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Mono Reissues and the Conical Stylus

Hi Folks,

Recently I started buying mono reissues from Speakers Corner, Impex, and have recently ordered a few from Analogphonic. They're all of the 'long haired' variety. In the process, I've come to discovery threads where posters claim that the newer mono reissue grooves are cut in a V (stereo) shape rather than the vintage U (mono) shape.
My AT 33 mono cartridge comes with a conical stylus and from what I can tell, so do the better mono cartridges, i.e. the Miyajima Zero Mono. This of course would then create an issue where it pertains to using a conical stylus in a V shaped groove.

Around November, I plan to purchase a Jelco tonearm for my modified Thorens TD 160 and after that, will be looking to upgrade to a higher end mono cartridge. However, I don't see that they're would be a viable solution to the stylus dilemma given that I will only have one tonearm. I do by the way own a collection of early mono records but would like to find a cartridge that better crosses over between my vintage pressings and my reissues. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
goofyfoot

Showing 4 responses by solypsa

solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
+1 on lewm's comment: if you want to play 'everything' you'll need a few different mono carts. (Archivists often have considerably more)

That said 'modern' monos will sound better with a modern stylii profile for many of the same reasons stereo records do.
Since you are adding an arm with removeable headshell plan on getting two carts.

(As an aside if you want to mess with SPU carts or other heavy-low compliance carts take a look at the Audiocreative Groovemaster II as well as the jelco you have in mind)
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
I totally get it if the GMII (or a Schick) are out of budget.
I will say that the role of the tonearm should not be under estimated. Both in terms of its quality and how well it works with the cartridge.
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
Goofyfoot: I get it :)

As an aside; the Schick arm actually isn't extremely high in effective mass and can be pretty great with many modern carts (lyra comes to mind). The GMII is higher in effective mass so more focused to the very low compliance direction.
Both come in 9" btw...
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
I am a dealer for both Schick and the GMII so i have some bias but both are great values imho.
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