The Nagaoka JT-80BK is the younger model of two new Jeweltone (JT) series cartridges released in honor of Nagaoka's 80th anniversary. The suffix LB - stands for Lapis Blue - the color of this cartridge, which features an aluminum cantilever with an attached elliptical diamond tip, and a very competitive price for its quality. Nagaoka JT-80 speakers are manufactured at the company's factory in Japan. The cartridges are made using MM technology, which is unusual for Nagaoka, known for its MI models. Using many years of experience, the engineers managed to create a pickup that sounds superior to many MM models of a similar price from other brands.
The elegant and simple design gives a sense of the integrity of the transition zone from the tonearm to the tip of the stylus. Reducing the number of parts leads to less vibration. In addition, the bare screws connecting the head to the body of previous models have been integrated inside the body to reduce their impact and resonance. The functional design and high perfection of each component will also satisfy users. In order to get as close as possible to the ideal frequency response, Nagaoka designers adjusted the hardness of the damping rubber and core materials for the best balance.
The Nagaoka company, instead of clamoring for imaginary sensations, considers unspokenness and continuity to be virtues. She's been producing her line for decades, and the current series was introduced seemingly an eternity 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 make about 90 percent of the diamond needles used in pickups currently sold, making them the largest manufacturer in the sector.
Now, however, to mark the company's 80th anniversary, Nagaoka has introduced two brand new Jeweltone pickups. The fact that they work on the moving magnet (MM) principle is surprising, since the company relied in particular on the moving iron (MI) or moving perma (MP) process, in which a small moving iron armature modulates the field of fixed coils and magnets. Nagaoka has always emphasized the benefits of low moving mass. In contrast, both the junior JT-80LB and the range-topping JT-80BK now rely on moving magnets. It should be remembered that Nagaoka has always produced MM pickups and has the relevant experience. As such, both cartridges aim to set standards in their respective classes, as well as combining that juicy fundamental sound range known from MM cartridges with first-class resolution and spaciousness.
The Nagaoka JT-80LB cartridge has an output signal level of 5 mV, which makes it compatible with any MM-phono-correctors, including built-in ones. The secret of the special sound of the cartridge, which makes it unlike many MM heads, is the damping of the cantilever suspension. It provides high mobility of the needle and resists resonances well. The result is a dynamic and rich sound with impressive bass and no unpleasant coloration at high frequencies.