Michell CUSIS S
Best high-end cartridge for audiophiles seeking pure, uncolored musical detail.
Experience superior audio reproduction with this advanced moving coil cartridge. It utilizes a precisely engineered magnetic field, created by a samarium-cobalt magnet and pure iron core, for exceptional stability. The cartridge features 30μ pure copper wire wound onto an ultra-lightweight armature, supported by a specialized damper for optimal stylus support. This design ensures precise groove tracking, delivering a clear, detailed soundstage with a wide frequency response, enhanced by a Shibata stylus profile for high-fidelity sound.
$2299.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
231
/ 1992
#231 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+82%
Above average
Type
Moving Coil
/ Moving Coil
Who it's for
- Listeners prioritizing long-term durability and vibration-free playback
- Audiophiles seeking immersive soundscapes and precise musical imaging
- Vinyl enthusiasts wanting high-end performance without upgrading their phono stage
Who should skip it
- Beginners intimidated by complex tonearm and cartridge alignment
- Budget-conscious owners avoiding expensive professional retipping services
- Critical listeners demanding the absolute finest detail retrieval
Performance breakdown
Sonic Neutrality
Delivers an uncolored, transparent sound that stays true to the recording.
Tracking Precision
Microline stylus geometry ensures flawless retrieval of complex groove information.
Vibration Control
Advanced chassis materials effectively eliminate resonance for a cleaner signal path.
High-Frequency Detail
Boron cantilever construction captures subtle musical nuances with remarkable speed.
Build Integrity
Premium aluminum and carbon fiber construction offers exceptional long-term durability.
Signal Purity
High-grade copper coils minimize resistance for a pristine, low-noise output.
Key Specs
Type
Moving Coil
Stylus Profile
Shibata
Cantilever Material
Boron
Coil Material
Pure 30µ Copper
Body Material
Acetyl
Weight
8.9g
Output Voltage
0.4mV
Frequency Response
20-35000 Hz
Know before you buy
With a compliance of 8x10-6cm/dyne, the Cusis S is a low-compliance cartridge. It performs best on medium-to-high mass tonearms that can provide the necessary stability for its tracking characteristics.
Yes, the Shibata profile is highly sensitive to alignment due to its complex shape. To achieve the best high-frequency response and minimize distortion, ensure your cartridge alignment is precise using a high-quality protractor.
The Cusis S is designed for a loading of 100 Ω. This setting ensures the cartridge maintains its neutral, detailed sound profile without rolling off the high frequencies.
The manufacturer recommends a run-in period of at least 40 hours. You will likely notice the soundstage opening up and the bass tightening as the suspension and damper settle during this time.
Because this is a moving coil cartridge with a 0.4mV output, you will need a phono stage that supports MC cartridges with sufficient gain. Ensure your phono preamp can handle the 100 Ω loading requirement for optimal performance.
The Acetyl body is specifically chosen for its excellent resonance-dampening properties. By absorbing unwanted vibrations at the source, it allows the stylus to track the groove more accurately, resulting in a cleaner and more detailed presentation.
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