LS10 MKII “G” cartridge
1,890 $
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60-day home evaluation · 2-year warranty · Personal setup guidance
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When I recommend the LS10 MKII “G”
The LS10 MKII “G” is the cartridge I recommend only when the system is ready for a very low-output moving coil design.
With 0.10 mV output, gold-plated 5N OCC copper coils, a non-magnetic polycarbonate core and a boron nitride cantilever, it asks more from the phono chain than the standard LS10 MKII or the “S”.
In the right system, that demand becomes the reward: lower moving mass, exceptional neutrality, very fine microdynamic expression and a quieter sense of the cartridge stepping away from the music.
It is not the easiest LS10 to choose. It is the most exacting one.
For listeners whose gain structure, noise floor and analog setup are truly ready, the LS10 MKII “G” is the most exacting expression of the LS10 family.
Gregory de Richemont
Founder, Le Son
The gold-coil expression
At the heart of the LS10 MKII “G” are precision-wound gold-plated 5N OCC copper coils, wound on a non-magnetic polycarbonate core.
This generator structure is designed for very low moving mass, very low internal impedance and a more exacting relationship with the phono chain.
Compared with the standard LS10 MKII and the “S”, the “G” is not simply a more luxurious version. It is a more demanding expression, built for neutrality, microdynamic realism and tonal integrity when the gain and noise structure are appropriate.
In listening terms, the “G” is designed to reveal small shifts in timing, texture and harmonic balance without adding obvious emphasis of its own.
What this brings:
→ Exceptional microdynamic nuance
→ A neutral, stable tonal foundation
→ Very high resolution without added glare
Boron nitride cantilever
The LS10 MKII “G” uses a boron nitride rod cantilever, selected for low moving mass, high rigidity and controlled energy transfer.
In a very low-output cartridge, this mechanical control matters deeply. The generator is retrieving extremely small signal changes, so the cantilever must transmit groove movement quickly without adding unnecessary blur or hardness.
For the listener, the benefit is not only detail. It is stability: cleaner transients, more precise timing and a more natural sense of musical shape.
What this brings:
→ Clean transient response without edge
→ Stable imaging and precise timing
→ Resolution that remains natural over long sessions
Special line-contact stylus
The LS10 MKII “G” uses a nude diamond special line-contact stylus, chosen for fine groove tracing and high information retrieval.
Its extended contact area helps the stylus follow delicate groove modulations with control while distributing tracking force over a larger contact surface.
Correct alignment still matters. The “G” is a revealing cartridge, and the stylus profile rewards careful setup rather than casual installation.
What this brings:
→ Refined tracking across the record surface
→ Fine detail retrieval with controlled groove contact
→ A strong reward for careful alignment and setup
Easy, confident installation
The LS10 MKII “G” uses a pre-threaded body, so mounting does not require loose nuts.
Its straight sides also make visual alignment easier, helping the installation feel calmer and more controlled.
Careful setup still matters, especially with a cartridge this revealing, but the body design makes the process less intimidating.
Personal setup guidance
With every LS10 MKII “G” cartridge, we are happy to help you review the key setup points before listening seriously.
This may include mounting, alignment, tracking force, anti-skate, phono-stage gain, loading and step-up transformer suitability.
Because the “G” has a very low 0.10 mV output, we strongly recommend checking the gain and noise structure of your system before ordering.
This direct guidance is part of the Le Son experience.
60-day home evaluation
The LS10 MKII “G” can be evaluated where it matters most: in your own system, with your own tonearm, phono stage or step-up transformer, and records.
You have 60 days to listen calmly, allow the cartridge to settle, refine the setup and decide whether it belongs in your analog front end.
If it is not the right match, please contact us within the evaluation period and we will guide you through the return process according to our return conditions.
