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 1 response by solypsa

solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
Vertical compliance is not a problem. It is, generally, an advantage with certain conditions withstanding.

The stereo signal is an x-y delta created from vertical and horizontal velocity.
A mono recording is only a horizontal velocity. So ignoring vertical 'imperfections' is a good idea.

However in the end it is how well the cart transduces this information that is important.

True mono carts are merely more simple devices. There is a place for simplicity.
More to discover