![VPI Shyla Cartridge](http://www.vpidirect.com/cdn/shop/files/shyla.jpg?v=1696052858&width=1445)
![VPI Shyla Cartridge](http://www.vpidirect.com/cdn/shop/products/s750835037950344514_p546_i6_w572.png?v=1696052858&width=1445)
The Story Behind Shyla
Named after VPI owner Mat Weisfeld's daughter, Shyla came about from VPI's desire to have a high-performance MC cartridge for under $2,000 with the company's name on it – a cartridge that captures the sound, experience, and quality VPI values when enjoying music. When listening to Audio-Technica ART Series cartridges, Mat and VPI founder Harry Weisfeld got an idea for a collaboration with Audio-Technica. After an initial conversation, the companies strove to create a product founded on AT's long history of cartridge design complemented by VPI's voicing and natural/musical sound. Harry and Mat first met the AT design team in Munich, after which an initial prototype was developed. Mat followed up with a second trip to AT's home base in Japan to continue the communication and design for the cartridge. During the visit, VPI toured the AT sound room and research-and-development facility where the cartridge would be subjected to the highest level of quality and compliance testing.