Description
The Nagaoka JT-80BK is the top-of-the-line model of two new Jeweltone (JT) cartridges launched in honor of Nagaoka's 80th anniversary. The suffix refers to the color of this cartridge, which features an elliptical stylus made of solid diamond mounted on an extremely hard boron cantilever. The Nagaoka JT-80 pickups are manufactured at the company's factory in Japan. The cartridges are made using MM-technology, which is unusual for Nagaoka, which is known for its MI-models. Using many years of experience, the engineers managed to create a pickup whose sound is superior to many MM models of similar price from other brands.
Product information
The sleek and simple design gives a sense of continuity from the tonearm to the stylus tip. Fewer parts result in less vibration. In addition, the bare screws connecting the head to the body of previous models have been integrated into the body to reduce their impact and resonances. The functional design and high perfection of each component will satisfy users. In order to get as close to the ideal frequency response as possible, Nagaoka designers have adjusted the stiffness of the damper rubber and core materials for the best balance.
Instead of making noise about imaginary sensations, Nagaoka considers understatement and continuity to be virtues. It has been producing its line for decades, and the current series was introduced seemingly forever ago. This could easily continue, especially since Nagaoka's products are listened to by many more vinyl fans than one might think. According to the company, they produce about 90 percent of the diamond needles used in the pickups sold today, making them the largest manufacturer in the sector.
However, now, on the occasion of the company's 80th anniversary, Nagaoka has introduced two brand new pickups. The fact that they work on the (MM) principle is surprising, as the company has relied in particular on the moving iron (MI) or moving permal (MP) process, in which a small moving iron anchor modulates the field of fixed coils and magnets. Nagaoka has always emphasized the advantages that come from low moving mass. In contrast, both the junior JT-80LB and the top-of-the-line JT-80BK series now rely on moving magnets. It should be remembered that Nagaoka has always produced MM pickups and has the relevant experience. As such, the goal of both cartridges is to set the standard in their respective classes, and to combine the soft, luscious fundamental range known from MM cartridges with first-class resolution and spatiality.
The sound is very rounded and neutral. It has a high level of detail in both high and low frequencies. It is very difficult to surpass the sound quality in this price range. The pickup reaches its full potential after a run-in period of about 80 hours.
Since the cartridge works on the principle of a moving magnet, you can replace the stylus with a new one when it wears out at a reasonable price. This is a big advantage over similarly priced moving coil cartridges. The Nagaoka JT80BK will work very well with medium weight tonearms.
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