridge in my setup. Suits very well with my refurbished, upgraded Lenco 76/S, Jelco arm and recently bought Slipsik 7.1 phono preamp. Music has been delivered by Supernait 2 and Millon Phantom S speaker.
The Nagaoka replaced the Grado Prestige Gold. the MP300 is awsome, very well balanced with good dynamics, straffe bas, and a lot of nuance. So musically very pleasant, especially Jazz, Classical music and singer/songwriter. Maybe you get the chance to review all the MP’s.
Arjen
Hi Arjen, maybe I will review more of the Nagaoka range someday but it’s not on the calendar just yet. Too many other reviews to do:-)
The Nagaoka cartridges are not MM, they are Moving Permalloy, which is basically moving iron, much like a Grado
That’s a fair observation and good to note. But also note that Nagaoka themselves specify their cartridges as Moving Magnet (Permalloy). The main distinction here is that the carts have no moving coil and work with MM inputs.
Sorry, but you’re wrong. Permalloy is a magnetic material, but it is not a magnet. The Nagaoka cartridges contain samarium/cobalt magnets that do not move. The permalloy moves much like in a moving iron cartridge. Nagaoka magnets do not move.
This is a true music lovers cartridge
Rich liquid transparent expression