MIYAJIMA TAKUMI L

Japanese artisanal cartridge manufacturer Noriyuki Miyajima has released an ‘enhanced’ L version of the company’s entry-level stereo moving-coil cartridge, the Takumi. The Takumi L has a nude line-contact stylus rather than the bonded elliptical stylus that’s used on the standard Takumi. The lower tip mass of the nude line-contact stylus enables a more extended high-frequency response, with Miyajima claiming a frequency response of 20Hz–32kHz. As with all Miyajima stereo cartridges, the Takumi L uses the company’s unique, patented ‘cross ring’ design with a non-magnetic core where, rather than using a tie-wire to hold the cantilever and coil assembly against the magnet pole piece, a pointed slide bar is used to correctly locate the coil assembly. This means that the coil assembly can pivot unimpeded by a tensioning wire. ‘ The end result of this unique mechanical cartridge configuration is dramatically lower distortion leading to a ‘just right’ sonic balance of silky smoothness and precise bite, and of delicious detail and delicacy,’ said Boris Granovsky, of Absolute HiEnd, which distributes Miyajima cartridges in Australia. ‘ There is an incredible sense of air and space in and around vocals, and of instrumental separation, all of which combine to deliver a gratifyingly fluent and eloquent musical presentation.’ The Miyajima Takumi L Phono Cartridge sells for $4,195 (RRP).

For more information contact Absolute Hi End on (04) 8877 7999 or at www.absolutehiend.com