Soundsmith Sussurro MKII cartridge
Best high-end cartridge for audiophiles seeking ultimate vinyl clarity and detail.
Discover exceptional analog sound with this meticulously handcrafted moving iron cartridge. Engineered to resolve critical design challenges, it significantly reduces moving mass by 70% and features an advanced damping system for minimal stored energy. This design ensures consistent groove contact and drastically reduces stylus jitter, revealing the true depth and nuance within your vinyl records. Experience a purer, more detailed listening experience.
$4999.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
171
/ 1996
#171 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+202%
Above average
Cartridge Type
Moving Iron
/ Moving Iron
Who it's for
- Vinyl enthusiasts using standard moving magnet phono preamplifiers
- Audiophiles seeking maximum musical nuance and precise groove tracking
- Owners wanting lower long-term maintenance costs and easier stylus replacement
Who should skip it
- Owners of heavy tonearms requiring lower compliance cartridges
- Novice listeners intimidated by complex turntable alignment and calibration
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range pricing
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Ultra-low moving mass delivers lightning-fast speed and exceptional musical clarity.
Tracking Stability
Advanced damping ensures the stylus stays locked in the groove effortlessly.
Micro-Detail Retrieval
Unearths hidden textures and subtle nuances in your favorite vinyl records.
Build Precision
Handcrafted engineering reflects a meticulous commitment to high-end analog performance.
Stylus Jitter Control
Innovative energy management effectively eliminates unwanted resonance and signal distortion.
Setup Complexity
Requires precise alignment and a skilled hand for optimal sonic results.
Key Specs
Cartridge Type
Moving Iron
Model Number
SKUSS-SUSS-MKII
MPN
Sussurro MKII
Design Focus
Lowest internal mass and best damping
Know before you buy
The moving iron design allows for a significantly lower moving mass compared to traditional moving coil cartridges. By reducing this mass by 70%, the stylus can track the record groove with much greater speed and precision, resulting in less distortion and improved detail retrieval.
The updated damping system is engineered to minimize stored energy within the cartridge. This prevents unwanted resonances and stylus jitter, ensuring the needle maintains constant contact with the groove for a cleaner, more stable audio signal.
The Sussurro MKII is designed to be compatible with most high-quality tonearms, but its performance is highly dependent on proper calibration. Because of its precision engineering, we recommend professional installation to ensure the tracking force and alignment are perfectly dialed in for your specific setup.
This cartridge is a high-resolution component that will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the rest of your signal chain. It performs best when paired with a high-quality phono stage and a transparent amplification system that can resolve the fine nuances it extracts from the vinyl.
Lower moving mass reduces the physical stress placed on the record groove during playback. By ensuring the stylus tracks accurately with less resistance, it helps minimize long-term wear on your records, keeping them in better condition over repeated plays.
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$5000