Soundsmith Hyperion MK II ES Series Low-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.

Hyperion MK II ES Series

SELECT THE HYPERION CARTRIDGE THAT YOU WANT ABOVE: THE
HYPERION OR THE HYPERION LT (for older Linear Tracking turntables)

The HYPERION is the cartridge of choice for the most
esteemed audio equipment manufacturers. Why? Because when they exhibit their
gear at Hi-Fi shows, they want their turntable, amplifier or speaker systems to
sound the very best that they can! Peter Ledermann‘s radical design utilizes an
actual “cactus spine” for the cantilever. The naturally tapered shape, stacked
columnar fibers and desiccated resin damping fit the exact parameters of the
perfect cantilever: Low mass, extreme rigidity, internal damping, and
tremendous strength. Also available in a Dual Compliance Design for older Linear Tracking turntables as the HYPERION
LT. The Hyperions are offered with a choice of CL or OC-CL stylus. 

Each one hand crafted by Peter Ledermann – Made
in  the USA. Rebuild Price? $850  ~ Less than 20% of MSRP –
The Hyperion features an industry first: A 10 year free retipping
service for stylus wear to the original owner.

Cartridge Type

Fixed Coil / