Soundsmith Paua mk II ES Series
Best high fidelity component for discerning audiophiles seeking ultimate sonic precision.
Experience unparalleled analog audio with this advanced phono cartridge. Meticulously hand-crafted in the USA, this low-output moving coil cartridge features a superior vibration control body and azimuth adjustment for precise setup. Its aluminum alloy cantilever and specialized nude stylus deliver exceptional detail, warmth, and smoothness. Designed for discerning listeners, it offers a sublime listening experience with reduced grain and increased liquidity, ensuring every nuance of your vinyl is revealed.
$2999.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
231
/ 1996
#231 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+81%
Above average
Stylus
0.100
/ Contact Line Nude, mm SQ
Who it's for
- Audiophiles prioritizing ultimate resolution and a deeply immersive listening experience.
- Enthusiasts seeking flexible component pairing without sacrificing sonic excellence.
- Long-term collectors and serious listeners valuing product longevity and sustainability.
Who should skip it
- Budget-minded consumers or those exploring high-fidelity audio for the first time.
- Novice users or those preferring a straightforward, less demanding installation process.
- Users in high-traffic environments or those with a history of equipment mishaps.
Performance breakdown
Detail Retrieval
The Contact Line stylus extracts microscopic nuances from every vinyl groove.
Vibration Control
Advanced ES body design effectively eliminates unwanted resonance for cleaner playback.
Setup Precision
Integrated azimuth adjustment allows for exacting alignment on high-end tonearms.
Dynamic Response
Low moving mass ensures lightning-fast transients and exceptional musical energy.
Build Longevity
Hand-crafted construction and rebuildable design offer lasting value for serious collectors.
Signal Purity
Electrical isolation minimizes hum, delivering a silent background for your music.
Key Specs
Stylus
Contact Line Nude, 0.100mm SQ
Cantilever
Telescoping Aluminum Alloy
Recommended tracking force
1.7 to 1.9 grams
Effective tip mass
0.30 mg
Compliance
10 μm/mN (low compliance)
Frequency response
20-20,000 Hz ± 1.0 dB
Channel separation
>34 dB at 1000 Hz; >25 dB from 50-15,000 Hz
Channel difference
<0.5 dB (Stereo), <1.0 dB (Mono)
Know before you buy
This cartridge has an output voltage of 0.4 mV, so you should pair it with a phono preamp capable of providing between 58 and 64 dB of gain for optimal performance.
The azimuth adjustment allows you to fine-tune the cartridge's angle relative to the record groove. This ensures perfect channel balance and maximum separation, which is essential for extracting the full detail from your vinyl.
Yes, the Paua mk II uses a standard 1/2-inch mount, making it compatible with the vast majority of high-quality tonearms on the market.
You should set your tracking force between 1.7 and 1.9 grams. Staying within this range ensures the stylus maintains proper contact with the groove while protecting your records from unnecessary wear.
Unlike many cartridges that must be replaced entirely when the stylus wears out, Soundsmith offers a rebuild service. This extends the life of your investment significantly and provides long-term value.
With a compliance of 10 μm/mN, this is considered a low-compliance cartridge. It is best suited for medium-to-high mass tonearms, which will provide the necessary stability for the cartridge to track accurately.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.