HELP!! - MONO Cartridge recommendations please

[Wakefield Turntables]

GUYS!

Now I have the delights of a removable head shell on the 3012 I fancy a mono only cartridge. I'd love a vintage classic if possible, I'm quite open to recommendations for newer kit but it will be going on an all valve system which will be designed to get the best out of old mono pressings ;)

Thanks

Andrew

[thankyoumisterman]

I don't have a removable headshell so have never bought one of these, but I can say that the Miyajima BE Mono cartridge is bitchin'. I don't know how well it would work with your tonearm, but I really think it's a cartridge worth your investigation. It really does sound great.

[Sonority]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Koetsu-Urushi-Black-0-4mV-MC-Cartridge-MONO-VERSION-Made-Japan-/370286209793?pt=US_Record_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item5636c72b01 :)

[hifi_dave]

There are sveral expensive true mono cartridges but very few inexpensive.

The Lyra cartridges can be supplied in mono configuration and Ortofon have just released a Cadenza Mono.

At the affordable end of the scale, Rega have the RB78 and Ortofon do a 2M Mono.

[daytona600]

Emt have a good mono range

[Barry]

Why don't you use a stereo cartridge wired as 'mono'?

If you insist on using a true monophonic cartridge, there is always the Denon 102.

[fordy]

I've enjoyed the AT33mono for a few years. Reasonably priced and high quality.

[DSJR]

One of the Vari-Luctance types (GEC and Tannoy?) are PERFECT for old mono records and, compared to the over-filtered and noise-gated attempts of one chap who digitises old shellac and vinyl records, transfers done with one of the above cartridges seems to avoid the need to filter all the noise etc. out. Some later 78's transfered simply with these cartridges come to life with minimal background hiss like you really wouldn't believe and I'm also reliably informed that LP's from the 50's sound effortless too.

I'll pass on links to this thread to the chaps concerned and see if they can expand further :)

[BTH K10A]

GE ( General Electric) RPX is not only affordable but very good too. The Denon DL102 is also a good buy but is quite heavy so you will need an arm that has a substantial balance weight. I use both along with an EMT TMD25 for mono.

I've found stereo cartridges wired for mono are always a little lacking compared to a true mono cart.

[Marco]

One of the Vari-Luctance types (GEC and Tannoy?) are PERFECT for old mono records and, compared to the over-filtered and noise-gated attempts of one chap who digitises old shellac and vinyl records...

Just say who it is you're referring to, daftee: JC Brum - Ashley's infamous (and deaf) 'botty-bashing chum'!! :D

Marco.

[DSJR]

Oh Marco, PLEASE :lol:

Here's a pants-watering collection to drool over by the mono-to-digital master -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/69521906@N07/6371442967/in/set-72157631819091630

One photo of many, but his recommendation was for the GE VRII - LP and 78, but it turns around with a knob on the top, so may only be suitable for Lenco l70 era tonearms with dedicated headshells :) The GE model suggested above may be best for "SME" style headshells though.

[Marco]

Nice cartridges! I've only ever heard and owned one of them - the M3D :)

I sold that, but now I've got a better and much heavier arm (the Ortofon), I'm tempted to get another one and have Dom put a 'fancy' tip on it... ;)

Marco.