I think each innovation usually patented by the person/company who invented them. Each cartridge designer/manufacturer invented their own unique things. This is why each cartridge is different and we can decide which one is better in our systems.
For example 7 unique patents belongs to ZYX in design of the Premium 4D model as i can read in the manual that comes with my 4D. Each cartridge designer believes that his cartridge is the best ever.
Here is Nakatsuka-San (ZYX) statement:
"For both MC and MM cartridges, 15 vital design points apply, however they are not the same in each caswe. Only in our ZYX series have these points been correctly identified and attended to, and thus only the ZYX series can play Real Stereo. The 15 vital design points for a MC cartridge are as follows" :
1. Magnetic pole direction
2. Coil winding direction
3. Coil winding method
4. Prevention of dynamic included current in the coil bobbin
5. Prevention of dynamic included current in the magnetic circuit
6. method of prevention of dynamic included current
7. Prevention of dynamic included magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit
8. Grounding of coil bobbin (yes or no and method therof)
9. Grounding of yoke (yes or no and method thereof)
10. Grounding of magnet (yes or no and method thereof)
11. String of output terminals
12. Case material (metallic or non-metallic)
13. Grounding of case (yes or no and method thereof)
14. Electrical connection between cartridge case and headshell
15. Direction of wire drawing
Now we can look at the Miyajima cartridges (for example, as the oppositeto ZYX) to see that these cartridges are completely different compared to ZYX. Miyajima-San invented cross-ring method, cantilever of his top cartridges made of exotic bamboo and the cartridge body made of exotic hardwood.
Which cartridge is better? There is no direct answer. All i can say they are very expensive cartridges. But when it comes to some $20k cartridges i'm getting sick of it. I would rather buy reel to reel instead. Spending 20k on a cartridge is like buyin yourself a private jet. Definitely not for every audiophile. And i don't care if they are better, the price is insane!
For example 7 unique patents belongs to ZYX in design of the Premium 4D model as i can read in the manual that comes with my 4D. Each cartridge designer believes that his cartridge is the best ever.
Here is Nakatsuka-San (ZYX) statement:
"For both MC and MM cartridges, 15 vital design points apply, however they are not the same in each caswe. Only in our ZYX series have these points been correctly identified and attended to, and thus only the ZYX series can play Real Stereo. The 15 vital design points for a MC cartridge are as follows" :
1. Magnetic pole direction
2. Coil winding direction
3. Coil winding method
4. Prevention of dynamic included current in the coil bobbin
5. Prevention of dynamic included current in the magnetic circuit
6. method of prevention of dynamic included current
7. Prevention of dynamic included magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit
8. Grounding of coil bobbin (yes or no and method therof)
9. Grounding of yoke (yes or no and method thereof)
10. Grounding of magnet (yes or no and method thereof)
11. String of output terminals
12. Case material (metallic or non-metallic)
13. Grounding of case (yes or no and method thereof)
14. Electrical connection between cartridge case and headshell
15. Direction of wire drawing
Now we can look at the Miyajima cartridges (for example, as the oppositeto ZYX) to see that these cartridges are completely different compared to ZYX. Miyajima-San invented cross-ring method, cantilever of his top cartridges made of exotic bamboo and the cartridge body made of exotic hardwood.
Which cartridge is better? There is no direct answer. All i can say they are very expensive cartridges. But when it comes to some $20k cartridges i'm getting sick of it. I would rather buy reel to reel instead. Spending 20k on a cartridge is like buyin yourself a private jet. Definitely not for every audiophile. And i don't care if they are better, the price is insane!