Miyajima Lab

I’ve heard many fine cartridges over the years, many surprising examples, some great, others awful, many decent.  I’ve heard the very best available from Mutech, Mysonic, SoundSmith, Grado, Lyra, Koetsu, along with strain gauges and all manner of tweaked/restored/modified wacky old cartridges, like my beloved Decca C4e.  But none really surpasses what Miyajima does.  Comparing the Miyajima to Mysonic to Mutech to Soundsmith (my picks for the best cartridges made), is like comparing radically different sports cars.  To me Miyajima is the AMG S Class of cartridges: you can go to the opera, or to work, or get groceries, or drag race a Porsche (and probably beat it).  It is a unique combination of musicality, dynamism, and technical refinement that compliments systems that err on the side of threadbare/detached/analytical.

Sure, other cartridges are somewhat more dynamic, or can retrieve more detail, or deliver more earth-shaking bass, but the fine products by Miyajima are really not “beaten”.  Miyajima is on a pedestal with a handful of manufacturers that present different perspectives on reality.

Click on the appropriate link:

Stereo Cartridges

Miyajima Mono

Miyajima Components