Authorized Canadian Dealer

Nagaoka

Nagaoka cartridges, you can experience the concert hall in the comfort of your home.  Nagaoka is unique in the cartridge business having produced styli, cartridges and accessories for records since 1940 thus more than 70 years! Moreover, all the very high precision parts used in manufacturing the cartridges and styli are made in Nagaoka’s own factories, from the diamond tips, the cantilevers, the samarium cobalt magnets, even de coils. The phonograph stylus is the most important link in your vinyl sound system to capture the information stored in the grooves of the vinyl record and translate this information into an electrical current. The quality and shape of the stylus and the tolerances in the manufacturing process are of the utmost importance to ensure that the translation of the information in the grooves is perfect and no information is lost or added in the process. Nagaoka is the world’s only cartridge producer Making all the required parts in house and having 100% control over the quality of each individual part.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Nagaoka cartridges in Canada?
You can buy Nagaoka cartridges at Vinyl Sound, Toronto, Canada. We carry the full Nagaoka MP series of moving magnet phono cartridges, from the accessible MP-100 to the flagship MP-700, along with replacement styli and turntable accessories. Order online for the best price with Canada-wide shipping, or visit our Toronto showroom to choose the right Nagaoka cartridge for your turntable.
What is Nagaoka known for?
Nagaoka is a Japanese cartridge maker that has produced styli, cartridges and record accessories since 1940, more than 70 years of expertise. What makes Nagaoka unique is that it manufactures all the high-precision parts in its own factories, from the diamond tips and cantilevers to the samarium cobalt magnets and coils, giving it 100% control over the quality of every part. This is why Nagaoka cartridges are prized for their detailed, musical sound.
What is a phono cartridge, and what is a moving magnet cartridge?
A phono cartridge holds the stylus that traces the record groove and converts those vibrations into an electrical signal. The stylus is the most important link in a vinyl system, since any information lost here cannot be recovered later. Nagaoka builds moving magnet (MM) cartridges, where a small magnet moves to generate the signal. MM cartridges offer high output, work with almost any phono stage, and usually allow simple stylus replacement, which makes them a practical, high-value choice.
Which Nagaoka MP cartridge should I choose?
Nagaoka offers a full ladder of MM cartridges. The MP-100 and MP-110 are excellent, accessible starting points and among the most popular cartridges in vinyl, the MP-150 and MP-200 step up detail and refinement, the MP-300 and MP-500 move into audiophile territory, and the MP-700 is the flagship. Each step brings a more advanced stylus and cantilever. Tell us your turntable and tonearm, and our specialists will match the ideal Nagaoka cartridge.
What is the difference between a Nagaoka MP cartridge and an MP-H version?
The standard MP models, such as the MP-110, are supplied as a cartridge only, ready to mount on your existing headshell. The "H" versions, like the MP-110H and MP-500H, come pre-mounted on a Nagaoka headshell, which makes fitting easier and is ideal for turntables with a removable headshell. Choose the H version for convenience and a ready-to-play setup, or the standard version if you already have a headshell you prefer.
Can I replace the stylus on a Nagaoka cartridge?
Yes. One advantage of Nagaoka MM cartridges is that the stylus, the record player needle, is user-replaceable. When your stylus wears out, you fit a matching Nagaoka JN-P replacement stylus instead of buying a whole new cartridge, for example the JN-P110 for the MP-110 or the JN-P500 for the MP-500. This keeps your cartridge sounding its best and protects your records. We stock replacement styli across the MP range with Canada-wide shipping.
Why buy Nagaoka from Vinyl Sound in Toronto?
Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada carries the complete Nagaoka range of MM phono cartridges, replacement styli and accessories, all genuine and made in Japan. We help you match the right cartridge and stylus to your turntable and tonearm, and can pair it with our phono stages, turntables and analog accessories for a complete setup. Enjoy the best price and Canada-wide shipping, or visit our Toronto showroom for hands-on advice.