Cartridges

DESCRIPTION

Replacement DMS 251S cartridge to DUAL suit models CS-440, CS415 and CS-435

DESCRIPTION

Our entry level design captures more than its share of recorded beauty – by design. Big soundstage, detail and resolution at an affordable price.

The Otello is Soundsmith’s entry level Moving Iron design, realizing an affordable pathway into the world of high performance cartridges. Build by hand like all Soundsmith cartridges, the Otello provides a perfect balance of tone and resolution at a great price. The result is a cartridge that is at ease with any type of music. Just slightly warmer than other Soundsmith designs, Otello yields a richness of timbre that is utterly beguiling with a level of speed and dynamics not often found in cartridges at this price. The result? A wonderful design that gives the warmth of MM and the lightfootedness of Moving Iron design.

All Soundsmith cartridges are available in true DUAL MONO as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

• STYLUS: Elliptical Titanium Bonded, 0.20mm Round
• RADIUS OF CURVATURE: 6 x 17 uM
• CANTILEVER: Aluminum Alloy

• RECOMMENDED TRACKING FORCE: 1.3-1.6 gm

• EFFECTIVE TIP MASS: 0.50 mg
• COMPLIANCE: 22 μm/mN
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20-20,000 Hz ± 2.5 dB
• CHANNEL SEPARATION (STEREO ONLY): 1000 Hz >24 dB 50-15,000 >20 dB
• CHANNEL DIFFERENCE:  <1.8 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono)
• OUTPUT VOLTAGE:  >2.12 mV
• CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 9.2 Grams
• LOADING: ≥ 47 kΩ

THE DDT-II SPECIAL MC CARTRIDGE

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DESCRIPTION

Our Carmen design resolves high performance at an affordable price. A dramatic deep and wide soundstage, and ultra trackability.

The Carmen MKII was created out of the desire to make a very high performance design at an affordable price. Just slightly lush with a well developed midrange, the Carmen MKII is surprisingly pleasing and will seduce you into late listening sessions. The stylus used is a part of what makes it special; an ultralow mass cut and polished into a true Hyper-Elliptical shape. The combination of low tip mass and the Moving Iron gives the Carmen MKII a tremendous resolution advantage over MC designs selling for more than twice the price. Housed in our new ES DEMS body design, the Carmen MKII delivers.

All Soundsmith cartridges are available in true DUAL MONO as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

• STYLUS: Nude Elliptical, 0.120mm SQ
• RADIUS OF CURVATURE: 6 x 17 uM
• CANTILEVER: Aluminum Alloy

• RECOMMENDED TRACKING FORCE: 1.3-1.6 gm

• EFFECTIVE TIP MASS: 0.35 mg
• COMPLIANCE: 22 μm/mN 
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20-20,000 Hz ± 2.5 dB
• CHANNEL SEPARATION (STEREO ONLY): 1000 Hz >26 dB 50-15,000 >20 dB
• CHANNEL DIFFERENCE:  <1.6 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono)
• OUTPUT VOLTAGE:  2.12 m V
• CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 9.2 Grams
• LOADING: ≥ 47 kΩ

THE MC-10 SPECIAL MC CARTRIDGE 

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THE MC-ONE SPECIAL MC CARTRIDGE

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DESCRIPTION

The Zephyr MKIII has achieved what no other cartridge has done since its inception, rapid recognition as a leading force.

The Soundsmith Zephyr MKIII phono cartridge employs “Trickle Down“ Technology from a unique Energy Distribution System within the cartridge body as used in the Soundsmith’s well-received high-end Sussurro Cartridge. The Zephyr MKIII features a newly developed Aluminum cantilever with contact line diamond stylus — capable of truly remarkable separation, sound stage and imaging. The new ES DEMS body design unique energy distribution system contributes to the Zephyr MKIII‘s ability to produce high-end performance from a moderately priced cartridge

All Soundsmith cartridges are available in true DUAL MONO as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

• STYLUS: Selected Contact Line low mass Nude Stylus
• RADIUS OF CURVATURE: 6 x 17 uM
• CANTILEVER: Aluminum Alloy

• RECOMMENDED TRACKING FORCE: 1.8 to 2.2 Grams

• EFFECTIVE TIP MASS: 0.32 mg
• COMPLIANCE: 10μm/mN (low compliance)
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 15-45,000 Hz ± 2.0 dB
• CHANNEL SEPARATION (STEREO ONLY): 1000 Hz >28 dB 50-15,000 >25 dB
• CHANNEL DIFFERENCE:  <1.0 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono) (Dual Mono operation w/optimal VTF setting)
• OUTPUT VOLTAGE:  2.12 m V
• CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 12.2 Grams
• LOADING: ≥ 47 kΩ

THE MC-TWO SPECIAL MC CARTRIDGE

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THE FROG MC CARTRIDGE

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DESCRIPTION

By popular demand, we introduce the Zephyr MIMC, our new lowest cost MC preamp compatible design.

