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advice for mono cartridge

Hi,

I have a Garrard 401 with a Magnepan Unitrac and an SME 3009 Mk II Improved.

I’m thinking about turning one of the tonearms into a dedicated mono setup, probably on the SME 3009 Mk II Improved, as the Magnepan is my main arm and I really like the sound of it for stereo. The SME has a detachable headshell, making it easy to switch back and forth if necessary and I’m used to the sound of the Magnepan, so I don’t really want to change anything there.

I run MM only right now (although I guess I could pick up a step up transformer) and the SME has an effective mass of 9.5g. It also tracks only to 1.5g (although I bought the additional counterweight, which might help with that). It seems like my choice of mono cartridges is thus pretty limited. It seems the Ortofon 2M Mono Special Edition could be a good choice.

At the same time, I’m reading all sorts of contradictory info about whether vertical compliance, which the Ortofon seems to have (as opposed to Miyajima), is a good thing or not and whether a 1 mil or 0.7 mil stylus is best. Some also say a more modern line contact profile (the Ortofon has that) is actually preferable, even for older records, etc. Ortofon seems to say just that in their literature and Michael Fremer seems to agree. Also the Ortofon seems to have internally strapped output, which is somewhat controversial.

I actually heard recently a couple of very high end systems that used Miyajima mono cartridges and they sounded fantastic, huge soundstage, very realistic … but they were also clearly out of my price range, and only fit much heavier tone arms.

I have a mix of older mono pressings and reissues, presumably cut with a stereo cutter head.

I'm looking for advice from people with direct experience.

Considering the above,would the Ortofon 2M mono SE be a good choice? Does anyone see anything else more or less in that price range that might better it? Or should perhaps just wait and switch to a tone arm that would give me better options for mono down the line, perhaps a Fidelity Research FR-24, FR-54 or FR-14, which contrary to the FR-64 and FR-66, can be had for cheap. Budget is a concern overall.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Jerome Sabbagh
128x128saxman73
mr_slate's avatar
mr_slate
15 posts
 
Miyajima Zero B - 0.7 mil stylus
Saxman - after several months you've probably gotten a good taste of your Miyajima Zero B with the .7mil stylus. What is your impression?
I ask since I'm about to pull the trigger on this exact cartridge...
Best regards,
Brian
saxman73's avatar
saxman73 OP
56 posts
 
Sorry, just seeing this Brian! I encountered a snag setting up the Miyajima. Probably just a simple as headshell wire or interconnect, but the friend who was helping me and myself couldn't do it. Meanwhile, I heard a friend's Fairchild 225A, which so blew me away that I bought one. I was able to get that one set up later and it's been on there since. Once the pandemic recedes and I can get the Zero set up again, I will decide which one I like best and likely sell the other. I will keep you posted. Sorry, this isn't terribly helpful. Did you pull the trigger? If yes, how do you like it?

Best,

Jerome
mr_slate's avatar
mr_slate
15 posts
 
Hey there!After waiting for 3 months for mine to show up it did about a week ago. Setup/alignment went without a hitch. See my virtual system for pics.
Sound is very nice, fully fleshed out with great bass and extended highs. It's a different sonic picture - much more focused in the middle of the front wall with all the performers sort of stacked up on top of themselves vs laid out in their own space with my stereo cartridge.

Still, very nice SQ and I can now play some great mono records I have.
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