MoFi Ultra Tracker MM cartridge

This MoFi UltraTracker MM cartridge is the mid-level range of the US manufacturer. It was designed jointly with Allen Perkins, founder and chief engineer of the famous brand Spiral Groove. But it is made under strict specifications by a famous Japanese manufacturer.

The housing of the UltraTracker cartridge is made of 6061 natural aluminium. It is an aluminium alloy with great deformation capabilities. In addition to providing rigidity, it increases the mass of the phono cartridge from 6.4 g (like that of the MoFi StudioTracker) to 9.7g! The housing has threaded inserts to facilitate assembly and get rid (with great relief!) of the lock nut. The gold-plated connectors are of high quality and provide perfect contact. The stylus has a high quality Nude elliptical profile. This means that the stylus is made of one piece bonded to the cantilever. This process works better though it is more expensive. It delivers better tracking as it induces little resonance and vibration. It also extends the frequency range in the top of the spectrum (20 Hz - 25 kHz), without distortion. The generator uses two powerful and lightweight magnets (per channel) aligned with great precision. This layout delivers better separation between the right and left channel, as well as a better resolution.

The MoFi phono cartridges have a unique design that completely departs from the competition. Mind you, this can be a drawback because, owing to its design with no parallel lines, it makes it a bit harder to adjust. But a good protractor will soon sort it out!

You also need to make sure that the tonearm can withstand a mass of 10 g before buying this cartridge. In fact, it was designed to be paired with good tonearms.

Playback is precise, detailed and very open. The dynamics and level of impact at the lower end of the spectrum are amazing. The UltraTracker has great articulation and subtleness for an MM cartridge. The timbre is also very precise with amazing presence and neutrality.

This MoFi UltraTracker cartridge is a true and worthy alternative to benchmark MM cartridges in this range, like the Audio Technica VM 750 SH, the Nagaoka MP200 and the Goldring 1042. Would recommend!