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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
peter_s OP
1,348 posts
 
Does anyone know whether the VAS is a true mono design, or a stereo design strapped into mono? I am told that it uses two coils in balanced mode.

Also - I am looking for recommendations as to where to get Miyajima cartidges with some discount to the price.  I believe that the Miyajima cartridges use a single coil, and have read that single-coil cartridges are more likely to have hum issues. Is that true for the Miyajimas?
clearthink
1,421 posts
 
peter_s "mono cartridges have low compliance, which can chew up grooves of modern mono records"

This is verifiably false, misleading, and incorrect you are obviously confused, misinformed, or disoriented.  
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,014 posts
 
"cantilever moves only laterally". The cantilever in a mono cartridge is just as free to move vertically as is one in a stereo cartridge (how could it not be?), it's just that that movement produces no electrical signal. At least, that is my understanding.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
MIYAJIMA is a true mono cartridge ! 
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,026 posts
 
I heard the Miyajima mono for hours at the NY show on SP10 and ESLs. Superb. You cannot go wrong.

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