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Mono Cartridge

Still looking for a mono cartridge for my Technics 1200G.  My first choice would have been Miyajima but have been told, by some, that it would not be compatible with my arm.  I want to play older recordings so need a 1.0 mil stylus.  Does anyone have experience with either the Phasemation PP-MONO or the ZYX R 1000 Airy 3M?  They look interesting but couldn't find any reviews online.
128x128andysf
andysf's avatar
andysf OP
269 posts
 
I am a long time record collector with 1000s of "seriously old" recordings from the 50s and 60s.  I already have two .7 mil carts for later records.  Now I am looking for a really good mono cartridge with a 1.0 mil stylus that would be compatible with my Technics 1200 turntable. 

@billstevenson I will check out the VAS mono.  I already have a AT SP Mono. Great cart for the money but I think they only have them in .7 and 2.5 (for 78s).
@chakster  I really want something I can buy now.
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
the 1.0 mil mono cartridge you want is the Miyajima Infinity mono 1.0 mil version.

i own both the 1.0 mil, and 0.7 mil versions of the Infinity Mono; each mounted on their own arm. so i can try pressings on each one, side by side.

the 1.0 mil kicks ass on early wide groove mono pressings. superb. low noise. the 0.7 mil is awesome on my 45 rpm mono reissues which i love.

i love both of these cartridges.

http://www.miyajima-lab.com/e-mono.html

Absolute Sound has a 'rave' print review on the Infinity mono in the current issue by Jacob Heilbrunn.
lewm
13,113 posts
 
As Mike just suggested, the OP asked specifically about mono cartridges with 1.0 mil styli.  I am guessing he likes to listen to late 1940s/early 1950s mono LPs with wide grooves.  For those discs, spherical is just fine.  Unless you can dig up a vintage Grace mono, Miyajima is one of the few modern companies that produces a product suitable to the wide groove mono pressings.
andysf's avatar
andysf OP
269 posts
 
@mikelavigne Big fan of Miyajima but I am not sure it would be a good match with the arm on my Technics 1200G, even with the KAB fluid damper. (I asked about this awhile back and no one was using a Miyajima on my table.)  I am leaning towards the Phasemation right now.  Would love to hear the Infinity sometime!
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
@andysf 

you could be right about the arm match, but Miyajima mono use feedback is minimal, and this cartridge is worth some investigation. everyone i know who has heard the Infinity has fallen hard for it. and it won't break the bank......which is why i bought two. :-)

i would strongly suggest reaching out to Robin Wyatt, the USA Miyajima importer, for his thoughts on your arm match. he is a very knowledgeable and helpful guy. might even let you try one.

info@robyattaudio.com

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