2. analog
  3. 141617-2195

Mono Cartridge Recommendations

I am looking for a true mono cartridge, as I am adding a second tonearm (Musical Life Conductor SE 10") to my Technics SP10ii table. My phono preamp is an Einstein Turntables Choice - so I am looking for a MC cartridge.  Considerations include:

  • whether the cartridge was truly designed for mono (cantilever only moves laterally, typically uses just a single coil) 
  • compliance (many mono cartridges have low compliance, which can chew up grooves of modern mono records (although I'll mostly be listening to older records)
  • stylus shape/size - I could use some guidance here....
My price range is $1-2k.  Currently under consideration is the VAS Nova Mono (has two coils in balanced configuration, output ~ 0.8 mv), and the Miyajima Labs series (all have compliance around 8, which is kind of low).  Can people who have experience in this area provide some recommendations with supporting information (why).  Thanks very much, Peter
peter_s
terry9
931 posts
 
Hello Peter.

I use a Miyajima Zero and like it. After an obsessive setup, it is quite similar to my higher end Koetsu, but lacks the latter's ultimate refinement - to be expected at less than 1/5 of the cost!

Equipment comprises Quad ESL's (modified), DIY electronics, DIY air bearing TT, Trans-Fi air bearing arm (modified).

Obsessive setup consists of setting parallelism with a precision calliper, torque with a precision torque driver, endless adjustment of azimuth (can't do it on the fly). Worth it in the end - very much. I recommend the Zero.

Good luck!
peter_s OP
1,088 posts
 
Does anyone know whether the VAS is a true mono design, or a stereo design strapped into mono? I am told that it uses two coils in balanced mode.

Also - I am looking for recommendations as to where to get Miyajima cartidges with some discount to the price.  I believe that the Miyajima cartridges use a single coil, and have read that single-coil cartridges are more likely to have hum issues. Is that true for the Miyajimas?
Post removed 
More to discover