Miyajima MADAKE experience

Chakster hasn’t chimed in well over a year. We hope he’s ok. Why do you ask whether using the RS-A1 might be insane? Yes, it’s finicky, and one fears accidents that might damage the cartridge, but the RS-A1 in service usually brings out good qualities in a cartridge. (I own one.)

Hi lewm: didn’t know about Chakster’s absence. He was a generous contributor and I hope that may continue.

I’ve been heavily invested in the high mass approach but over the last couple of years I seem to have lost that lovin’ feeling. This Miyajima Mature is a true departure for me. It came mounted in an alloy headshell with a 1mm brass spacer and my first take was ‘it’s a dud’. The RS-A1 had been on the shelf for over 10 years because it’s scary to use with shaky hands! This cartridge and tonearm combination has been revelatory but it’s such a break with my history I’m wondering if I’ve been delusional. If the luck continues it could mean selling off a number of cherished pieces. And then perhaps, regret. Seems like a little crisis of faith. Anyone else had this happen?

The RS-A1 is a bit crazy in some design aspects, but I believe the basic notion of an underhung tonearm with zero headshell offset angle has merit, and that’s why it sounds good. See debates on this subject elsewhere with respect to the Viv Float tonearm.

Both the RS and Viv arms are pretty agnostic about cartridge compliance, working well with low and high. Not sure why that would be.