The Nagaoka JT-80LB is part of the special Jeweltone (JT) series, introduced to celebrate Nagaoka’s 80th anniversary. The “LB” stands for Lapis Blue—a nod to both the cartridge’s vibrant color and rich tonal character. Built on the moving magnet principle, the JT-80LB is an ideal choice for vinyl newcomers seeking high performance at an approachable price point.
Featuring a bonded elliptical stylus mounted on an aluminum alloy cantilever, the JT-80LB delivers a full, engaging sound with clarity, punch, and no fatigue—characteristics typically found in far more expensive cartridges. It performs exceptionally well with medium-mass tonearms and offers a stylus replacement option for long-term use. Nagaoka recommends a 30-hour break-in period for optimal sonic performance.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | JT-80LB (Lapis Blue) |
| Type | Moving Magnet (MM) |
| Output Voltage | 5.0mV @ 5cm/sec |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Channel Separation | 23dB @ 1kHz |
| Channel Balance | 1.5dB or less |
| Tracking Force | 1.3g – 1.8g |
| Cantilever | Aluminum alloy |
| Stylus Tip | 0.4 x 0.7 mil elliptical, bonded diamond |
| Cartridge Mass | 6.9g |
| Break-in Period | 30 hours |