VAN DEN HUL MC-10 SPECIAL

Second-hand. Supplied with original packaging.

The MC-TWO Special is a fully hand-built moving coil cartridge, crafted in the Netherlands by master designer A.J. van den Hul. It retains the refined VDH-I stylus shape and a boron cantilever, combined with perfectly matched crystal silver-wire coils, delivering an output voltage of 0.65 mV per channel. The “Special” designation signals a series of improvements over earlier models, including a thicker front pole and an additional, compact high-efficiency magnet—both of which serve to enhance sonic resolution and output levels. This configuration not only ensures exceptional musicality, but also supports a wide frequency response from 5 to 50 kHz and excellent channel separation, exceeding 35 dB at 1 kHz and over 30 dB at 10 kHz.

Each cartridge takes about two weeks to manufacture, a reflection of the meticulous craftsmanship behind its creation. The VDH-I stylus, a hallmark of precision engineering, allows accurate groove tracking with its 3 x 85 micron stylus radii. A static compliance of 28 μm/mN and tracking ability between 70–80 μm at 15 mN confirm its dynamic stability and control. With a stylus tip mass of just 0.35 mg and an overall weight of 8.2 g, it pairs optimally with tonearms in the 8 to 12 g range, ensuring excellent compatibility and balance.

The specially selected crystal silver coils combine low resistance (9 Ω ±10%) with outstanding separation and channel balance (< 0.5 dB), resulting in a clean and coherent signal. A recommended load impedance of 200 Ω completes the technical profile, ensuring the flexibility to integrate with a wide range of phono preamplifiers.

The MC-TWO Special blends technological innovation with artisan-grade craftsmanship: the reinforced front pole and added magnet enhance resolution and musicality; its custom build offers a detailed and engaging sound; and its careful balance of weight, compliance, and output makes it an ideal choice for demanding high-end analogue playback systems.

Technical specifications:

• Stylus shape: VDH - I; Stylus radii: 3 x 85 micron
• Frequency response: 5 - 50,000 Hz
• Tracking force: 13.5 - 15.0 mN
• Static compliance: 28 micron/mN
• Tracking ability: 70 - 80 micron
• Output voltage: 0.65 mV RMS
• Channel unbalance: < 0.5 dB
• Channel separation at 1 kHz / 10 kHz: > 35 / > 30 dB
• Equivalent stylus tip mass: 0.35 milligram
• System weight: 8.2 grams
• Vertical tracking angle: 22 degrees
• Load capacitance: see (*2)
• Recommended load impedance: 200 Ohm
• Recommended effective tonearm mass: 8 - 12 grams
• Moving coil resistance per channel: 9 Ohm ±10%