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Authorized US Dealer

My Sonic Lab

My Sonic Lab is one of the most revered names in high-end analog audio, celebrated for its groundbreaking approach to moving-coil cartridge design and its pursuit of ultimate musical fidelity. Founded by master cartridge designer Mr. Yoshio Matsudaira, My Sonic Lab specializes in ultra-low-impedance MC cartridges that achieve extraordinary signal purity, explosive dynamics, and unparalleled resolution. At the heart of every My Sonic Lab cartridge is the proprietary SH-μX (Super High μX) core material, which delivers extremely high magnetic permeability with minimal coil resistance. This innovative design allows the cartridges to generate a powerful output signal with reduced distortion, wider frequency extension, and astonishing transparency setting a new standard for reference-grade analog playback. The lineup includes legendary models such as: Eminent EX – Known for its rich tonal balance, expansive soundstage, and precise imaging. Hyper Eminent EX – Offering heightened resolution and micro-detail while maintaining natural musicality. Ultra Eminent EX – Designed for maximum dynamic expression, clarity, and lifelike realism. Signature Gold & Signature Platinum – Flagship models delivering world-class refinement, breathtaking transparency, and uncompromising performance for reference systems. Eminent Solo Mono – A dedicated mono cartridge offering unmatched purity and coherence for true mono vinyl enthusiasts. My Sonic Lab also produces precision analog accessories such as the Stage 1030 Step-Up Transformer and the SH-1RH Headshell, engineered to perfectly complement their cartridges and preserve the integrity of the analog signal. Each component is meticulously handcrafted in Japan, ensuring exceptional quality, remarkable consistency, and a musical presentation that captures the full emotion of every recording. Explore the full My Sonic Lab collection available at Vinyl Sound USA Inc. in Buffalo, NY, and experience one of the most technologically advanced and musically satisfying analog systems ever created.

My Sonic Lab Signature Diamond Cartridge
My Sonic Lab My Sonic Lab Signature Diamond Cartridge
$15,995.00
The sound of My Sonic Lab cartridges are the result of master cartridge designer Yoshio Matsudaira seeking natural reproduction by minimizing signal loss, internal distortion, and phase distortion. All My Sonic cartridges utilize Matsudaira-san’s unique SH-μX magnetic core. This special core material has higher permeability and flux density than the typical iron core material used in MC cartridges.
My Sonic Lab My Sonic Lab Signature Platinum MC Cartridge
$11,995.00
The sound of My Sonic Lab cartridges are the result of master cartridge designer Yoshio Matsudaira seeking natural reproduction by minimizing signal loss, internal distortion, and phase distortion. All My Sonic cartridges utilize Matsudaira-san’s unique SH-μX magnetic core. This special core material has higher permeability and flux density than the typical iron core material used in MC cartridges.
My Sonic Lab My Sonic Lab Signature Gold MC Cartridge
$9,995.00
The sound of My Sonic Lab cartridges are the result of master cartridge designer Yoshio Matsudaira seeking natural reproduction by minimizing signal loss, internal distortion, and phase distortion. All My Sonic cartridges utilize Matsudaira-san’s unique SH-μX magnetic core. This special core material has higher permeability and flux density than the typical iron core material used in MC cartridges.
My Sonic Lab My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent EX MC Cartridge
$7,495.00
The sound of My Sonic Lab cartridges are the result of master cartridge designer Yoshio Matsudaira seeking natural reproduction by minimizing signal loss, internal distortion, and phase distortion. All My Sonic cartridges utilize Matsudaira-san’s unique SH-μX magnetic core. This special core material has higher permeability and flux density than the typical iron core material used in MC cartridges.
My Sonic Lab My Sonic Lab Hyper Eminent EX MC Cartridge
$5,995.00
Step-up transformer with exclusive Hi-μ core for ultra-low impedance moving coil cartridges. Low-impedance moving coil cartridges use smaller windings and have less moving mass for great detail and speed. However, the low output means that they need a lot of gain, which can add noise and grain. The step-up transformer (SUT) solves this, but needs to be of extremly high quality.
My Sonic Lab My Sonic Lab Stage 1030 Step-Up Transformer
$5,495.00
The sound of the Eminent Ex is the result of master cartridge designer Yoshio Matsudaira seeking natural reproduction by minimizing signal loss, internal distortion, and phase distortion. Eminent EX utilizes Matsudaira-san's unique SH-¼X magnetic core. This special core material has higher permeability and flux density than the core material typically used in MC cartridges.
My Sonic Lab My Sonic Lab Eminent Solo Mono MC Cartridge
$4,495.00
The sound of the Eminent Ex is the result of master cartridge designer Yoshio Matsudaira seeking natural reproduction by minimizing signal loss, internal distortion, and phase distortion. Eminent EX utilizes Matsudaira-san’s unique SH-μX magnetic core. This special core material has higher permeability and flux density than the core material typically used in MC cartridges.
My Sonic Lab My Sonic Lab Eminent EX MC Cartridge
$4,495.00
The My Sonic Lab SH-1RH headshell was developed with an emphasis on sound quality. This high-grade design is made using hard anodized aluminum alloy (A6063S) with excellent strength to support any cartridge you choose and keep unwanted resonances at bay. Moreover, the mounting holes are fixed positions with 3-points placed at +/- 3 mm intervals from the center.
My Sonic Lab My Sonic Lab SH-1RH Headshell
$275.00

