Soundsmith Carmen mk II Phono Cartridge
Best mono cartridge for audiophiles seeking rich, smooth midrange clarity.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with this high-performance phono cartridge. It delivers exceptional purity of tone and an ultra-smooth sonic presentation, enhanced by a rich, well-developed midrange for captivating listening sessions. Featuring an ultra-low mass nude diamond stylus with a hyper-elliptical shape, it offers a significant resolution advantage over more expensive designs. Housed in a handmade solid Ebony case, this cartridge provides outstanding value and is backed by a 1-year warranty for the original owner.
$699.00
More Carmen Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
231
/ 1996
#231 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-58%
Below average
Cartridge Type
Fixed Coil
/ Fixed Coil
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking pristine playback of vintage mono vinyl collections
- Value-conscious listeners prioritizing long-term equipment investment and sustainability
- Vinyl enthusiasts using standard MM phono stages without extra amplification
Who should skip it
- Listeners wanting a single cartridge for all stereo record playback
- Owners of high-mass tonearms requiring specific mechanical compatibility
- Budget-focused buyers looking for an entry-level mono solution
Performance breakdown
Midrange Clarity
The ebony housing delivers a rich, textured midrange that feels remarkably lifelike.
Tracking Precision
The ultra-low mass nude diamond stylus navigates complex grooves with impressive accuracy.
Build Quality
Handmade solid ebony construction offers both aesthetic elegance and superior resonance control.
Mono Resolution
True dual-coil design extracts incredible detail from vintage and modern mono recordings.
System Compatibility
High output design integrates seamlessly with standard moving magnet phono stages.
Sonic Smoothness
Delivers an ultra-smooth presentation that eliminates harshness during long listening sessions.
Key Specs
Cartridge Type
Fixed Coil
Stylus Type
Nude Elliptical
Stylus Shape
Elliptical
Recommended Tracking Force
1.3 – 1.6 gm (Medium Compliance)
Effective Tip Mass
0.35 mg
Frequency Response
20-20,000 Hz ± 2.5 dB
Output Voltage
2.12 mV
Cartridge Weight
6.8 grams
Know before you buy
This design is specifically engineered to play mono records with greater accuracy and less surface noise than a standard stereo cartridge. It ensures a pure, focused signal that avoids the phase issues often encountered when playing mono LPs with a stereo setup.
No, you can use a standard Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage. Because it features a high-output design, it is compatible with the same inputs as most common MM cartridges.
The solid Ebony housing acts as a natural resonance dampener. By minimizing unwanted vibrations, it helps the cartridge deliver a smoother, more natural midrange and a cleaner overall presentation.
It uses a standard 1/2-inch mount, making it compatible with most tonearms. You will need to track it between 1.3 and 1.6 grams, which is a standard range that should be easy to calibrate with a basic tracking force gauge.
The fixed coil design allows for an ultra-low effective tip mass of 0.35 mg. This enables the stylus to track the grooves of your records with greater agility and precision, resulting in higher resolution and better detail retrieval.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.