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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
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
MIYAJIMA is a true mono cartridge ! 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,905 posts
 
I heard the Miyajima mono for hours at the NY show on SP10 and ESLs. Superb. You cannot go wrong.

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,905 posts
 
@chakster The translation on that page is adorable. They call a groove a "ditch"!
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@naromance
yeah, i know, but that's the official site of the manufacturer :))  
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,905 posts
 
@peter_s Here is the link to Robin Wyatt whose room I heard the demo.
He is straight-talking and will get you sorted.
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