Irox Blue
Best durable phono cartridge for high-traffic listening environments and institutions.
This high-performance phono cartridge is meticulously handmade in the USA for exceptional durability. It features a virtually unbreakable cantilever, making it ideal for environments where damage is a concern, such as parties or institutions. This low-mass moving iron design delivers outstanding authority and the signature Soundsmith sound. Each cartridge is custom-tuned for your specific turntable and phono preamp setup, ensuring personalized performance. It offers a 2-year warranty to the original owner.
$1000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.0
/ 5
Category Rank
1981
/ 1996
#1981 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-40%
Below average
Type
Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
/ Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking precise and neutral sound reproduction
- Vinyl collectors using vintage or lightweight tonearms
- Long-term owners prioritizing affordable maintenance and repair
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners starting their audio journey
- Casual users lacking specialized calibration tools
- Owners without high-gain phono preamplifiers
Performance breakdown
Durability
The virtually unbreakable cantilever handles high-traffic environments with absolute ease.
Sonic Accuracy
Low-mass moving iron design delivers the signature Soundsmith high-fidelity experience.
Customization
Each unit is hand-tuned to match your specific turntable and preamp.
Tracking Stability
Reliable performance across the frequency range with a robust tracking force.
Build Quality
Meticulous American craftsmanship ensures long-term reliability for demanding listeners.
Setup Precision
Adjustable azimuth allows for fine-tuning to achieve perfect channel balance.
Key Specs
Type
Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Cantilever
Aluminum Alloy
Recommended Tracking Force
2.0 - 2.5 g
Frequency Response
20 - 20,000 Hz ± 2.5 dB
Output Voltage
> 2.12 mV
Cartridge Weight
10.25 g
Channel Separation
> 26 dB @ 1000 Hz
Effective Tip Mass
0.55 mg
Know before you buy
The Irox Blue features a virtually unbreakable cantilever designed specifically for high-traffic environments. This makes it an ideal choice for institutions or home setups where accidental damage is a frequent concern.
As a moving iron design with an output of 2.12 mV, the Irox Blue is compatible with standard moving magnet (MM) phono inputs. Because each unit is custom-tuned to your specific setup, it will perform optimally with your existing equipment.
When you order an Irox Blue, Soundsmith calibrates the cartridge to match the technical specifications of your turntable and phono preamp. This ensures that the tracking force and electrical loading are perfectly balanced for your system.
Yes, its robust construction and high-performance moving iron design are engineered for durability. It is specifically built to withstand the rigors of frequent use in demanding environments like parties or public listening spaces.
Yes, the Irox Blue allows for azimuth adjustment. This enables you to fine-tune the cartridge alignment to ensure optimal channel separation and soundstage accuracy.
The recommended tracking force for this cartridge is between 2.0 and 2.5 grams. This range provides the necessary stability for its durable design while maintaining high-fidelity audio reproduction.
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