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Mono Cartridge Stylus

So a while back there was a thread about mono cartridges like the Miyajima. There was some confusion about stylus size and what should be used for mono re-pressings versus the original mono pressings.

So Miyajima claims that their 0.7 stylus is optimal for modern mono re-pressings and that their 1.0 stylus is for those earlier mono pressings that began in 1950. Columbia introduced the Microgroove pressing in 1948. The Microgroove pressing offers 300-400 grooves per inch and AI claims that the correct stylus for these pressings is 0.7. I will say that I don't believe Miyajima to be entirely wrong, as there were labels that still used wider grooves however, I believe nearly all of the major labels eventually adopted the Microgroove band width thus making it the norm by the early to mid 1950's.

goofyfoot
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot OP
1,454 posts
 

I've considered getting the Hana SL Mono MK II cartridge because both of my local dealers sell Hana and have recommended it. Just yesterday I sent them an email asking about their Shibata stylus. But now I'm just thinking about getting the Audiomods tonearm I've been wanting for the FrankenThorens that I've been building. That is, after I have all the panels replaced in one of my Quad 2905 ESL's. Those Quads are a pain.

Currently I'm using an AT 33 that I bought many years ago after Jonathan Carr of Lyra recommended it on one of my earliest posts about mono cartridges. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/which-mono-cartridge-at-around-1-300-00 

The Miyajima would definitely be a game changer compared to what I've been using however the conical stylus would concern me slightly.  For only $1,700.00 there's the EMT HMD 025 which I understand is a refined sounding cartridge but more reserved sounding than the Miyajima (just from what I've read). The diamond on the EMT is listed as an SPH 25, whatever that is. The magnet on the EMT is listed as an AINiCo,nickle-plated and the magnet listed on the Hana is listed as an Alnico.

Usually whenever I'm wanting to upgrade my stereo with a new purchase, I just look for quality and value and don't get too caught up in the integration of a specific tone. However that would change when it comes to  phono cartridges and my understanding is that the Miyajima is the gold standard where tone is concerned. I primarily listen to classical LP's as that makes up the majority of my collection. 

 

dogberry
822 posts
 

It is a pain to replace all the panels in 2905 speakers, but well worthwhile, and much cheaper than buying a new set of 2912s.

I took some pictures of the heroic tech doing it while my son (provided muscle) and I watched: https://drmoss.ca/Quad_2905_Repair.pdf

goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot OP
1,454 posts
 

@dogberry I recently had them all replaced but had failure after just a few weeks. The tech who did the work is now history and I think I've found someone who's better qualified.

billstevenson
618 posts
 

@gooyfoot,

I have an AT 33 Mono Anniversary that I have had for years, but used sparingly.  It sounds just fine for Baroque and Early Music, but is not a great tracking cartridge.  So it sits a lot as I jump around.  I will spend a year listening to just jazz, but for the past few months have spent 2-3 hours listening to J.S. Bach and then anything goes for the rest of the day.  Let me know your thoughts on the Hana if you go that way. 

lewm
13,742 posts
 

Bach's work is in my mind the forerunner of modern jazz piano music (Brubeck, Peterson, Powell, Monk, Walton, Evans, etc).  Which is to say that any cartridge that does well with Bach ought also to sound good with piano jazz LPs. Don'tcha think?

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