FS Miyajima Shilabe Cartridge

[farflungstar]

Up for sale, somewhat reluctantly is my beautiful Miyajima Shilabe, bought a few months ago from Hugo.

I paid £2,295.00 but this isn't actually the ex-dem model I bought from Hugo at that price as it had a fault and was returned. Hugo sent me this and a Kansui to evaluate - both new as far as I'm aware and judging from break in I've experienced over the 100 LPs I've played I've no reason to think otherwise. Comes with warranty of course.

In my opinion it bettered the Kansui and I've enjoyed every minute with it but needs must.

So how does it sound? Creamy, luscious but transparent midrange, sweet and tactile top end and a bottom end that is both tight and capable of causing a coronary. In short the antithesis of the typical MC sound.

Yes, it normally retails for £2,775.00 - and has been hailed as the best cartridge period by many reviewers. That I can't comment on not having heard every cart - but you certainly won't be disappointed.

It is low output and deserves the best phonostage possible. It sounds stunning directly into my Vida MC phono but a little better with a Hashi SUT. I could live with either.

It's a beautiful thing, and very easy to set up despite its shape thanks to its unusual chunky cantilever. But of course with something this special care must be taken. The shibata diamond is pristine.

Comes with various length brass screws for different headshells and stylus guard (slightly modded by me so cart can fixed into place with guard in place). Nuts can fit below contrary to some reviews.

It has been treated with the care it deserves, and is functioning flawlessly.

Google for more info.

£1,500 including 3 day insured UPS delivery. £800 less than I paid and a once in a lifetime chance to own this cart at this price.

PayPal gift (preferred) or transfer.

[lordmortlock]

Wow. That's a very very good price Adey

[farflungstar]

I know. But I just received a huge bill and need a quick sale!

[lordmortlock]

Haha! I know that feeling well!

[farflungstar]

I will be very very very sorry to see it go.

[Ammonite Audio]

I can confirm that this Shilabe was indeed supplied new, as Adrian says. For anyone interested in it, please understand that the Shilabe (like all Miyajimas) is a genuinely low-compliance cartridge, so don't even think about trying to use it in a tonearm of less than 20g effective mass - to do so will only result in disappointment. Something like a Fidelity Research FR64S, or modern Ikeda cousin is a dream partner with 30g effective mass!

Also, loading matters. For a MC head amp, Miyajima recommend 'around' 250 Ohms, but my experience is that 150-160 ohms is best. For a SUT, nominal loading of around 100 ohms works well.

[Elephantears]

Wow, I lust after this cart. If anyone is looking to buy this and a suitable arm, I'm probably going to be selling my FR64x.

[farflungstar]

Just to clarify - the Vida was a great match with its 100ohm impedance. The cart works very well with arms around 20grams effective mass. I was running it with 22grams.

[farflungstar]

Bump

[farflungstar]

Happy to answer any questions about this stunning cart.