Soundsmith Cartridge (Showing 47 Results)

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Find the Art of Analog Precision with Soundsmith Cartridges

For those demanding audiophiles in pursuit of unrivalled analog fidelity, Soundsmith cartridges present an authentic and superior listening experience. Designed and hand-built in Peekskill, New York, Soundssmith has developed an elite reputation in upscale audio circles, producing amongst today's highest-rated phono cartridges.

In contrast to most convention cartridge manufacturers, Soundsmith focuses on moving iron (MI) technology a unique design philosophy that marries moving magnet (MM) cartridges with their low-mass benefits along with moving-coil designs' sonic resolution and dynamism. What you get: natural-sounding, detailed, and musically involving playback with every detail of your records being captured.

Whether upgrading your system to a reference-grade model or looking for a high-quality replacement stylus, Elusive Disc is your destination for Soundsmith cartridges, including the highest performing models such as the Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC, Paua, Otello, and Hyperion.

Why Choose a Soundsmith Cartridge?

Vinyl enthusiasts and professional reviewers alike love Soundsmith cartridges for their clarity, depth, and analog richness. Here's what sets them apart:

  • Hand-Built Quality: Each cartridge is assembled by hand in the USA with care to provide accuracy and longevity.
  • Moving Iron (MI) Design: Combines the benefits of MM and MC cartridges with higher output and exceptional channel separation.
  • Rebuildable Construction: Soundsmith offers a unique retipping and rebuild program, making their cartridges a long-term investment.
  • Stylus Options: Various options for stylus profiles are available, which, in turn, allows audiophiles to purchase from among some of the best styli for turntables.
  • Low Wear: Lower pressure from MI cartridges does not scratch vinyl grooves, ensuring your record collection.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Through rebuildable designs, Soundsmith minimizes waste and encourages sustainability in high-fidelity audio.

Whether you are listening to jazz, classical, or rock, a Soundsmith cartridge makes the music come to life with breathtaking resolution and balance.

Discover The Entire Selection of Soundsmith Cartridges at Elusive Disc

Soundsmith Zephyr by Soundsmith: Reference-Level Sound

The Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC (Moving Iron Moving Coil) is one of the brand's most acclaimed cartridges. Designed for low-output MC-compatible phono stages, it delivers extraordinary tonal balance, low distortion, and remarkable detail retrieval.

  • Output: 0.4 mV
  • Pen: Touch Line Bare Diamond
  • Cantilever: Boron
  • Recommended Load: 470 ohms

The Zephyr MIMC is also highly acclaimed for its natural vocals, wide imaging, and seamless musicality. It is ideal for audiophiles who are looking for a smooth, non-fatiguing sound that brings out all of the layers of a recording. The cartridge is often among the most highly rated phono cartridges in production.

Soundsmith Otello and Carmen MKII: High Value, High Performing

Whether beginning an analog adventure or looking to upgrade without breaking the bank, the Soundsmith Otello and Carmen MKII provide exceptional sound at a reasonable price.

  • Otello: A high-output MI cartridge with a bonded elliptical tip. Smooth and clear, ideal for beginning audiophiles.
  • Carmen MKII: It boasts a nude elliptical tip and offers more transparency and bass.

These phono cartridges are generally among the most highly rated for use in mid-grade sound equipment. They are simple to install and will work with most MM phono inputs. The Otello is especially appropriate for fresh vinyl collectors who want to get audiophile sound without spending too much.

Paua MKII & Sussurro: Luxury

Those who want the very finest in analog playback should turn to the Paua MKII and Sussurro.

  • Paua MKII: Featuring an ultralow-mass and high-compliance stylus system, Paua provides stunning microdynamics, depth of images, and definition
  • Sussurro: Engineered to achieve ultra-low noise with a sapphire cantilever and optimized damping, it is particularly good at restoring fine textures in intricate musical phrases.

These cartridges are perfect for audiophiles with revealing systems and a deep appreciation for subtlety and resolution. Their sound is expansive and three-dimensional, with effortless tonal purity.

Hyperion: The Flagship

The Hyperion is the crown jewel of the Soundsmith lineup. Featuring a unique cactus spine cantilever, this cartridge is the definition of engineering innovation and sonic brilliance.

