Skyanalog G-2 MKII

Skyanalog G-2 MKII – ruby cantilever MC cartridge for serious analogue listening

One material change, meaningfully different results

The Skyanalog G-2 MKII sits at the centre of the revised G-series lineup, distinguished from the G-1 MKII by a single but significant upgrade: a ruby cantilever in place of boron. Ruby registers a Mohs hardness of 9 — just below diamond, and considerably harder than boron. Consequently, bending distortion within the cantilever itself is reduced, and signal transmission from groove to generator becomes measurably more accurate. The G-2 MKII is the natural choice for listeners who want to move beyond the entry-level G-1 MKII without stepping up to the sapphire-equipped G-3 MKII.

Why ruby matters in a cantilever

Ruby's combination of high stiffness and relatively low mass makes it an effective cantilever material at this level. Transients are transmitted more quickly and precisely than boron allows — above all, this is audible in the reproduction of leading edges, percussive attacks, and fine spatial detail. Furthermore, ruby's inherent damping characteristics help control cantilever self-resonance, which contributes to a cleaner, more composed presentation at higher frequencies. Paired with an elliptical stylus ground to a 5/15 µm tip radius, the G-2 MKII delivers analytical precision alongside genuine musicality.

Yan suspension and shared G-MKII architecture

The G-2 MKII shares the technical foundation of the entire G-MKII family. The Yan suspension system combines custom-grade piano wire with a proprietary rubber compound of increased rigidity, thereby controlling unwanted resonances without compromising frequency response. Recommended tracking force is 1.35 g — lower than the MKI generation — which reduces mechanical wear on both stylus and record. Internal impedance is 6 ohms, with a recommended load of 200 to 470 ohms. An adjustable phono stage will therefore get more from this cartridge than a fixed 100-ohm input.

Housing and practical considerations

The G-2 MKII's blue anodised aluminium body receives the same bead-blasted surface treatment as its G-MKII siblings. Thousands of ceramic beads work-harden the alloy and create a dimpled finish that damps structural resonances. Flat front and side faces make headshell alignment straightforward. At 10.7 g with a dynamic compliance of 12 µm/mN, the cartridge pairs best with a tonearm of medium effective mass. Contact Novus Audio for guidance on compatible combinations.

Specifications

• Type: Moving Coil (MC), low output
• Cantilever: Ruby
• Stylus: Elliptical, bonded
• Stylus tip radius: r/R = 5/15 µm
• Stylus angle: 20°
• Output voltage: 0.32 mV
• Internal impedance: 6 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 200–470 ohms
• Recommended tracking force: 1.35 g (range: 1.1–1.4 g)
• Dynamic compliance: 12 µm/mN
• Coil material: pure iron, square winding
• Channel separation: better than 30 dB (1 kHz)
• Suspension: Yan system
• Body: anodised aluminium (blue), bead-blasted
• Weight: 10.7 g

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the G-1 MKII and the G-2 MKII?

The cantilever material is the key distinction — boron in the G-1 MKII, ruby in the G-2 MKII. Ruby is harder and stiffer than boron, consequently improving signal transmission and transient reproduction. All other specifications — Yan suspension, stylus, impedance, and tracking force — are identical across both models.

What phono stage does the G-2 MKII require?

The recommended load impedance of 200 to 470 ohms sits above the 100-ohm standard found on many fixed MC inputs. An adjustable phono stage is therefore recommended to get the best from this cartridge. Novus Audio can advise on suitable pairings for your system.

Which tonearm is compatible with the G-2 MKII?

At 10.7 g with a dynamic compliance of 12 µm/mN, the G-2 MKII is best suited to a tonearm of medium effective mass. The ideal system resonance sits between 8 and 12 Hz. Our team is happy to help you assess compatibility with your existing arm.