Affordable Mono Cartridge For VPI Scout


I have a Shelter 501 with my scout/super platter, but I have several mono records and an interest in music from the 1950s. I am looking into getting a new arm wand to experiment. Shelter has a Mono cartridge, but the price seems ridiculous to me, at $1,750, plus I might as well take the opportunity to experiment with a different sounding cartridge. So far, I have been thinking about Lyra Dorian, Cartridge Man Music Maker, the Sound Smith Denon mods or one of the Benz mono cartridges. I'll upgrade my table when finances permit, probably a few years from now....looking for a cartridge that will be good for a long time, even with a better table (e.g, TW-Acustic). Any suggestions would be much appreciated. All the best, Mark
mcmprov

Showing 5 responses by plinko

What are the differences between the Soundsmith SMMC-3 stereo and mono versions? Is the stylus tip different? Is there a different construction besides coil orientation?

I disagree on the efficacy of the Denon 102.

There is nothing in the design that provides that it is less than ideal compared to modern "mono" cartridges. Simply connect both channel leads to the pins for use in a stereo system. The mono signal will be passed to each speaker. Or, connect only one channel and use mono switch to output the signal to the other channel. One will receive the same effect as modern "mono" cartridges.

Most importantly, the 102 also has vertical suspension just the same as modern "mono" cartridges so that stereo era mono records can be played without damage to the records. Nearly every modern "mono" cartridge also has vertical suspension. Exception would be the Ortofon CG25 or the Ortofon for 78s, which are designed for mono records not cut in the stereo era where vertical compliance is not needed or preferred.

As far as single or multiple coils are concerned, the 102 is a true mono cartridge with only a single coil. This is something uncommon in today's market that is dominated by mono cartridges that are simply stereo versions with coils oriented to provide the same function as a mono switch on the preamp.

With all that said, I do agree that the 102 may not be the best match for the JMW arm. If Mark can find a mono cartridge to match his arm that is materially different than the stereo version, it might be worth pursuing. Otherwise, I believe he should use the stereo version of a particular cartridge with a mono switch or pursue older options like a Pickering or Stanton (older GE, Denon, Ortofon all likely not a good match).

If the aformentioned early monos are being played, it be worth pursuing a true mono cartridge that does not have vertical suspension and/or a mono cartridge that has replaceable stylii or the larger 1 mil stylus needed for these records.
BR,

Can you answer my question regarding the Soundsmith cartridge?

Regarding the Denon 102, I don't believe you are correct.

Read this link and in particular, the last paragraph below (if this is not clear, examine the graph...it's the same author as the link you provided):

http://www3.sympatico.ca/murraya/DenonMonoPage.htm

"As can be seen in this photo, the cartridge consists of a single solenoid wound moving coil mounted between fixed parallel pole pieces.

The pole piece faces are oriented at a 90° angle to the horizontal axis of the cantilever resulting in the cartridge producing its maximum output from lateral stylus motion, as is required for mono reproduction.

Stylus motions with angular displacement other than 90° to the horizontal axis, produces progressively diminished output, with a distinct null when the stylus motion is vertical"
Br3098,

1. Good point on customization. SMM3 with larger stylus profile of the period might be something to try!

2. What is louder? Two speakers with each speaker having half output or one speaker with full output? I don't have any gain issues using the 102 this way into my MM stage. I do not use a step up transformer.

3. Because the 102 has vertical compliance. Since you read Murray's site, I'm sure you know that the published specs by Denon for the 102 are an afterthought and/or incorrect. For example, the 102's frequency extends well beyond 10Khz yet Denon says this is the limit.

I have yet to read about the reasons why Denon offered this cartridge to radio stations. My only guess would be that in the advent of the stereo era, AM and other radio stations did not need to broadcast in stereo and the Denon 102, with only one coil, was cheaper to produce and thus a cheaper option for the radio stations yet it had vertical compliance to allow for stereo lp playback. Also, during this time of transition, producing a cartridge that was mono but could play stereo lps without damaging was a logical development from a marketing standpoint.

I'm not sure this is of any interest to Mark so I hope we didn't get off track.
I am no expert but much of what you just posted from Audiotools is incorrect...with all due respect.

The SPU and Lyra cartridges have two coils and are wired or oriented internally for mono use. They are not true mono.

The CG25Di (there is no SPU CG25Di) is a true mono cartridge with a single coil. The design hasn't changed since 1948. The Denon 102 is also true mono but with vertical compliance.

Additionally, the Lyra mono cartridges along with other modern offerings use the same stylus as the stereo version. I'll leave it up to everyone to determine whether they believe such mono cartridges are worth purchasing or better to use a mono switch on their preamp.

It seems nearly every modern mono cartridge is equipped with the smaller .7 stylii than what was used during the 50s (1 mil or larger elliptical). My personal preferance has been for 1 mil for less than perfect early monos and smaller .7 mil stylus does indeed work well for my monos that are in great condition or mid 50s or later into stereo era (whereupon, stereo cartridge with mono switch is used).

The Shilabe design appears to be very different and interesting.
Someone on audio asylum recently bought a Benz mono and really likes it. True mono and likely a good match to VPI tonearms.