Specifications
Physical
- Cartridge Type: Moving Coil (Stereo)
- Coils: Gold-plated 5N OCC Copper
- Core: Non-magnetic Polycarbonate
- Cantilever: Boron Nitride Rod
- Stylus: Nude Diamond, Special Line Contact Shape
- Body: Aluminum & Carbon Fiber Socket, Ebony Wood Casing
- Weight: 8.2 grams
Electrical
- Output Voltage: 0.10 mV at 5 cm/s
- Internal Impedance: 1.6 ohms
- Frequency Response: 15 – 45,000 Hz
- Channel Separation: Better than 30 dB at 1 kHz
- Channel Balance: Better than 0.5 dB
Dynamic
- Tracking ability: 80 μm at 315 Hz with 2 g tracking force
- Dynamic Compliance: 15 μm/mN at 10 Hz
Setup
- Recommended Loading: ≥ 20 ohms
- Recommended Gain: approximately 70–78 dB overall gain, or a suitable 1:16 to 1:20 step-up transformer ratio
- Recommended Vertical Tracking Force (VTF): 1.8 – 2.3 grams
- Reference Vertical Tracking Force (VTF): 2 grams
- Recommended Tonearm Mass: Medium
- Run-in Period: 30 hours
Accessories
- 1 x Stylus Brush
- 1 x Vessel Hexagonal Screwdriver
- 1 x Stylus Guard
- 2 x Short Titanium Mounting Screws
- 2 x Medium Titanium Mounting Screws
- 2 x Long Titanium Mounting Screws
- 6 x Graphite / Nylon Washers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a warranty for the LS10 MKII “G” cartridge?
- Which tonearms are compatible with the LS10 MKII “G”?
- What is the expected stylus lifespan?
- Can the LS10 MKII “G” be retipped or rebuilt?
- What phono preamp gain is recommended?
- How does the LS10 MKII “G” compare with the LS10 MKII and LS10 MKII “S”?
- Is the LS10 MKII “G” returnable if it does not match my system?
- Do you offer setup assistance?
- What information should I send before ordering?
Yes. The LS10 MKII “G” is covered by a 2-year warranty under normal use.
Warranty coverage applies to defects in materials or workmanship. It does not cover misuse, improper installation, unauthorized modification, external damage, or normal stylus wear.
If an issue appears, please contact us with your order details, serial number and a clear description of the symptom.
The LS10 MKII “G” has a dynamic compliance of 15 μm/mN and is generally intended for medium-mass tonearms.
The ideal match still depends on the full setup, including tonearm effective mass, headshell, mounting hardware and phono-stage configuration.
If you are unsure, send us your turntable, tonearm and phono-stage details before ordering. We will be happy to help you check whether the LS10 MKII “G” is a coherent match.
Stylus life depends on setup accuracy, record cleanliness, tracking force, handling and hours of use.
With careful setup and clean records, the special line-contact stylus is designed for long service life, but it should still be treated as a precision wear component.
If tracking, distortion or tonal balance changes noticeably after extended use, contact us and we can advise whether inspection or retipping may be appropriate.
Yes. The LS10 MKII “G” can be retipped or serviced where appropriate.
When the stylus is worn, or if performance changes after long use, please contact us and we will confirm the most suitable service path.
Current conditions, pricing and timing are confirmed before any work begins.
The LS10 MKII “G” has a very low output of 0.10 mV at 5 cm/s and requires careful phono-stage or step-up transformer matching.
As a practical guideline, the total gain structure usually needs to be around 70 to 78 dB, with a very low noise floor.
Recommended loading starts at 20 ohms minimum. A suitable step-up transformer may also be appropriate, often in the 1:16 to 1:20 range depending on the MM stage and final reflected load.
If you share your phono stage or SUT model, we will be happy to review the match before you order.
The LS10 MKII is the core low-output Le Son reference and the most balanced starting point in the LS10 family.
The LS10 MKII “S” adds a more open, refined and nuanced silver-coil expression while remaining practical for many serious MC phono stages.
The LS10 MKII “G” is the most exacting version. It should be chosen only when the gain, loading and noise structure of the system are truly ready for a 0.10 mV cartridge.
Eligible cartridge returns fall within our 60-day home evaluation framework, provided return conditions are met.
The cartridge should be returned in appropriate condition and will be inspected after receipt.
If you are unsure before ordering, please contact us with your system details so we can help you choose carefully.
Yes. We are happy to help you review the key setup points for the LS10 MKII “G,” including tracking force, alignment, anti-skate, VTA/SRA starting point, gain, loading and SUT suitability.
The more complete your system information, the better we can guide you.
Useful details include turntable, tonearm, phono stage, SUT if used, gain and loading options, current cartridge and listening priorities.
Please send your turntable model, tonearm model, phono stage model, SUT model if used, available gain and loading settings, current cartridge and listening priorities.
This allows us to check the mechanical and electrical match before you order.
For the LS10 MKII “G,” this is especially important because its very low output makes the phono-stage or SUT match central to the final result.
Not sure whether the LS10 MKII “G” suits your system?
Our Before You Buy guide covers the main compatibility questions, including tonearm mass, phono-stage gain, loading and step-up transformer matching.
If you would like personal advice, send us your turntable, tonearm, phono-stage and SUT details. We will be happy to help you choose with confidence.
