MoFi UltraGold MC Phono Cartridge $1500
MoFi’s new MC cartridge moves you into state of the art record playing territory for a very reasonable price. If you’d love to buy a $3-5k cart, but it just isn’t in the cards, we now have what you want for $1500. Or maybe less. Stick with me to the end of the page.
First, here are the details you’ll ask if I don’t offer them up right away.
*Boron Cantilever
*Shibata Stylus
*Body comprised of aluminum and brass
*.4mV output
*Tracks at 2g
*Weight 7.3g
*Spaced, color coded pins
Now that we have the mechanics out of the way, what is it sonically that is special about the UltraGold?
Plain and simple, there is better definition and less congestion, especially in the all important vocal region. You hear more detail with less color imbued by the body and mechanics of the cartridge. The cartridge body of aluminum and brass have to pave the way here.
If we equate the conversation to loudspeakers, UltraGold has a more pure, less boxy sound, than other carts in the same price range.
UltraGold has precision detail. You get sumptuous vocals that sound more human and less resonant than MM carts can purvey. You get delicate stick and brush percussive details with fewer masking artifacts.
But to be honest, I expected these attributes. I’ve been a fan of MCs since the 70s. These have always been glorious traits endemic to top MCs and UltraGold delivers them- even better than yesteryear’s Denons, Dynavectors, Linns etc.
What is most surprising to me about UltraGold is its big, tight dynamic range and bass capability. It has robust bass extension without muddying up the waters. I’m delighted by this discovery because I find fat bass disqualifying. The dynamic contrast can be appreciated easily within the range of a human voice delivering a little curl or sexy intonation (thanks Bonnie Raitt and Shelby Lynn).
We auditioned UltraGold in MoFi’s own UltraDeck turntable. Makes sense, right? Well MoFi has a bit of a dash (bribe) for us! You can buy UltraDeck for $2500 alone. You can buy UltraGold for $1500 alone. The DASH is, if you buy this combo as a package, the price is only $3500!
You would be hard pressed to find a cartridge alone that beats UltraGold for $3500. So while I’m happy to endorse UltraGold on a variety of appropriate tables/arms, I want to give you a dash to buy the package!
