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Mono cartridge recommendation

Ok, so tomorrow, my TNT will be getting a new baby brother.  I'd like to get a mono cartridge for it, my budget for now is up to $1K, less is better but not strictly necessary.

I'm open to MC, MI, or MM carts, but I generally prefer MCs. My Herron VTPH-2A can handle pretty much anything. I also have a few SUTs too to play around with. 

I tend to gravitate toward extremely neutral cartridges, so that's a consideration. I know everyone's system is different and will have different opinions on what constitutes neutral.

I have a couple of tonearms of various masses, so matching shouldn't be an issue. I've seen ATs, Hanas, Ortofons, and a few others in that range, but I don't have an opportunity to audition any of them before purchase.

My system:
Phono preamp: Herron VTPH-2A
Preamp:  Balanced Audio Technology VK-30SE
Amp:  Bryston 4B SST2
Speakers Magnepan 1.7i
Among other things...

I'm hoping the collective intelligence of the group will help me find a good match. So, what are your impressions of various mono cartridges in this price range?
vinylzone
vinylshadow
498 posts
 
Miyajima Zero if you can double your budget..I originally bought an Ortofon Mono Quintet but jumped to the Zero before opening the box..... I put together a separate mono table(Basis 2001 w/ Rega RB900) with a tube Rogue Ares Magnum upgraded w/ Mono SUT/mono input/mono switch.

I had to use an Audiomachina anti resonance 3.8g shim as the RB900 is a low mass tonearm.

If interested in the Miyajima Zero, contact Robin Wyatt at info at robyattaudio.com He is the N. America distributor for Miyajima.

Great guy who is super knowledgeable and helpful.
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vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
@vinylshadow 
 
Maybe next year or the year after, but I'm not going to do that now.  Before I go with a more expensive cart, I'd like to explore better tonearms.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I’m a huge fan of Miyajima STEREO cartridges with Cross Ring method (Miyajima patent, not sure if this cross ring method utilized in mono design, but this is what makes Miyajima stereo cartridges so special).

However, my mono cartridge is MM, it’s a true mono design with only 2 pins for lead wires. My mono records are mostly from the 60’s, 70’s.

Here is a topic about my Mono MM where you can read more about mono in general. 
vinylshadow
498 posts
 
@vinylzone


That's a good path to take. Good luck!
lewm
13,112 posts
 
A bridged stereo cartridge becomes a “horizontal generator”. Signal produced by vertical deflection of the cantilever is canceled.
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