2. analog
  3. 169087-159269

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?
vinylzone

Showing 3 responses by flatblackround

flatblackround's avatar
flatblackround
279 posts
 
Sorry about the double post.
Great you are already in waist deep.  Go for it and have fun with mono.  Myajima makes monos in the $1k range also.  At least they used to.
flatblackround's avatar
flatblackround
279 posts
 
Sounds like you will be setting up two tables, one specifically for mono.  That is what I do since I have many mono albums.  I recommend you start with one of the less expensive cartridges.  I dipped my toes into mono with the Grado M+ and later the  Myajima Zero.  Improved timbre across the board and female voices are extremely well rendered.  Signal to noise greatly improved with true mono cartridges as Elliottb stated. The question is how deep do you want to go. 

flatblackround's avatar
flatblackround
279 posts
 
Sounds like you will be setting up two tables, one specifically for mono.  That is what I do since I have many mono albums.  I recommend you start with one of the less expensive cartridges.  I dipped my toes into mono with the Grado M+ and later the  Myajima Zero.  Improved timbre across the board and female voices are extremely well rendered.  Signal to noise greatly improved with true mono cartridges as Elliottb stated. The question is how deep do you want to go. 

More to discover