Phasemation (Phase-Tech) MC cartridges

I just purchased a Phasemation PP-2000. It is an ultra refined and very seductive cartridge. A significant step forward from the Ortofon Bronze that I previously owned. What a magical and outstanding sound!


François Saint-Gérand from Ana Mighty offers a very interesting description of the Phasemation PP-2000:

"At the end of 2017, Phasemation was one of the first major Japanese brands that we imported for France and Belgium. It was not until 2021 that the pope of analog criticism, Michael Fremer, spoke about the formidable Phasemation PP-2000 in Stereophile (https: //www.stereophile.com /.../ analog-corner-306 ...)
I still remember my amazement when I first listened to the PP-2000 and its little sisters. Since then we have married the Phasemation cartridges to many arms (Funk Firm, Rega, Pro-Ject unipivot, VPI, Kuzma, Schröder, SME, Denon, Fidelity Research, etc, etc ...) including the most recent the fabulous Glanz MH-124S ​​and MH-9B (which is also a magical combination with the PP-500).

In my opinion, a Phasemation cartridge: it is a completely revised Koetsu engine with all the technical contributions of the 2020s (machining precision, qualities and choice of materials and in particular the extraordinary suspension specific to the Phasemation) in a hyper, rigid and consistent body. When listening, we find this presence specific to Koetsu cells, but with a rigor that they lack. Koetsu enthusiasts will therefore not be disoriented but that does not mean that they will appreciate the Phasemation.

Phasemations cartridges are therefore a serious alternative with a strong character to Koetsu cells for a much more reasonable price. I insist: but it is also absolutely necessary to also discover the brand new Phasemation PP-200 which is a real little bomb."

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Fin 2017, Phasemation a été l’une des premières grandes marques japonaises que nous avons importé pour la France et la Belgique. Il a fallu attendre 2021 pour que le pape de la critique analogique Michael Fremer s’épanche sur la formidable cellule Phasemation PP-2000 dans Stéréophile. A lire donc ici : https://www.stereophile.com/.../analog-corner-306...Je me souviens encore de mon émerveillement en écoutant pour la première fois la PP-2000 et ses petites soeurs. Depuis nous avons mariés les cellules Phasemation à de nombreux bras (Funk Firm, Rega, Pro-Ject unipivot, VPI, Kuzma, Schröder, SME, Denon, Fidelity Research, etc, etc...) dont le dernier en date le fabuleux Glanz MH-124S et le MH-9B (qui est aussi une combinaison magique avec la PP-500).

A mon sens, une cellule Phasemation : c’est un moteur de Koetsu complètement revu avec tous les apports techniques des années 2020 (précision d’usinage, qualités et choix des matériaux et notamment l’extraordinaire suspension propre aux Phasemation) dans un carrosserie hyper rigide et cohérente. A l’écoute on retrouve cette présence propre aux cellules Koetsu, mais avec une rigueur qui leurs faits défaut. Les amateurs de Koetsu ne seront donc pas dépaysé mais ça n’est pas pour autant qu’ils apprécieront les Phasemation. Les cellules Phasemations sont donc une alternative sérieuse doté d’un caractère bien affirmé aux cellules Koetsu pour un tarif bien plus raisonnable. J’insiste : mais il faut aussi absolument découvrir aussi la toute nouvelle Phasemation PP-200 qui est une véritable petite bombe.

I'm surprised this firm doesn't get more recognition here in the States.

Yes, especially in this digital world. I'm wondering why some brands are very popular in Japan and almost unknown in the rest of the world. I can imagine this situation without global web in the 80's or even in the 90's, but in 2021 it's strange. 

You actually put your finger on the headshell while playing music? Or did I misunderstand?

I have a serious interest in mono records, both vinyl and 78s and have been checking out the market for the past few years trying to decide what to invest in.
There seems to be a strong consensus that Miyajima mono cartridges lead the pack but I felt a bit hesitant as I am using a Technics 1200 turntable with a medium mass arm. Dealers I consulted assured me that it would work great but, as it is a serious investment, I was hesitant to take the chance. In the end, I bought a used Miyajima Premium Mono to test the waters. It was, indeed, as wonderful as the reviews said but I didn’t feel that I was getting everything I should out of it as it didn’t feel like a good match for my arm.
In this case, I am using the word "feel" literally. Resting my finger lightly on the head shell or tonearm I could feel strong vibrations, especially on the lower range of the music. None of my other (many) cartridges do this. That it still sounds good as it does may be due to my installing a KAB damper on my table.Anyway, I got a chance to buy a Phasemation a good price. I was a little reluctant as the specs (8×10-6cm/dyne, Japanese standard) are exactly the same as the Miyajima. What gave me hope is that this is the same brand that Technics Japan uses when they demonstrate their own turntables. Phasemation also claimed that somehow their cartridges would work with the vast majority of arms on the market.
There was no vibration with the Phasemation and it sounds really good. It has a different sound quality than the Miyajima, a bit less romantic and rich but, to my ears, more "real" and no less engaging. I have come to feel that Miyajima is more of a "fun" cartridge but the Phasemation more "serious" but not in an overly analytical way.
Bit of a mystery to me as to why two cartridges with the same specs react so differently to my arm but my guess is the difference between a wood and metal body.

I had a Phase Tech P3G maybe 12 years ago and really liked it--detailed without being etched, coherent, full-bodied. Too bad I busted its suspension (don't ask). The carcass is still in my cartridge drawer.

I also have the matching Phase Tech T-3 SUT and still use it all the time. Excellent unit. I'm surprised this firm doesn't get more recognition here in the States.

@chakster I’m quite positive you will like the PP-300. It’s supposed to be very similar to the earlier P3G, which is a wonderful cartridge and indeed by far the best I’ve heard at a new price under $1500.

The brand is not very well known in the West and my contact in Japan told me I should give it a try. Apparently they are designed by Mr. Kanno, responsible for the famous Victor MC-L1000 direct couple carts decades ago. The Phasemation are more traditional LOMC’s with 0.28 mV output, 4 ohm impedance and low compliance. The boron cantilever with PA Ogura line contact stylus is identical to Transfiguration Proteus and other top Japanese MC’s.

It’s not a detail champion like the Proteus and the other super low impedance cartridges like MSL and Mutech, but somehow it always ’knows’ where the musical argument is going, anchored by hugely powerful bass and strong dynamics. In some ways it reminds me of the work by Takeda San and I’ve put it side by side to the Krell KC-200 for comparison. The likeness is unmistakable, although the Krell/Miyabi has ’something’ that is quite magical and not easy to put into words. You know what I mean 😇

A few months ago I added the PP Mono, which has the same ’big balls’ presentation. I can assure you I’d never heard my original blue notes this way. As for tonearm synergy, both are natural partners to the FR-64S.

I have my radar on a previously cherished PP-1000, but they are never offered for sale. I can understand why. You do see previously owned samples of P3G and PP-300, presumably from people moving up the ladder. I was hoping some PP-1000’s would be offered after the introduction of PP-2000, but no luck so far.

When I measured my PP-500 with Adjust+ it was dead on perfect. These carts are very well made.

I remember our @edgewear praised Phasemation many times on audiogon, last time in another thread:

I happen to own a Phasemation P-3G (now updated as PP-300), which is a massive overachiever for its modest price.

Your posts @edgewear motivated me to look for PP-300 :))

I have a Phasemation Mono cartridge.  Sounds quite nice but I haven't really used it that much.