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v.1.9.0 updated 07/17/2026
Damn it, I tried, but mistakes happen. Check if you don't want to fall into a trap!
cartz@phonoculture.com
Damn it, I tried, but mistakes happen. Check if you don't want to fall into a trap!
cartz@phonoculture.com
Hi!
Let me explain why you need notes. Just click on me
[Test Note] Check Empire 2000E/III on my setup
Nagaoka JT555
The Nagaoka JT555 sits in the upper mid range of the Japanese MM lineup. Its 3.3 mV output suits any standard MM phono input. The Shibata stylus rides the groove at a light 1.1 to 1.5 g with 1.3 g nominal. The replaceable stylus carries the JN-555 designation in the catalogue.
- Class:
Upper Mid-Range
- Mounting
- standard 1/2"
- Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D)
- 5.2 g · 15.5 × 27 × 22 mm
- Output Voltage
- 3.3 mV
- Frequency Response
- 10–28 000 Hz
- Channel Separation
- 20 dB
- Channel Balance
- ≤ 1 dB
- Recommended Load
- 50 kΩ
- Tracking Force
- 1.1–1.5 g (nominal 1.3 g)
- Compliance Value
- 10 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz); 20 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (static)
- Cantilever
- solid carbon-black
Additional Info
The Nagaoka JT555, also sold as the Tonar 555, pairs a nude Shibata-equivalent tip with a solid carbon-black cantilever for a refined, resolving character. Fine detail and natural vocal timbre ride atop tight, controlled bass and precise imaging, while lively dynamics track cleanly through dense passages and even quadraphonic pressings. Systems favoring clarity over forgiving warmth reward it with acoustic, jazz and vocal material. The stylus swaps as the JN-555 insert.
Sound × Setup
Detail
78%IGD Control
72%Noise Suppression
75%Dynamics—Attack
74%Soundstage/Imaging
76%Bass Density
73%Vocals/Midrange
77%Forgiving Character
68%Tonearm mass medium 44%
light 44%·heavy 11%
Capacitance up to 100 pF 60%
100-200 pF 30%·from 200 pF 10%
Phono gain 39–42 dB 75%
35–38 dB 0%·43–46 dB 25%
JT555 (MM) pairs excellently with heavy tonearms (8–12g+). Requires 39–42 dB gain—standard MM preamp. Low capacitance design minimizes treble peaks; use short, shielded cables (<1.5m). Optimal tracking force: 2.0–2.5g. Avoid light arms; compliance mismatch risks mistracking. Ideal for warm, detailed vinyl playback.
Collectors
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add 02/01/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026