Miyajima MADAKE experience

Hi: I’m late to the party too but I don’t want to start a redundant thread. I found a Japan-only Miyajima called the Mature Studio BE. A retipper examined the stylus and said it was a Shibata in very good condition. I wrote to Miyajima and they indicated that it was similar to the Shilabe but an early model and no parts were available if I was looking for a rebuild. I mounted it on a 47 Labs RS-A1 and it sounds smooth and rather beguiling. So much so that I’m now considering a Kansui or even higher in the range. Am I mad to be using the RS-A1? I also have an Ikeda 345 and a 12 inch Groovemaster lll. I’ve been through the stone Koetsu and Urushi thing as well as the SPU Synergy and Spirit as well as the Ikeda 9TT. I’m considering a Schröder Model 2. Maybe Chakster will chime in.

Thanks and I hope this post finds you all well.

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.