Soundsmith Irox Ultimate “Unbreakable” Phono Cartridge with Nude Elliptical Stylus
Best high-performance cartridge for audiophiles needing extreme durability and system customization.
Experience exceptional analog sound with this meticulously handmade phono cartridge, engineered for unparalleled durability. Its nearly indestructible construction makes it ideal for any environment, offering ultra-high performance without fragility. Each unit is custom-tuned to your specific audio system for optimized synergy. Enjoy uncompromising sound quality and longevity, even with rough handling. This cartridge provides a robust solution for audiophiles seeking both sonic excellence and peace of mind.
$1999.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 1996
#7 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+21%
Above average
Type
Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
/ Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Who it's for
- Clumsy audiophiles seeking long-term equipment protection
- Listeners prioritizing detailed sound and high-output performance
- Budget-conscious owners wanting a lifetime of reliable service
Who should skip it
- Critical listeners demanding maximum detail and minimal distortion
- Owners of high-mass tonearms seeking plug-and-play compatibility
- Beginners intimidated by complex phono stage technical adjustments
Performance breakdown
Durability
Rugged construction ensures survival in even the most demanding listening environments.
System Synergy
Custom-tuned calibration guarantees perfect integration with your specific audio chain.
Sonic Fidelity
Nude elliptical stylus delivers precise, high-resolution analog playback for discerning ears.
Output Flexibility
High voltage output pairs effortlessly with a wide range of phono stages.
Installation Ease
Standard mounting hardware makes setup straightforward for most turntable tonearms.
Build Craftsmanship
Handmade in New York with meticulous attention to every internal component.
Key Specs
Type
Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Output Voltage
>2.12 mV (HIGH)
Stylus Shape
Nude Elliptical
Recommended Tracking Force
2.0 - 2.5 g
Frequency Response
20 - 20,000 Hz ± 2.5 dB
Cartridge Weight
10.25 g
DC Resistance (DCR)
680Ω
Cantilever Material
Aluminum Alloy
Know before you buy
The Irox Ultimate is engineered with a ruggedized chassis designed to withstand accidental bumps or rough handling that would typically damage a standard delicate cartridge. While it is not invincible, it offers significantly higher durability, making it an excellent choice for households with children or high-traffic listening environments.
Because each unit is handmade to order, Soundsmith can calibrate the cartridge's suspension and performance parameters to match the specific compliance and gain requirements of your turntable and phono preamp. When ordering, you will provide details about your equipment so the factory can optimize the cartridge for your unique signal chain.
Yes. This is a high-output Moving Iron cartridge that is designed to be compatible with standard Moving Magnet (MM) phono inputs. Its output voltage of over 2.12 mV ensures it will integrate seamlessly without needing a step-up transformer or specialized moving coil gain.
The cartridge features specialized Alumina inserts that allow for precise physical alignment of the stylus relative to the record groove. This ensures optimal channel separation and soundstage imaging, though we recommend having a professional or experienced enthusiast perform this adjustment to ensure the stylus is perfectly perpendicular to the record surface.
Yes, Soundsmith offers a comprehensive rebuild and retipping service for their cartridges. Since the stylus is a Nude Elliptical diamond, it will eventually wear down, and you can send the unit back to the factory to have the stylus replaced and the suspension refreshed.
At 10.25 grams, this is a moderately heavy cartridge. You should verify that your tonearm's counterweight can balance this mass; most standard tonearms will handle it easily, but if you have a very lightweight arm, you may need to ensure your counterweight has enough travel to accommodate the extra weight.
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