Responding to the demand for a lower priced, low-output design for those who own high gain preamps, the Soundsmith recently developed the Zephyr MIMC STAR, which follows in the footsteps of the highly successful high-output Zephyr II. The handcrafted Zephyr MIMC STAR (Moving Iron for Moving Coil Preamps) is based on the world famous Sussurro cartridge and captures the gist of the latter‘s sonic signature at a much more reasonable price. The Zephyr MIMC STAR has been specifically designed to complement both unipivot arms and gimbaled bearing arms. Its sonic attributes include evenly balanced frequency response, dynamic shadings and remarkable detail retrieval; its

All Soundsmith cartridges are available in true DUAL MONO as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

• STYLUS: Selected Contact Line low mass Nude Stylus
• RADIUS OF CURVATURE:  6 x 17 uM
• CANTILEVER:  Laser Drilled Sapphire

• RECOMMENDED TRACKING FORCE: 1.8 to 2.2 Grams

• EFFECTIVE TIP MASS:  0.32 mg
• COMPLIANCE: 10μm/mN (low compliance)
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 15-45,000 Hz ± 2.0 dB
• CHANNEL SEPARATION (STEREO ONLY):  1000 Hz >32 dB 50-15,000 >25 dB
• CHANNEL DIFFERENCE:  <0.5 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono)
• OUTPUT VOLTAGE:  0.4 mV
• CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 12.2 Grams
• LOADING: ≥ 470 Ω

DESCRIPTION

A triumph of Soundsmith Engineering, Stereophile Class “A” rated, a rarity at its price point – and for good reasons.

The Aida MKII employsa laser drilled Sapphire cantilever with ultralow mass Contact Line stylus; we did this to resolve the challenges of playing the inner grooves with the same level of confidence as the outer. How did we do this? The unique stylus shape of our CL stylus has a “sharper” playing surface on the faceted diamond, allowing it to ride easily into the groove modulations of even the most difficult passages and high frequency information that other cartridges simply cannot trace. The result — a truly superb cartridge, surpassing top MC designs with air, focus and sound staging no cartridge at this price should be able to achieve.

All Soundsmith cartridges are available in true DUAL MONO as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

• STYLUS: Selected Contact Line low mass Nude Stylus
• RADIUS OF CURVATURE: 6 x 17 uM
• CANTILEVER: Laser Drilled Sapphire

• RECOMMENDED TRACKING FORCE: 1.3-1.6 gm

• EFFECTIVE TIP MASS: 1.3-1.6 gm
• COMPLIANCE: 22 μm/mN 
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20-20,000 Hz ± 2.5 dB
• CHANNEL SEPARATION (STEREO ONLY): 1000 Hz >30 dB 50-15,000 >20 dB
• CHANNEL DIFFERENCE:  <1.5 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono)
• OUTPUT VOLTAGE:  2.12 m V
• CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 9.2 Grams
• LOADING: ≥ 470 Ω

THE FROG GOLD MC CARTRIDGE

DESCRIPTION

The Frog Gold is a custom handbuilt moving coil audiophile cartridge with the coil of a GRASSHOPPER III and the frontpole and suspension of the GRASSHOPPER IV: the best cartridge available for its price.

The Frog Gold MC Cartridge - Output 0.65 mV/channel, matched crystal gold-wire coils and extra magnet modification.

Production time:

SPECIFICATIONS

DESCRIPTION

Kudos, accolades and many “Product Of the Year” awards. The pinnacle of High Output designs – from Soundsmith ~ of course.

Since its introduction in 2009, The Voice has won numerous “Product of the Year“ awards and is — in Peter Ledermann’s words —“probably the best H.O. cartridge in production today“. Our design goal was to produce the lowest moving mass high-output design possible using novel and advanced technology. Featuring a single crystal Ruby Cantilever and our Optimized Contour Line Contact Stylus, we developed a specialized metallurgy for the low mass moving iron system. A cartridge that disappears. After all, if it sounds like a “record”. . . it’s wrong. The cartridge should bring you directly to the performance not stand between you and the music.

All Soundsmith cartridges are available in true DUAL MONO as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

• STYLUS: Contact Line Nude, 0.100mm SQ selected for low noise
• RADIUS OF CURVATURE: OCL (Optimized Contour Contact Line)
• CANTILEVER: Ruby

• RECOMMENDED TRACKING FORCE: 1.3-1.6 gm

• EFFECTIVE TIP MASS:  0.30 mg
• COMPLIANCE: 22 μm/mN 
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20-20,000 Hz ± 1.0 dB
• CHANNEL SEPARATION (STEREO ONLY): 1000 Hz >30 dB 50-15,000 >25 dB
• CHANNEL DIFFERENCE:  <0.5 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono)
• OUTPUT VOLTAGE:  2.12 m V
• CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 9.2 Grams
• LOADING: ≥ 470 Ω

DESCRIPTION

The Paua; adorned with seashell to remind us of the beauty of the sounds of the world all around us. Nature healing nature.

