Soundsmith mk II ES Series
Best high-fidelity cartridge for discerning vinyl enthusiasts seeking detailed sound.
Experience refined analog sound with this premium phono cartridge. It boasts ultra-low internal moving mass and a specialized telescoping aluminum alloy cantilever for exceptional detail retrieval. The highly polished nude Contact Line stylus ensures smooth playback, while the advanced DEMS system minimizes vibrations for improved groove contact. The sleek ES body design enhances performance, offering warmth and smoothness to your analog system without sacrificing musical nuance. Enjoy precise setup with built-in Azimuth adjustment and an option for electrical isolation in hum-prone systems.
$3999.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
231
/ 1996
#231 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+142%
Above average
Type
Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
/ Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Who it's for
- Audiophiles with diverse turntable and tonearm collections
- Investors seeking long-term value through sustainable high-end audio
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners prioritizing entry-level or mid-range gear
- Novice vinyl enthusiasts lacking specialized alignment tools
- Users preferring immediate, DIY maintenance for stylus wear
Performance breakdown
Sonic Detail
Extracts micro-nuances from vinyl grooves with surgical, high-fidelity precision.
Build Craftsmanship
Hand-made construction reflects a level of artisanal care rarely seen today.
System Compatibility
Versatile design integrates seamlessly into a wide array of turntable setups.
Signal Purity
Low-output architecture minimizes distortion for a remarkably clean audio stage.
Operational Reliability
Rigorous testing ensures this pre-owned unit performs like a new component.
Tracking Accuracy
Maintains stable contact with the record surface for consistent playback quality.
Key Specs
Type
Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Mount
Standard 1/2 inch
Stylus
Nude Contact Line
Cantilever
Telescoping Aluminum Alloy
Tracking Force
1.7 - 1.9 g
Effective Tip Mass
0.30 mg
Compliance
10 µm/mN
Frequency Response
20 - 20,000 Hz
Know before you buy
A low output of 0.4 mV means this cartridge requires a high-quality phono preamp or a step-up transformer to boost the signal to a line level. Ensure your phono stage supports moving coil or low-output moving iron cartridges to achieve the best performance.
The Paua MKII-ES uses a standard 1/2-inch mount, making it compatible with the vast majority of modern and vintage tonearms. As long as your tonearm allows for standard headshell mounting and adjustable tracking force, it should integrate seamlessly.
The DEMS technology is designed to channel internal vibrations away from the stylus and into the body of the cartridge. This results in a cleaner signal with less grain and improved tracking, allowing the stylus to maintain better contact with the groove walls.
The Nude Contact Line stylus is shaped to trace the groove walls more precisely than standard elliptical tips. This allows it to extract more high-frequency detail and nuance from your records while reducing surface noise and distortion.
Yes, maintaining the recommended tracking force is essential for both sound quality and record longevity. We suggest starting at 1.8 grams and fine-tuning within the specified range to find the optimal balance for your specific tonearm and listening environment.
The moving iron design uses a very lightweight piece of metal at the end of the cantilever, which significantly reduces the effective tip mass compared to moving magnet designs. This lower mass allows the stylus to react faster to groove modulations, resulting in greater transparency and musical detail.
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