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

Showing 3 responses by folkfreak

folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
As Robert offers a home trial and return policy the best thing to do is to try it out. And stop trying to chase a discount on Miyajima. Robert offers fair prices and good support, simply pick the point in the model line that matches what you are prepared to spend. Having a cable prepped to reject hum is worth trying, see Joel’s discussion here
http://www.durand-tonearms.com/Support/Mono%20connections/monoconnections.html

this failed to deal with hum in my system but it may work for you
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Re hum. Yes the Miyajimas can cause hum issues. I have a Zero and while I love it you will need to solve hum problems

The best solution is to use a phono stage or step up with a ground that can be lifted. Either that or having a mono switch on your amp. The latter causes (in my experience using an ARC Ref40) a slight drop in dynamics. My Music First step up has a three way ground switch and this clears all hum issues. The other suggested solution of using only one channel still left me with hum (which is clearly out of phase in each channel as the mono switch cancels it)

anyway expect hum and expect to need to work on dealing with it
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Oops - not "Robert" of course I meant Robin Wyatt at Robyatt Audio. Obviously I was thinking of this!
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&...


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