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is My Sonic Lab, and where can I buy it in the USA?
My Sonic Lab is a revered Japanese maker of high-end moving coil phono cartridges, founded by master designer Yoshio Matsudaira and handcrafted in Japan. The brand is known for ultra-low-impedance MC designs that aim for extraordinary signal purity, dynamics, and resolution. Vinyl Sound USA is your authorized My Sonic Lab dealer in Buffalo, NY, serving Western New York and the rest of the country, so every cartridge and accessory on this page is genuine and fully supported.
What is a moving coil cartridge, and why are My Sonic Lab’s different?
A moving coil (MC) cartridge generates its signal from tiny coils moving within a magnetic field as the stylus tracks the groove, a design prized for detail and natural tone. What sets My Sonic Lab apart is its proprietary SH-μX core material, which has very high magnetic permeability with low coil resistance. In plain terms, that lets the cartridge produce a strong, clean signal with less distortion and wider frequency extension. If you want help understanding what that means for your system, our Buffalo, NY team is glad to explain it.
How do the My Sonic Lab cartridges compare?
Think of it as a ladder of refinement. The Eminent EX is the entry into the line, known for rich tonal balance and precise imaging. The Hyper Eminent EX adds resolution and micro-detail, and the Ultra Eminent EX pushes dynamics and realism further. At the top sit the flagship Signature Gold, Signature Platinum, and the reference Signature Diamond, delivering world-class transparency for the most resolving systems. There is also the Eminent Solo Mono for mono records. All are reference-level, so tell Vinyl Sound USA about your system and we will help you choose the right one.
Do I need a step-up transformer for a My Sonic Lab cartridge?
Very likely, and this matters a lot with these cartridges. My Sonic Lab cartridges are low-impedance moving coil designs, which need a lot of clean gain. A step-up transformer (SUT) provides that gain passively, which can add less noise and grain than cranking up an active phono stage. My Sonic Lab’s own Stage 1030 step-up transformer is built with a special high-permeability core specifically to match ultra-low-impedance cartridges like theirs. Before you invest at this level, send us your phono stage details and we will confirm the right way to drive your cartridge.
What exactly does the Stage 1030 step-up transformer do?
It sits between your cartridge and your phono stage and boosts the cartridge’s very low signal up to a level a moving magnet input can use, using transformers rather than active electronics. The benefit is that a high-quality SUT can preserve detail and keep noise low, which is critical with a low-output, low-impedance cartridge. The catch is that an SUT must be matched well to the cartridge, which is exactly why My Sonic Lab designed the Stage 1030 to pair with its own cartridges. If you are putting a system together, we will help you match it properly.
What is the SH-1RH headshell, and do I need it?
The SH-1RH is My Sonic Lab’s precision headshell, made from hard anodized aluminum alloy for strength and resonance control, with fixed mounting positions for accurate cartridge alignment. A good headshell contributes to how cleanly a cartridge performs, since unwanted resonance and poor alignment both cost sound quality. Whether you need it depends on your tonearm and current headshell. It is a worthwhile match for a My Sonic Lab cartridge, but we will give you an honest view on whether it is a priority for your setup.
Will a My Sonic Lab cartridge work with my turntable and tonearm?
Most use the standard half-inch mount, so physical fit is usually fine, but at this level the tonearm and loading matter more than the mount. Low-impedance moving coil cartridges have specific requirements for gain, loading, and tonearm matching, and getting them wrong leaves real performance on the table. Rather than assume, share your turntable, tonearm, and phono setup with Vinyl Sound USA and we will confirm the match before you buy a reference cartridge.
What is the Eminent Solo Mono cartridge for?
It is a dedicated mono cartridge, built specifically for playing mono records. A true mono cartridge can give you quieter, more solid, and more coherent playback on mono pressings than a stereo cartridge does. If you have a meaningful mono collection, especially older jazz, blues, or classical, it can be a genuinely rewarding addition. If you are not sure it fits your collection, tell us what you listen to and we will help you decide.
Moving coil versus moving magnet: is a My Sonic Lab cartridge right for me?
Moving coil designs like My Sonic Lab’s are chosen for their detail, speed, and refinement, but they ask more of the system. They need the right gain, usually a step-up transformer or capable MC phono stage, and the stylus is not user-replaceable the way many moving magnet styli are. If you have a resolving turntable, tonearm, and phono chain and want reference performance, these cartridges reward it. We will be honest about whether your system is ready for one before you commit.
Are cartridges at this price really worth it?
For the right system and listener, a reference cartridge can transform what you hear from your records, which is why these designs exist. But how much benefit you get depends entirely on the rest of your system. A top My Sonic Lab cartridge shows its full character on a resolving turntable, tonearm, and phono chain, and far less on a modest setup. We would rather tell you honestly whether your system is ready than simply sell you the most expensive option. That conversation is exactly what our Buffalo, NY team is here for.
How do I set up and care for a My Sonic Lab cartridge?
A reference moving coil cartridge needs careful alignment, correct tracking force, anti-skate, and the right loading at the phono stage or SUT. Small errors cost real performance and can risk record and stylus wear, so this is not a setup to rush. We strongly recommend careful installation and can guide you or advise on the right tools and headshell. When you buy from Vinyl Sound USA, contact our Buffalo, NY store and we will help you get every detail right.
How do I get expert help choosing a My Sonic Lab system in the USA?
Buying at this level should come with real guidance. Vinyl Sound USA is an authorized My Sonic Lab retailer in Buffalo, NY, so you get genuine cartridges, the matching Stage 1030 step-up transformer and SH-1RH headshell, and honest, system-specific advice. Whether you are choosing between the Eminent EX and the Signature models, or matching a cartridge to your phono chain, contact our team and we will make sure it is right before you spend.