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High Fidelity Audio

9mono

IKEDA · 9

9mono

A purpose-built mono instrument for the absolute refinement of monaural playback.

The 9mono is not a modified stereo cartridge but a dedicated mono instrument engineered to honour the nuances of early recording eras. It represents the pinnacle of Ikeda Sound Labs’ pursuit of analog fidelity, ensuring that monaural records are reproduced with the same technical precision and emotional weight as their stereo counterparts. At the core of its design is a sophisticated dual-coil architecture. By electrically separating the left and right channels, the 9mono effectively cancels extraneous noise, resulting in a remarkably silent background. This allows the subtle textures and timbres of an orchestra or a vocal performance to emerge with startling clarity. The sonic character of the 9mono is defined by its vibrancy and exceptional resolution. It possesses the ability to render instrumental positioning with theatrical flair, making the recorded performance feel present and tactile. Whether listening to delicate chamber music or robust jazz ensembles, this cartridge provides a refined, high-resolution experience that brings the original intent of the recording to life.

Key Features

01

Dedicated mono generator

Features two independent coils to eliminate hum and ensure electrical separation between channels.

02

Dual-structure cantilever

Utilises a double-layered duralumin pipe to maximise structural rigidity while maintaining a low effective mass.

03

Oval-shaped diamond stylus

Specially profiled to retrieve musical information accurately from the grooves of mono LPs across all eras.

Engineering Purpose

Chapter 01

Engineering Purpose

The 9mono was created to solve the limitations of playing mono records with conventional equipment. By housing the generator in a multi-layered, inert aluminium body, it avoids the resonance issues that typically degrade the signal, ensuring that only the music is transmitted.
Sonic Signature

Chapter 02

Sonic Signature

Expect a presentation that is both sharp and harmonically rich. The 9mono is celebrated for its ability to reveal hidden details within a mono mix, such as the tactile nuance of a musician's touch or the specific ambiance of the recording space, providing an immersive and theatrical soundstage.

Specifications

TypeMoving Coil (MC)
Sensitivity0.22mV (1kHz 50mm/sec.)
Impedance2.0 ohms (1kHz)
Weight10g
Appropriate stylus pressure1.8±0.2g