Experience the SL1 MKII Cartridge, a high-output moving coil designed to work seamlessly with any MM phono preamp. Upgrade your system enter the MC world!
Discover the LS10 MKII MC Cartridge: a breakthrough in audio fidelity with Eddy Current Cancellation system, Nitride Boron cantilever, and Shibata stylus.
I bought the Leson LS10 MkII. Enticing price, good build, exquisite packaging, and quick delivery from China. Even though this cartridge is electrically quite typical - and definitely similar to the low output, low impedance MC cartridges that I have here - I never got on with the sound character of the LS10 MkII, playing through a Phasemation EA-350 phono amplifier and my usual GrooveMaster 4 tonearm. Initial impressions were of a cartridge that is quiet in the groove with astonishing detail retrieval, but soon it became apparent that such emphasis of detail was delivered by a wildly exaggerated top end. The overall character of the cartridge was severely unbalanced and not really listenable, even after adjustments to setup parameters using Analog Magik. For reference, my preferred MC cartridges here are Phasemation PP-200 and PP-500 plus various Ortofon SPUs (SPU Royal G when the Leson was here).
Leson's 'Risk-Free Trial' promise is 100% genuine and their service exemplary. My LS10 MkII was returned and I received a full refund within days. Leson did offer a replacement cartridge, but I declined. Maybe I was just unlucky with that particular cartridge.
Don't write off the LS10 MkII: I've just installed one here and the first impression on very quick setup without run-in is impressive, including bass quality. I'll comment when alignment complete and run in.
I have to agree partially about the exaggerated treble from the LS-10MkII, but the treble is also extremely clean and quite well integrated. But maybe it’s my aging ears (made in 1957) that require some treble boost. Anyway an Ortofon SPU Century is smoother but also a little bit less exiting.
www.leson.org
