Soundsmith Aida mk II ES Series High-Output Phono Cartridge
Best high-output cartridge for audiophiles seeking exceptional clarity and sound staging.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with this high-output phono cartridge. Engineered with a Sapphire laser drilled cantilever and an ultra-low mass Contact Line solid nude diamond stylus, it delivers exceptional air, focus, and sound staging. The body design enhances stylus contact with groove walls for increased liquidity and reduced grain. Proudly made in the USA, this cartridge offers azimuth adjustment and electrical isolation to combat hum, making it a standout choice for discerning audiophiles.
$1399.99
More Aida Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
774
/ 1996
#774 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-15%
Below average
Type
Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
/ Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Who it's for
- Vinyl listeners using standard moving magnet phono stages
- Owners seeking long-term value and easy maintenance
- Audiophiles prioritizing precise groove tracking and sonic detail
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers seeking entry-level component pricing
- Users with high-mass tonearms requiring different compliance specs
- Shoppers needing immediate local availability and widespread service
Performance breakdown
Inner Groove Tracking
Advanced stylus geometry eliminates distortion on the most demanding record sections.
Transient Response
Ultra-low mass design captures lightning-fast musical peaks with incredible precision.
Soundstage Depth
Expansive imaging creates a holographic sense of space and instrument placement.
System Compatibility
High-output design integrates seamlessly with standard moving magnet phono stages.
Build Craftsmanship
Precision engineering and premium materials ensure long-term reliability and sonic consistency.
High-Frequency Detail
Sapphire cantilever delivers exceptional clarity and air in the upper registers.
Key Specs
Type
Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Mount
Standard ½”
Stylus
Selected Contact Line low mass Nude Stylus
Radius of Curvature
6 x 17 µm
Cantilever
Laser Drilled Sapphire
Recommended Tracking Force
1.3 – 1.6 g Standard, 1.0 – 1.2 g High Compliance
Effective Tip Mass
0.30 mg
Compliance
22 µm/mN Medium, 28 µm/mN High
Know before you buy
The laser-drilled sapphire cantilever is exceptionally rigid and lightweight, which minimizes internal vibrations. This allows the stylus to track groove walls more accurately, resulting in clearer high-frequency reproduction and reduced distortion.
No, because this is a high-output moving iron design, it is compatible with standard moving magnet (MM) phono inputs. You do not need a dedicated moving coil (MC) step-up transformer or high-gain phono stage.
The ES body is engineered to channel internal vibrational energy directly into the tonearm rather than letting it resonate within the cartridge. This design choice helps the stylus maintain better contact with the record groove, leading to a more liquid, grain-free sound.
Yes, the Aida mk II is available in both medium and high compliance versions. You should choose the version that best matches the effective mass of your tonearm to ensure optimal tracking and resonance control.
Yes, the Aida mk II features built-in azimuth adjustment capability. This allows you to fine-tune the cartridge alignment to ensure perfect channel balance and optimal stereo separation.
The Aida mk II includes electrical isolation specifically designed to mitigate ground loop hum. This makes it a great choice for turntables or systems that are prone to persistent background noise.
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