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Need recommendation on mono cartridge please

Recently I acquired quite a bit of mono LPs, mostly operas, classical music and a few Beatles. I think it might be fun to try mono cartrige. It will go on my Classic 3. Locally, 2 that would be readily available are Lyra or Miyajima. I would say that Lyra Kleos mono or Miyajima Kansui mono would be my upper limit. However, I think Kansui's low compliance probably would not work with JWM 10.5. I could probably burrow Kansui stereo on JWM first to see if it might work but I tried other low compliance cartridges on JWM 10.5 and did not the result very much (Koetsu Rosewood and Onyx). I already have Lyra Atlas in my system so I think something different from Lyra would be more interesting. If anything, I prefer more full body, warmer side of neutral, more emphasis on tonal color than detail if that might be of any help. MM, MI or MC would be fine. If MC, I would be using it with SUT into Lamm LP2 MM input most likely.

Thanks for any suggestion.
suteetat
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
451 posts
 
There appears to be a variety of theoretical constructs concerning ways of designing mono cartridges.

I wonder if all of these varying points of view will ever come together in agreement?

But as for now, my understanding is that a mono cartridge with both vertical and horizontal tracking will then make it possible for someone to play stereo recordings with that said mono cartridge.

I also understand how having both means of tracking could or would be an asset with a professionally designed mono cartridge.

What isn't clear to me however is why anyone would want to play stereo recordings with a mono cartridge or vice versa.

Aside from just being a purist; is there practical sense in playing strictly mono recordings with a mono cartridge regardless of whether its a Lyra, a Miyajima, a Grado or whatever?
(Robyn...? Jonathan...?)
auntjenof2
42 posts
 
Can anybody describe the improvements of the Miyajima Zero over the premium?
Also, the mono stepup Robin offers for the Miyajima looks interesting, but since my Pass xp-15 has 76db of gain would it be unneccesary for me?
Third question- Looking to expand my mono collection. Mostly looking for jazz and rock. I already have all the QRP Prestige reissues, Bob Dylan Mono set, and a few other old blue notes. Can you guys throw out a few more titles old or reissue worth hunting down? Thanks
George
suteetat OP
435 posts
 
I got Miyajima Zero recently and even with only about 20-30 hours of playtime so far, it has been impressive. Unfortunately I have no other mono cartridge to compare to since it is my first one. It certainly outperformed any stereo cartridges that I have playing mono LPs. I understand that Miyajima recommended using SUT with its cartridge. Unless you can reduce the gain one your Pass down to about 40 or 50 dB, SUT would not be a good idea. Currently I am using Dynavector SUP-200 with my Miyajima. Once I have about 100 hours on the cartridge, I will try other SUTs on hand for comparison. I don't have many pop/rock mono records beside QRP Bob Dylan's reissue, some mono Parlophone Beatles and am waiting for UK press of Most of the Animals to come in. A chunk of my mono LPs are operas with Thill, Callas, Bjoerling, Gigli, Furtwaengler, Walter etc. A bit of Julie London, Peggie Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday here and there.
auntjenof2
42 posts
 
Thanks Suteetat. I will try a mono cart without a SUT first and see how that goes.
audioblazer's avatar
audioblazer
321 posts
 
Suteetat, any issue with hum ?I bought 1 & has not set it up. Was told that imono zero hummed loudly useless the preamplifier has a mono button or is there a different way of wiring mono catridge ?
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