RE: set up tips for Cello Reference mc cartridge

Hello Daren. I got these specs. at www.cartridgedb.com They are not complete. They also have the 1992 Miyabi specs (which are more complete) and the Mark Levinson specs (which are not complete.)

Type = Moving Coil
Output (1Khz 50 mm/sec) = .23mv
Freq Response 20Hz - 30kHz Output
Impedance ?? ohms
Load Impedance ?? ohms
L/R Separation 1kHz = > 26db
L/R Balance 1kHz = < 0.25db
Stylus Tip Nude Swept Elliptical Cantilever
Dynamic Compliance, 23 x 10-6cm/Dyne
Static Compliance ???
VTF = 1.5gm
Mass: 13gm
Price: $1200 USD (new)

These are not complete of course but still useful:

1.) Because of the low output, you will need a phono preamp with 68dB gain, or more. Or you can use a step up transformer into a phono preamp with 40-50 dB gain. (I personally think SUT's ruin sonics, that's my opinion ;--)

2.) You need a low to med mass tonearm (because of the high compliance and high mass of the cartridge itself.

3.) You need to measure (with a volt/ohm meter) the (coil) resistance in either the left or right channel (probably will be around 4 ohms +/_ ) Multiply by 25. That will be the best load impedance (for the preamp) to start with.

Good luck ;--)

Call Mark Levinson at Red Rose Music.

Thanks Nsgarch and Drjoe! for your responses I was beginning to think that there isn't anybody out there that has heard of this reference cartridge. I can mount just about any moving coil but with the reference Cello not having a cantilever it kind of puzzles me! As its hard to even see aproximately where the stylus is when using a setup tool. I have a Spectral DMC10 Gamma that will be the pre-amp for it the gain should be OK? as I also use a Spectral MCR signature at the moment.This cartridge is suppose to be magic when its dialed in. I appreciate your replies and thanks again, Cheers Daren

Well, the MCR looks to have the same low output as the Cello, so if the MCR works OK w/ the DMC 10 . . . . . . . .

As for the cantilever-less Cello cartridge, the only cartridges in the world I know of that didn't/doesn't have a cantilever are some of the Deccas and the Ikeda. Otherwise, I'm not aware of any old mono MC cartridges (Ortophons?) that don't have a cantilever -- maybe you're thinking of the old piezo-crystal cartridges.

The Miyabi seems the more likely kin, only it has a cantilever. I hope I'm wrong, but did you check to see if there's a stylus?
.

WELL one thing I Know for sure is this cartridge was designed and hand built by the founder of Miyaba I could have his name wrong without my notes in front of me but he name was Tenaca san or something like that? This cartridge is cantileverless and maybe designed after a decca? I read that the designer was a real lover of some of the early mono cartridges! The lack of cantilever is the problem as it is very hard to see where the actual needle or diamond touchs the surface as it is very small and closer to the middle then the front of the cartridge body! having never mounted a decca type cartridge I am unfamiliar with how to approach set up! The body also slides off so you can run it nude. I will have to double check the speelling of the Japanese man who is the founder of Miyabi but its the same guy as he also designed the Mark Levinson cartridge as well as the Cello line. Thanks again for your help! There doesn't seem to be a wealth of info out there! I emailed Mark Levinson but have yet to get a reply. Cheers Daren