Soundsmith Aida mk II ES Series High-Output Phono Cartridge

Description

Soundsmith ES Series

SOUNDSMITH Sets a New Sonic Bar with the ES Series —

“Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover.” – Peter
Ledermann.

The ES line features not only a dramatic new look, but is a
significant evolution of the DEMS system design (Dynamic Energy Management
System). All model names have been preserved, and pricing remains the same.

The new Soundsmith ES cartridge designs are a significant
advancement in cartridge performance due to their ability to direct internal
vibrational forces without reflection and disperse them properly to the tone
arm. The absence of reflections enables the stylus to stay in far greater
statistical contact with the groove walls — a critically important technical
refinement. Increased liquidity and reduced “grain,” without loss of detail are
some of the immediately discernible advantages of Soundsmith’s new ES models.

Every cartridge in the line now features the sleek new ES
body design and allows azimuth adjustment when used in tonearms that do not
permit it. The new ES body also allows an electrical isolation method for
tables that hum due to ground loops.

The upgrade is far more than cosmetic; the new shape is a
departure from the reflective and “boxy” design of many cartridges whose
internal construction contribute to uncontrolled vibrational issues adversely
effecting performance. Peter says, “Think of how singing in an open field
compares with singing in a shower.” Soundsmith has always challenged
conventions, looking deeper into nuances of cartridge design that dramatically
affect immediate and long term performance. These have included extreme
reductions of moving mass and the use of novel materials and designs. The new
ES lineup is a continuation of that research and development.

Aida mk II ES Series

Made in  the USA. Rebuild Price? ~  $350 ~ Less
Than 20% of MSRP, as always ! – The Aida features a 2 year
warranty to the original owner.

A triumph of Soundsmith Engineering, Stereophile Class “A”
rated, a rarity at its price point – and for good reasons.

The Aida employs a Sapphire laser drilled cantilever and ultra low mass Contact Line solid nude diamond stylus. This configuration resolves the challenges of playing the inner grooves with the same level of confidence as the outer. How did we do this? The unique stylus shape of our CL stylus has a “sharper” playing surface on the faceted diamond, allowing it to ride easily in the groove modulations of even the most difficult passages and high frequency information that other cartridges simply cannot trace. The result – a truly superb cartridge, surpassing top MC designs with air, focus and sound staging no cartridge at this price should be able to achieve.

Also available in dual-coil mono.

Cartridge Type

Fixed Coil

Stylus Type

Contact Line

Output

High

Available As Dual
Coil Mono

Yes

Additional
Specifications

Type:                                         • Fixed Coil / Moving Iron

Mount:                                         • Standard ½”

Stylus:                                         • Selected Contact Line low mass Nude Stylus

Radius of Curvature:                 • 6 x 17 µm

Cantilever:                                 • Laser Drilled Sapphire

Recommended Tracking Force: • 1.3 – 1.6 g Standard (Medium Compliance)

                                                        • 1.0 – 1.2 g (Special Order High Compliance)

Effective Tip Mass:                 • 0.30 mg

Compliance:                                 • 22 µm/mN (Medium Compliance)

                                                        • 28 µm/mN (High Compliance)

Frequence Response:                 • 20 – 20,000 Hz ± 2.5 dB

Channel Separation @ 1000 Hz: • > 30 dB

                                                        • N/A (Mono version)

Channel Separation @ 50 – 15,000 Hz:   • > 20 dB

                                                        • N/A (Mono version)

Channel Difference:                 • < 1.0 dB

                                                        • < 1.0 dB (Mono version)

Output Voltage @ 5cm/sec:     • > 2.12 mV (HIGH)

DC Resistance (DCR):                 • 680Ω

Coil Inductance per channel: • 190 mH

Suggested Preamp Gain:         • 38 – 44 dB

Cartridge Weight:                         • 9.20 g (EN series)

Recommended Load Resistance: • ≥ 47kΩ

Recommended Load Capacitance: • n/a