Soundsmith Paua Mk II ES
Best high fidelity component for discerning audiophiles.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Soundsmith Paua Mk II ES phono cartridge. This premium, low-output Moving Coil (MC) cartridge is meticulously crafted for the discerning audiophile. It features a newly developed aluminum alloy cantilever and a highly polished nude Contact Line stylus, ensuring exceptional tracking and detail retrieval. The Paua Mk II ES delivers a warm, smooth sound signature that enhances musical nuance without sacrificing clarity. Designed for longevity, it is also fully rebuildable, offering enduring value for your analog listening pleasure.
$3999.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
231
/ 1996
#231 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+142%
Above average
Cartridge Type
Fixed Coil
/ Fixed Coil
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a highly resolving and musical listening experience
- Listeners desiring high-end performance without needing a dedicated MC phono stage
- Discerning collectors prioritizing longevity and a sustainable approach to high-fidelity
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious music lovers or those new to high-end analog audio
- Beginners or those uncomfortable with intricate turntable and cartridge adjustments
- Enthusiasts with mid-range setups who might not fully exploit its capabilities
Performance breakdown
Detail Retrieval
The nude contact line stylus captures microscopic nuances with surgical precision.
Sonic Character
Delivers a rich, warm signature that breathes life into analog recordings.
Tracking Stability
Ultra-low tip mass ensures rock-solid performance across complex musical passages.
Channel Separation
Exceptional stereo imaging creates a wide and immersive soundstage.
Long-term Value
Fully rebuildable design offers a lifetime of performance for serious listeners.
Setup Complexity
Requires precise calibration and a high-gain preamp for optimal results.
Key Specs
Cartridge Type
Fixed Coil
Stylus Type
Contact Line
Output
Low
Output Voltage
0.4 mV
Available As Dual Coil Mono
Yes
Stylus
Contact Line Nude, 0.100mm SQ
Radius of curvature
Nude Contact Line SELECTED
Cantilever
Telescoping Aluminum Alloy
Know before you buy
The Paua Mk II ES is designed to bring a sense of warmth and smoothness to your vinyl playback. It excels at preserving delicate musical details while maintaining high levels of channel separation for a refined, natural presentation.
As a low-output cartridge, it requires a preamp gain between 58 and 64 dB. For optimal performance, Soundsmith recommends a loading of at least 470 ohms, with their MCP2 variable loading preamp being a particularly strong match.
The Paua Mk II ES has a low compliance rating of 10 μm/mN and weighs 10.25 grams. It is best suited for medium-to-high mass tonearms that can properly support its tracking force requirements of 1.7 to 1.9 grams.
Yes, the Paua Mk II ES is available in a dedicated dual-coil mono configuration. This allows you to experience the same high-end performance and stylus control specifically optimized for mono record playback.
One of the primary benefits of Soundsmith cartridges is that they are fully rebuildable. Rather than replacing the entire unit, you can have the cartridge serviced by the manufacturer, which extends its lifespan significantly.
The highly polished nude Contact Line stylus features a sophisticated geometry that allows it to track the groove walls with greater precision. This results in reduced record wear and improved high-frequency retrieval compared to simpler stylus profiles.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$4000