Reference MC

About the Reference MC

The Shun Mook Reference MC is a premium Moving Coil (Dynamic) phono cartridge designed for audiophiles seeking exceptional analog playback quality. It features a "REAL STEREO" generator system with cryogenic treatment at -196°C (-320°F) to improve performance. The cartridge uses a solid boron cantilever (0.30mm diameter) and a micro-ridge solid diamond stylus with a 0.07mm contact radius, offering precise tracking and longevity (approximately 2000 hours at 2.0g tracking force). Internally, it has an impedance of 8 ohms and is designed to be loaded at 100 ohms. The output voltage is 0.48mV at 3.54cm/sec, 1kHz. Frequency response spans 10 Hz to 100 kHz, with ±1dB accuracy between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. Channel separation exceeds 30dB at 1kHz, and channel balance is within 0.5dB at 1kHz. Recommended tracking force is 2.0g, with an operational range from 1.7g to 3.0g. The cartridge weighs 8.5 grams and is known for its neutral, detailed sound signature that minimizes coloration, partly due to its ebony wood body and internal parts, which are cryogenically treated and individually tuned for about 20 hours. The Reference MC is essentially a rebodied and tuned ZYX R1000 cartridge, combining Japanese engineering with Shun Mook's craftsmanship in California.