Soundsmith Paua Mk II ES Moving Iron Cartridge
Best sonic upgrade for discerning audiophiles seeking unparalleled musical immersion.
Experience sublime audio with the Soundsmith Paua Mk II ES Moving Iron Cartridge, a high-performance option that rivals premium moving-coil cartridges. It features a new aluminum alloy cantilever and a nude Contact Line stylus, delivering a warm, smooth sound with intricate musical detail. The innovative ES series DEMS design effectively manages internal vibrations for enhanced stylus contact and reduced grain. With integrated Azimuth adjustment, this cartridge offers precise tuning for discerning listeners seeking exceptional clarity and warmth in their analog 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 seeking an immersive and non-fatiguing listening experience
- Listeners desiring high-fidelity sound without complex preamp requirements
- Discerning collectors prioritizing longevity and sustainable high-end audio
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious enthusiasts or those new to high-end analog playback
- Turntable owners with high mass tonearms or limited setup flexibility
- Beginners or those preferring a more plug-and-play audio component
Performance breakdown
Sonic Detail
Nude Contact Line stylus extracts incredible nuance from every record groove.
Vibration Control
ES series DEMS design effectively eliminates internal resonance for cleaner playback.
Setup Precision
Integrated Azimuth adjustment allows for exacting fine-tuning during installation.
Tracking Performance
Ultra-low moving mass ensures stable, accurate tracking across complex musical passages.
Channel Separation
Exceptional separation creates a wide, immersive soundstage for your analog collection.
Build Quality
Robust aluminum construction reflects high-end American manufacturing standards.
Key Specs
Type
Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Mount
Standard ½”
Stylus
Contact Line, Nude, 0.10 mm Square
Radius of Curvature
Nude Contact Line
Cantilever
Telescoping Aluminum Alloy
Recommended Tracking Force
1.7 - 1.9 g
Effective Tip Mass
0.30 mg
Compliance
10 µm/mN
Know before you buy
The Paua Mk II ES uses a Moving Iron design, which features an ultra-low moving mass. This allows for exceptional agility and detail retrieval that rivals high-end Moving Coil cartridges while maintaining a warmer, more natural sonic signature.
Yes, it is designed to work best with a phono preamp capable of providing 58 to 64 dB of gain. You should also ensure your preamp supports a load resistance of at least 470 ohms to get the best performance.
The integrated Azimuth adjustment allows you to precisely align the stylus to the record groove. This ensures optimal channel separation and balance, which is critical for achieving the most accurate soundstage and imaging.
The Distributed Energy Management System (DEMS) is engineered to control internal vibrations within the cartridge body. By minimizing these vibrations, the system reduces grain and distortion, resulting in a cleaner, more refined playback of your records.
While the Contact Line stylus offers superior groove contact for better detail, it does require precise alignment. We recommend using a high-quality protractor and following the recommended tracking force of 1.7 to 1.9 grams to ensure both longevity and audio fidelity.
Yes, the Paua Mk II ES uses a standard half-inch mounting configuration, making it compatible with the vast majority of modern and vintage tonearms.
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Ready to buy?
$4000