  • Output: 0.3 mV
  • Contact Line: Stylus
  • Cantilever: Cactus Spine
  • Warranty: 10 years

Hyperion delivers staggering realism and dynamics. It effortlessly presents vocals, instruments, and ambient space with breathtaking realism a true endgame cartridge. It is also one of the few cartridges in the world that comes with a full 10-year warranty, thanks to its durable and rebuildable design.

Turntable Stylus for Sale: Upgrade with Precision

Elusive Disc offers extensive selections of turntable styli for purchase, including replacement styli and retipping of various Soundsmith cartridges. Because so many Soundsmith models are modular, they can be rebuilt to factory specifications for much less money than buying a new cartridge, a true value in high-end analog equipment.

Invest in elliptical, nude elliptical, and contact line styluses based on your playback preference level as well as your budget. Such versatility is one reason why serious analog enthusiasts regard Soundsmith as an A-brand. We offer upgrades and replacement styli for use with Otello, Carmen, Zephyr, et al.

Selecting the Proper Soundsmith Cartridge for Your System

Whether you are constructing your first system or optimizing an award-winning setup, there's a Soundsmith cartridge that is matched to fit:

  • Entry-Level: Otello, Carmen MK
  • Mid-Tier: Zephyr MIMC, Aida MKII
  • High-End: Paua MKII, Sussurro, Hyperion

Ensure that you match your cartridge with your phono stage's load and gain specifications. MI cartridges have higher outputs than MC constructions, which means they are more universal in their applications.

Need assistance with selection? Elusive Disc provides personal assistance to maximize your cartridge investment. Our staff can assist you in determining tonearm compatibility, stylus wear indicators, and upgrade possibilities.

FAQs Concerning Soundsmith Cartridges

Q: What is the difference between MI and MC cartridges?

A: MI (Moving Iron) cartridges, such as Soundsmith's, provide lower moving mass than MM constructions, with more rapid transient response. They also have rebuildable constructions, unlike MC cartridges, with generally higher output, which makes them simpler to integrate with many different systems.

Q: What is the lifespan of a Soundsmith cartridge?

A: With TLC, Soundsmith cartridges will last 1000+ hours. Most can be rebuilt for 20% of the cost of a replacement model. The rebuild option enables audiophiles to enjoy extended value from their investment.

Q: Are Soundsmith cartridges simple to mount?

A: They are. They are equipped with standard half-inch mounts and are compatible with most contemporary tonearms. Soundsmith also pays attention to ease of alignment as well as resonance control in their cartridge designs.

Q: Is the Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC suitable for my turntable?

A: The Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC is intended for use with low-output MC-compatible phono preamps and is particularly well-suited to mid-to-high-end systems. It's also renowned for having a very transparent, rich sound that is good at handling all types of music.

Q: Do I have to use a special phono preamp with Soundsmith cartridges?

A: It is model-dependent. High-output cartridges such as the Otello are compatible with MM stages, but cartridges such as the Zephyr MIMC and Hyperion will require MC-compatible preamps. Elusive Disc can assist in determining the best compatibility for your equipment.

Why Buy from Elusive Disc?

Elusive Disc is an authorized Soundsmith cartridge distributor providing:

  • Factory sealed stock
  • Professional guidance for setup and matching
  • Availability of high-end and limited-edition styluses
  • Express shipping with full insurance.
  • A wide range of turntable styli to buy

Our staff consists of analog enthusiasts with knowledge of turntable performance as well as cartridge compatibility. We offer superior support from purchase through setup.

Conclusion: Listen to the Difference with Soundsmith

From the stunning dynamics of the Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC to the audiophile luxury of the Hyperion, every Soundsmith cartridge is crafted to deliver pure musical joy. With unique rebuildable designs, world-class engineering, and broad compatibility, they represent a sound investment for analog lovers.

If you are ready to upgrade your vinyl listening experience, check out our selection of highly-rated phono cartridges and turntable styli available for purchase from Soundsmith through Elusive Disc. If you are replacing your very first cartridge or moving all the way to our flagships, we will assist you in determining the perfect cartridge for your system.

Shop the entire range of Soundsmith cartridges here and discover what it truly means to listen.

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