Skyanalog P1-M

Skyanalog P-1M – moving coil cartridge for a first step into MC listening

Accessible entry, serious engineering

The Skyanalog P-1M is the entry point of the P-series and brings genuine moving coil performance to a broad audience. Despite its position at the foot of the Skyanalog lineup, it features the Yan suspension system — the same technology found in the more expensive G-MKII series. An aluminium cantilever paired with a conical diamond stylus delivers a warm, musically forgiving presentation that rewards long listening sessions. Furthermore, an output voltage of 0.4 mV and a load impedance range of 100 ohms to 1 kΩ make the P-1M compatible with virtually any phono stage — consequently, it is a low-risk and genuinely rewarding first MC cartridge.

Aluminium cantilever and conical stylus

The P-1M uses an aluminium cantilever with a conical diamond stylus ground to a 5/20 µm tip radius. A conical profile contacts the groove wall across a broader area than an elliptical profile, thereby reducing sensitivity to alignment errors and mechanical tolerances in the playback chain. This makes the P-1M a particularly stable and reliable performer across a wide range of tonearm and turntable combinations. Moreover, the conical geometry suits older mono and vintage recordings well — material that was originally cut and played with similar stylus profiles. On such records, the P-1M often sounds notably quiet and natural.

Yan suspension and higher output voltage

The Yan suspension system combines custom-grade piano wire with a proprietary rubber compound of increased rigidity, therefore controlling unwanted resonances without compromising frequency response or tracking ability. At 0.4 mV, the P-1M's output voltage is above average for a low-output MC — this means it places fewer demands on the gain reserves of the phono stage, making it easier to integrate into a wider range of systems. The recommended tracking force of 1.8 g contributes to the cartridge's stable, warm character and its ease of use in everyday listening.

Black housing and broad system compatibility

The P-1M's black anodised aluminium body weighs approximately 10 g. The exceptionally wide recommended load impedance — 100 ohms to 1 kΩ — covers fixed MC inputs, adjustable phono stages, and MC step-up transformers alike. Above all, this flexibility removes a common barrier to entry for first-time MC users. Skyanalog recommends a run-in period of at least 30 hours before critical listening begins.

Specifications

• Type: Moving Coil (MC), low output
• Cantilever: Aluminium
• Stylus: Conical, diamond
• Stylus tip radius: r/R = 5/20 µm
• Stylus angle: 20°
• Output voltage: 0.4 mV (at 3.54 cm/s)
• Internal impedance: 6 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 100 ohms – 1 kΩ
• Recommended tracking force: 1.8 g (range: 1.6–2.0 g)
• Channel separation: better than 30 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel balance: better than 1 dB
• Coil material: pure iron, square winding
• Suspension: Yan system
• Body: black anodised aluminium
• Weight: approx. 10 g

Frequently asked questions

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

The key distinctions are cantilever material and stylus profile — aluminium cantilever with conical stylus in the P-1M, boron cantilever with elliptical stylus in the P-1 Green. The P-1M sounds marginally warmer and is more forgiving of setup variables; the P-1 Green is more analytical and transparent. Both share the Yan suspension system and identical load impedance compatibility.

Is the P-1M suitable as a first MC cartridge?

Yes — the 0.4 mV output and wide load range of 100 ohms to 1 kΩ make the P-1M exceptionally easy to integrate into existing systems. It works with fixed MC inputs, adjustable phono stages, and step-up transformers alike. Contact Novus Audio for personalised advice on the best pairing for your setup.

Which tonearm suits the Skyanalog P-1M?

At approximately 10 g with a recommended tracking force of 1.8 g, the P-1M is compatible with a broad range of tonearms from light to medium effective mass. Our team is happy to help you assess compatibility with your existing arm and turntable combination.