The Paua is one of Soundsmith‘s most highly regarded top of the line low output cartridges. Winner of numerous accolades and praise from users and reviewers around the world, including an “Editor’s Choice Award” in 2015 from TAS. Featuring ultralow internal moving mass, a specialized telescoping alloy cantilever and highly polished low mass nude Contact Line stylus, the Paua will add a unique quality of warmth and smoothness to any analog system without leaving behind all the critical details you want and need to hear. The Paua reaches new heights of stylus control and performance, as is confirmed by its incredibly high channel separation figures. We have accomplished a work of art with the Paua design, resulting in an unparalleled and sublime performance.

All Soundsmith cartridges are available in true DUAL MONO as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

• STYLUS: Contact Line Nude, 0.100mm SQ
• RADIUS OF CURVATURE: Nude Contact Line SELECTED
• CANTILEVER:  Telescoping Aluminum Alloy

• RECOMMENDED TRACKING FORCE: 1.7 to 1.9 Grams

• EFFECTIVE TIP MASS:  0.30 mg
• COMPLIANCE: 10μm/mN (low compliance)
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20-20,000 Hz ± 1.0 dB
• CHANNEL SEPARATION (STEREO ONLY):  1000 Hz >34 dB 50-15,000 >25 dB
• CHANNEL DIFFERENCE:  <0.5 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono)
• OUTPUT VOLTAGE:  0.4 mV
• CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 12.2 Grams
• LOADING: ≥ 470 Ω

DESCRIPTION

The Sussurro MKII ~ critical design decisions, realized. Lowest internal mass. Best damping. Esoteric stylus and cantilever.

Inspired by Frank Schröder, designed and individually hand made by Peter Ledermann, Soundsmith‘s Sussurro is a cartridge designed to specifically address the most intricate and critical issues of cartridge design. The new Sussurro MKII has a newly designed moving iron element to reduce moving mass by 70%. The resulting extremely low stored inertia, with a newly engineered damping system and innovative energy distribution path, allows proper coupling into the tone arm. So what does all this mean?? Low jitter. Jitter? You probably thought that was a term reserved for digital systems. Not so. Stylus jitter is responsible for loss of detail, and making a cartridge sound, well, like a cartridge.

All Soundsmith cartridges are available in true DUAL MONO as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

• STYLUS: Contact Line Nude, 0.100mm SQ
• RADIUS OF CURVATURE: OCL (Optimized Contour Contact Line) SELECTED
• CANTILEVER: Ruby

• RECOMMENDED TRACKING FORCE: 1.8 to 2.2 Grams

• EFFECTIVE TIP MASS:  0.30 mg
• COMPLIANCE: 10μm/mN (low compliance)
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20-20,000 Hz ± 1.0 dB
• CHANNEL SEPARATION (STEREO ONLY):  1000 Hz >34 dB 50-15,000 >25 dB
• CHANNEL DIFFERENCE:  <0.5 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono)
• OUTPUT VOLTAGE:  0.4 mV
• CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 12.2 Grams
• LOADING: ≥ 470 Ω

DESCRIPTION

The truest testament to the quality and performance of any audio component is what others in that industry have to say about it.

The Hyperion MKII is the cartridge of choice for the most esteemed audio equipment manufacturers. Why? Because when they exhibit their gear at HiFi shows, they want their turntable, amplifier or speaker systems to sound the very best that they can! Peter Ledermann‘s radical design utilizes an actual “cactus spine” for the cantilever. The naturally tapered shape, stacked columnar fibers and desiccated resin damping fit the exact parameters of the perfect cantilever: Low mass, extreme rigidity, internal damping, and tremendous strength.

All Soundsmith cartridges are available in true DUAL MONO as well.

SPECIFICATIONS

• STYLUS: Contact Line Nude, 0.100mm SQ
• RADIUS OF CURVATURE: Moving Magnet
• CANTILEVER: Hand formed & treated selected Cactus Spine

• RECOMMENDED TRACKING FORCE: 1.8 to 2.2 Grams

• EFFECTIVE TIP MASS:  0.30 mg
• COMPLIANCE: 10μm/mN (low compliance)
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20-20,000 Hz ± 1.0 dB
• CHANNEL SEPARATION (STEREO ONLY):  1000 Hz >36 dB 50-15,000 >25 dB
• CHANNEL DIFFERENCE:  <0.5 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono)
• OUTPUT VOLTAGE:  0.4 mV
• CARTRIDGE WEIGHT: 12.2 Grams
• LOADING: ≥ 470 Ω