JICO, a Japanese company best known for its turntable cartridges and replacement styli, has just launched its first Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge, the JICO Clipper. Designed with both audiophiles and DJs in mind, the Clipper’s standout features include dual-fitting compatibility and a Tapered S-Cantilever, a design meant to improve how vibrations are transmitted through the stylus. Priced at $449.99 at B&H, it’s positioned as a high-performance option for those looking to fine-tune their vinyl setup.
One of the most interesting aspects of the JICO Clipper is its dual-fitting capability. In simple terms, it means this cartridge isn’t limited to just one stylus type. It’s designed to work optimally with JICO’s own CRCP/MK1 stylus, but it’s also compatible with JICO’s N44-7 and N44G styluses.
More importantly, it also fits a wide range of Shure 44-series replacement needles, including JICO’s Nude Diamond (ND), Synthetic Diamond (SD), MORITA Wood Cantilever, and SAS models. Even vintage Shure styli can be used with it.
For vinyl collectors, this flexibility makes it easy to try out different stylus types without having to replace the entire cartridge. DJs, on the other hand, might appreciate the ability to swap styluses depending on the type of music they’re playing or how aggressively they mix.
Another key feature of the Clipper is its Tapered S-Cantilever, which is inspired by older designs from Audio Empire and Swing record needles. But what does that actually mean?
The cantilever is the small rod that connects the stylus tip to the cartridge body. In the Clipper’s case, the tapered design reduces mass near the tip, which is supposed to result in more precise vibration transmission. The goal is to improve sound clarity and detail, particularly in the mid-to-high frequencies.
JICO tested various materials before settling on a solid natural diamond conical tip. While different stylus shapes can offer varying performance characteristics, conical tips are often praised for their smooth sound and strong tracking ability.
Aside from performance, JICO has also put some thought into the Clipper’s design. It features a glossy black UVCRM resin body, a material chosen to enhance both durability and aesthetics.
One of the more visually unique features is the ApexGlide Headshell finger lift. If you look closely, it’s designed to resemble an airplane tail fin. While this is mostly a stylistic touch, it does serve a functional purpose, making it easier to lift the cartridge off a record when needed.
JICO has also partnered with KORG to include the Clipper cartridge on the limited-edition handytraxx tube J portable record player. This suggests that JICO sees the Clipper as not just a high-end audiophile product but also something versatile enough for casual and mobile listening setups.
Technical Specifications:
The JICO Clipper MM Cartridge is now available in the UK and US. Here’s the pricing breakdown:
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