Skyanalog P-1 Green

Skyanalog P-1 Green – boron cantilever MC cartridge at an accessible price

P-2 generator, P-1 open body, one compelling package

The Skyanalog P-1 Green is the more capable of the two P-series models, combining the open body design of the P-1 with the generator from the P-2. The result is a cartridge that punches well above its price point — a claim supported by its boron cantilever, Japanese-made elliptical stylus, and Yan suspension system. Consequently, the P-1 Green sits in a different performance league from the aluminium-cantilevered P-1M, despite the two models sharing the same chassis format and electrical architecture. It is available at Novus Audio for listeners taking their first serious step into moving coil territory.

Boron cantilever and Japanese elliptical stylus

Boron is the standard cantilever material in the mid-to-high end of the MC market, and its presence in the P-1 Green is therefore notable at this price. Stiffer and lighter than aluminium, boron reduces bending distortion within the cantilever itself, thereby improving signal transmission from groove to generator. The elliptical stylus — ground in Japan to a 5/15 µm tip radius — extracts considerably more groove detail than a conical profile, and does so at a recommended tracking force of just 1.1 to 1.4 g. Above all, this low tracking force reduces mechanical wear on both stylus and record over time.

Yan suspension and pure iron square coil

The P-1 Green shares the Yan suspension system with Skyanalog's more expensive G-MKII series. Custom-grade piano wire and a proprietary rubber compound of increased rigidity work together to control unwanted resonances without affecting frequency response. Furthermore, the pure iron square-wound coil contributes to low self-noise and high signal purity. Internal impedance is 6 ohms, with a recommended load of 100 to 220 ohms — compatible with virtually all MC phono stages, including those with a fixed 100-ohm input. An MC step-up transformer is equally suitable.

Green housing and practical system matching

The P-1 Green's open anodised aluminium body in its distinctive green finish weighs approximately 10 g. Dynamic compliance is 12 µm/mN, making the cartridge a good match for tonearms of medium effective mass. The broad load impedance compatibility means no adjustable phono stage is required — though one will still reward careful matching. Skyanalog recommends a run-in period of at least 30 hours before critical listening.

Specifications

• Type: Moving Coil (MC), low output
• Cantilever: Boron
• Stylus: Elliptical (Japanese manufacture), bonded
• Stylus tip radius: r/R = 5/15 µm
• Stylus angle: 20°
• Output voltage: 0.32 mV
• Internal impedance: 6 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 100–220 ohms
• Recommended tracking force: 1.3 g (range: 1.1–1.4 g)
• Dynamic compliance: 12 µm/mN
• Coil material: pure iron, square winding
• Suspension: Yan system
• Body: open, green anodised aluminium
• Weight: approx. 10 g

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the P-1 Green and the P-1M?

The key distinction is cantilever material — aluminium in the P-1M, boron in the P-1 Green. Boron is stiffer and lighter, consequently delivering a more transparent and analytical presentation. The P-1M sounds marginally warmer. Both models share the Yan suspension, identical impedance values, and the same tracking force range.

Is the P-1 Green compatible with a standard MC phono stage?

Yes — the recommended load of 100 to 220 ohms is compatible with virtually all MC phono stages, including those with a fixed 100-ohm input. An MC step-up transformer also works well. Contact Novus Audio for advice on the best pairing for your system.

Which tonearm suits the Skyanalog P-1 Green?

At approximately 10 g with a dynamic compliance of 12 µm/mN, the P-1 Green pairs best with a tonearm of medium effective mass. The ideal system resonance sits between 8 and 12 Hz. Our team is happy to help you verify compatibility with your existing arm.