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Nagaoka MP-150

The Nagaoka MP-150 is an upper mid-range MM cartridge fitted with an elliptical stylus profile. Its 4.5 mV output level suits any standard MM phono input without extra gain stages. Rated tracking force runs from 1.5 to 2.0 grams with a nominal setting of 1.8 grams. The stylus is user replaceable as the JN-P150, and Phono Culture lists two compatible replacement styli for this model.

Home Brand

Stylus: JN-P150
Type: ММ
Stylus Shape: Elliptical[ radii (mil / µm) 0.4×0.7 (≈10.2×17.8 µm) ]
Class: Upper Mid-Range

Mounting: standard 1/2"
Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D): 6.5 g · 18 × 17 × 28.6 mm
Output Voltage: 4.5 mV
Frequency Response: 20–20 000 Hz
Channel Separation: 24 dB
Channel Balance: ≤ 1.5 dB (1 kHz)
Recommended Load: 47 kΩ || 100 pF
Tracking Force: 1.5–2.0 g (nominal 1.8 g)
Compliance Value: dynamic (100 Hz): 6 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (≈6 µm/mN); static: 18 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (≈18 µm/mN)
Cantilever: aluminum alloy

Additional Info

The Nagaoka MP-150 leans toward a forgiving, easygoing presentation where vocals sound natural and full-bodied rather than clinical. A smooth top end suits busy or brighter systems, while imaging and dynamics stay solidly balanced, giving instruments believable placement without harshness. The light aluminum tapered cantilever with an elliptical stylus keeps tracking relaxed through long, fatigue-free sessions. The stylus is replaceable, so a worn tip is a quick swap.

Replacement styluses for Nagaoka MP-150

Nagaoka	JN-P200	Elliptical
Tonar	6823	Elliptical

Sound × Setup

Detail

72%

IGD Control

68%

Noise Suppression

71%

Dynamics—Attack

73%

Soundstage/Imaging

74%

Bass Density

70%

Vocals/Midrange

76%

Forgiving Character

78%

Tonearm mass medium 50%

light 0%·heavy 50%

Capacitance up to 100 pF 60%

100-200 pF 30%·from 200 pF 10%

Phono gain 35–38 dB 50%

39–42 dB 50%·43–46 dB 0%

MP-150 (MM) requires heavy tonearm (12–15g+) for optimal tracking. Preamp gain 39–42 dB sufficient. Low capacitance design minimizes treble roll-off—use short, quality cables. Compliance ~5 µm/mN suits medium-mass arms. Excellent match for vintage/quality turntables with proper loading.

Collectors

add 11/12/2025 · upd. 08/02/2026