Takumi Shiro MC

Takumi Shiro MC – refined transparency and tonal purity

Design concept: higher coil purity and finer stylus geometry

The Takumi Shiro MC is the third model in the Takumi cartridge range, refining the Kuro's concept with two significant upgrades: a 6N OCC coil structure of higher purity and a nude fine-elliptical diamond stylus. Consequently, both resolution and tonal clarity reach a new level. The lower impedance of 4.7 Ω furthermore ensures optimal compatibility with high-quality MC phono stages offering a recommended load of 100–330 Ω.

6N OCC coil: greater purity, greater resolution

The step from 4N to 6N OCC winding is the most significant technical advance within the Takumi range. Higher copper purity reduces electrical resistance and distortion, thereby transmitting subtle musical information with greater accuracy. The Shiro therefore gains transparency and dynamic nuance over the Kuro. Paired with the nude fine-elliptical stylus — which reads groove modulations with minimal wear — the result is a cartridge that sounds open, balanced, and effortlessly musical.

Sound character: open, transparent and spatially convincing

The Shiro retrieves fine inner detail and air whilst maintaining the characteristic Takumi sense of calm and order. Voices gain texture and space; cymbals and strings reproduce with natural extension, free from harshness. Above all, the fine-elliptical geometry traces delicate groove modulations with exceptional precision, giving the Shiro a wide, layered soundstage of effortless balance. A break-in period of approximately 30 hours is recommended to allow the cartridge to reach its full potential.

System compatibility and setup guidance

With an output of 0.26 mV and an impedance of 4.7 Ω, the Shiro is best suited to MC phono stages with a recommended load of 100–330 Ω. Tracking force is 1.8 g (range: 1.6–2.2 g), and the 9 g body is consequently compatible with medium-mass tonearms. The Shiro pairs naturally with the Takumi TT Level turntable range.

Specifications

• Cantilever: Boron
• Stylus: Nude fine-elliptical, r/R = 5/15 µm
• VTA: 20°
• Coil: Square 6N OCC
• Weight: 9 g
• Output: 0.26 mV
• Impedance: 4.7 Ω
• Output balance @1 kHz: < 0.3 dB
• Channel separation @1 kHz: > 26 dB
• Frequency response: 20 – 25,000 Hz
• Tracking ability @315 Hz: 70 µm
• Dynamic compliance: 13 µm/mN
• Recommended load: 100 – 330 Ω
• Tracking force: 1.6 – 2.2 g (recommended: 1.8 g)
• Break-in: approx. 30 hours

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Takumi Kuro and the Shiro?

The Shiro uses a 6N OCC coil in place of the Kuro's 4N OCC, and a nude fine-elliptical stylus rather than a standard nude elliptical. The result is greater transparency, a lower noise floor, and a more richly detailed soundstage.

What phono stage do I need?

You will need an MC phono stage with a recommended load of 100–330 Ω. Most quality integrated amplifiers and standalone phono stages offer this setting as standard.

Can the stylus be replaced by the user?

The Takumi Shiro MC has a fixed stylus assembly that is not user-replaceable. For stylus service or replacement, please contact Novus Audio directly.