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
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,913 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
9,913 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
9,913 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.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jbrainin
8 posts
 
Here’s what Harry Weisfeld just posted the VAS Nova Mono on the VPI forums a couple days ago:

"Listening to my new NOVA MONO on a gimbal FatBoy and really loving the Ormandy Saint Saens 3rd on it. Shakes the house like the stereo cannot do.

Popped on a mono June Christy album and falling in love with those beautiful 50’s singers.

This cartridge is giving me 95% of the Miajima Zero for a lot less money and perfect tracking and compatibility with 3D arms which the Zero has issues with."
More to discover