Shyla MC Cartridge

Built in Japan by Audio-Technica, Voice by VPI: Shyla Dual Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge Plays with High Separation, Wide Responsiveness, Enticing Presence, and a Natural Midrange

Inspired by Audio-Technica's flagship ART Series, and a collaboration between the iconic Japanese cartridge manufacturer and the analog experts at VPI, the Shyla dual moving-coil cartridge combines expert design and natural, musical voicing focused on the midrange while also dialed-in to provide strong, deep lows and detailed highs. Featuring a premium magnetic core, special line contact stylus, and 0.26mm-diameter solid boron cantilever, Shyla proves a fantastic tracker that refuses to lose its composure even during challenging passages. Once it hits the grooves of an LP, this premium, high-separation, wide-response model reproduces music with enticing presence, imaging, liveliness, and dynamics.

On the technical side, Shyla boasts all the elements that have helped make both Audio-Technica and VPI renowned names in the high-end industry for decades. As such, Shyla's coils and terminal pins use PCOCC to maintain exceptional purity and conductivity. Its neodymium magnet and permendur yoke significantly increase magnetic energy, while the rated 0.6mV output speaks to its powerful performance.

Shyla's exterior construction is equally important. Modified with advanced internal dampening, its mold ensures exceptional stability and rigidity, limiting unnecessary coil movement and reducing distortion. Similarly, its machined aluminum/hard plastic hybrid body further lessens resonance. Last but not least, the presence of threaded holes allows for easy, hassle-free mounting.

Partnerships between revered high-end companies don't come better than Audio-Technica and VPI. Hear Shyla and experience why.

REVIEW & AWARDS

VPI Shyla Phono / Turntable Moving Coil Cartridge Review - Read More

"The Shyla cartridge would be quite appealing to bundle with the purchase of a VPI Prime 21 turntable or an excellent choice as an upgrade replacement cartridge for use with another VPI table such as the Classic series. This cartridge has my endorsement and encouragement for a person to hear, enjoy and purchase." - Bob Grossman

Analog Corner #280: VPI Avenger Reference turntable, VPI Fatboy tonearm - Read More

"When I consider the high build quality and excellence of machining in VPI's Avenger Reference, its heavy metal mass, its design ingenuity, its rugged American blinginess, and its more than reasonable price, it's not at all surprising that, judging by what I've seen traveling abroad, this model is America's goodwill ambassador to the world of turntables." 

VPI Prime 21+ - Read More

" So have Mat Weisfeld and his team at VPI come up with another winner here? I rather think that they have. Given the purchase price of the Prime 21+, it is unlikely appeal to those who use vinyl only occasionally, and there’s no shortage of excellent alternatives to be considered. However, to those for whom vinyl is a primary music source, this machine has a huge amount to offer. It feels reassuringly solid, and every detail has been meticulously designed. The Shyla takes an already excellent cartridge and embellishes it, and is very highly recommended. Despite my lack of confidence in set up, it was very reassuring to be able to get the help I required from the UK distributor. The Nordost cables that came with the Prime 21+ are also very well suited to the cartridge, and although I did briefly try a third party set I decided  that the Nordost gave me the all that I needed. If I was in the market for a new turntable, I would feel compelled to put the VPI Prime 21+ on my shortlist, and I have a sneaking suspicion that its alround capabilities and its delightful musical character would push it to the front of the queue." - Chris Kelly

VPI Prime 21+ Turntable Package Review - Read More

"Those seeking transparency and a more laid back ride could spend more and consider the Origin Live Resolution IV bundle, or perhaps go for a smoother and more polite presentation while keeping some money in your pocket with Rega's fine Planar 10. However, I am a fan of the Prime's aesthetics, as well as its cheekiness and forthright approach as to how it gets to the musical point. Before checking out turntables that cost north of £5,000 and still need the arm and cartridge to be factored in, I strongly recommend that you audition the VPI Prime 21. " 

SPECIFICATIONS