How many mono records do you have? There are many different mono records (very old mono made before stereo was invented, many mono records after stereo was invented, new mono records made with stereo cutter head). Some of them can be played properly only with specific stylus size, some are better with true mono cartridge but with modern stylus profile (advanced stylus shape). If you have different type of mono from different eras you’d be better with true mono MM but with different styli for different mono records.
Mono cartridge recommendation
Ok, so tomorrow, my TNT will be getting a new baby brother. I'd like to get a mono cartridge for it, my budget for now is up to $1K, less is better but not strictly necessary.
I'm open to MC, MI, or MM carts, but I generally prefer MCs. My Herron VTPH-2A can handle pretty much anything. I also have a few SUTs too to play around with.
I tend to gravitate toward extremely neutral cartridges, so that's a consideration. I know everyone's system is different and will have different opinions on what constitutes neutral.
I have a couple of tonearms of various masses, so matching shouldn't be an issue. I've seen ATs, Hanas, Ortofons, and a few others in that range, but I don't have an opportunity to audition any of them before purchase.
My system:
Phono preamp: Herron VTPH-2A
Preamp: Balanced Audio Technology VK-30SE
Amp: Bryston 4B SST2
Speakers Magnepan 1.7i
Among other things...
I'm hoping the collective intelligence of the group will help me find a good match. So, what are your impressions of various mono cartridges in this price range?
I'm open to MC, MI, or MM carts, but I generally prefer MCs. My Herron VTPH-2A can handle pretty much anything. I also have a few SUTs too to play around with.
I tend to gravitate toward extremely neutral cartridges, so that's a consideration. I know everyone's system is different and will have different opinions on what constitutes neutral.
I have a couple of tonearms of various masses, so matching shouldn't be an issue. I've seen ATs, Hanas, Ortofons, and a few others in that range, but I don't have an opportunity to audition any of them before purchase.
My system:
Phono preamp: Herron VTPH-2A
Preamp: Balanced Audio Technology VK-30SE
Amp: Bryston 4B SST2
Speakers Magnepan 1.7i
Among other things...
I'm hoping the collective intelligence of the group will help me find a good match. So, what are your impressions of various mono cartridges in this price range?
Showing 4 responses by chakster
I hope all the questions about Miyajima MONO can be answered by Miyajima distributor in USA |
I’m a huge fan of Miyajima STEREO cartridges with Cross Ring method (Miyajima patent, not sure if this cross ring method utilized in mono design, but this is what makes Miyajima stereo cartridges so special). However, my mono cartridge is MM, it’s a true mono design with only 2 pins for lead wires. My mono records are mostly from the 60’s, 70’s. Here is a topic about my Mono MM where you can read more about mono in general. |