Mono Cartridge Suggestions

[Ovenmitt]

I hoping that the WBF community might be able to give me a little guidance and direction on choosing a mono cartridge for my system. I have never owned a mono cartridge and would like to see what it's all about. I am currently running three different turntables into an EMT JPA 66 Mk.2 phono preamp -- see thread Blonde on Blonde on Blonde for more detail: https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/blonde-on-blonde-on-blonde.30295/

I would probably use one of my Garrard decks, with either an SME 3012 Series 1, or 3012r tonearm. These two tonearms should give me a wide range of compliance options. Cartridge loading and output isn't a huge concern with the EMT, but using something that is (somewhat) in the ball park of my SPU's would be nice so that I wouldn't need to change any wires around when I changed cartridges.

I would like something that can play older, original, pressings and also new mono pressings - For instance, I'd love to play my Beatles mono box set and also my original mono of Brubeck's "Time Out".

I am torn between something that leans toward old school, low compliance - EMT TMD-15, Miyajima, or ??? I am also intrigued by the new Ortofon A90 mono, or maybe something similar?


Thanks in advance for your thoughts....

 

[spiritofmusic]

FWIW, I know that the Soundsmith Straingauge stereo cart is also v adept at mono recordings. DK the particular reasons, but it's mentioned in more than one review.

Reach out to designer Peter Lederman and quiz him.

 

[Down in Devon]

I've had a Miyajima Zero 0.7mm a number of years and it's great.
The 0.7mm is more suitable for later and repressing of mono LPs (the 1mm and 3mm for older types)
The lack of vertical compliance with a true mono cartridge makes a surprising difference as it removes the hash and crud noise from the grooves that a stereo cartridge picks up. It also sounds very musically convincing with great front to back depth, and sounds very musical (in some ways, more than a stereo cartridge)
I've also purchased the matching SUT and it is very worthwhile.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

i'm thinking seriously of stepping up from my Miyajima Premium Be 1mm to the Ortofon A Mono (A95 mono). looking for a more revealing presentation. i might keep my Miyajima for when i need the more rounded type presentation.

https://www.ortofon.com/mc-a-mono-p-899

not heard the A Mono; but i've owned plenty of high level Ortofons; -2- A90's, -2- standard MC Anna's, and an MC Anna Diamond. never been disappointed or found anything non musical about them.

 

[djsina2]

I want to try the Ikeda 9 mono. Had the Miyajima Premuim BE before.

 

[ALF]

I have this one, it is sublime...rides mostly on an Ikeda 407, really sweet and very enjoyable. Sits on a few turntables...mainly these two fine performers...Schopper updated TD 124 with the special power supply, my Franken-Seiki RY5500-RX3000-HS80 on the Vibraplane . Also, when I am thinking of Ked, the FR 64s tonearm is in the mix .

Cheers!
ALF

 

[denimhunter]

SPU Type A mono

 

[Ovenmitt]

Oh my gosh! I’ve abandoned my own thread!!! Work has been a bit overwhelming of late and my query fell off the table. Thanks everyone for your feedback.

I am intrigued by the Ortofon A Mono too. It looks to be a pretty lightweight, medium compliance cartridge. I would probably mount it in an arche headshell but I do wonder how it might mate with the heavier SME 3012 (3012r or series 1) tonearms? Has anyone heard one of these cartridge yet?

 

[daytona600]

Use a MC A90 Stereo & would love the new mono version or a Epoch Mono
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/grado-epoch-mono-cartridge/

 

[Ovenmitt]

Use a MC A90 Stereo & would love the new mono version or a Epoch Mono
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/grado-epoch-mono-cartridge/

Use a MC A90 Stereo & would love the new mono version or a Epoch Mono
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/grado-epoch-mono-cartridge/

I have the 90th anniversary SPU and love it. I can’t tell if the A mono is based on the A90 or A95 though.

 

[denimhunter]

I am intrigued by the Ortofon A Mono too. It looks to be a pretty lightweight, medium compliance cartridge. I would probably mount it in an arche headshell but I do wonder how it might mate with the heavier SME 3012 (3012r or series 1) tonearms? Has anyone heard one of these cartridge yet?[/QUOTE]

Type A mono is early SPU mono not the modern A. It’s v low compliance.

 

[Ovenmitt]

I am intrigued by the Ortofon A Mono too. It looks to be a pretty lightweight, medium compliance cartridge. I would probably mount it in an arche headshell but I do wonder how it might mate with the heavier SME 3012 (3012r or series 1) tonearms? Has anyone heard one of these cartridge yet?

Type A mono is early SPU mono not the modern A. It’s v low compliance.[/QUOTE]

Hi @denimhunter.... I think we’re talking about different cartridges. Although I should have said MC A Mono for clarity.

https://www.ortofon.com/mc-a-mono-p-899

 

[denimhunter]

Type A mono is early SPU mono not the modern A. It’s v low compliance.

Hi @denimhunter.... I think we’re talking about different cartridges. Although I should have said MC A Mono for clarity.

https://www.ortofon.com/mc-a-mono-p-899[/QUOTE]
I know we are hence the clarification earlier.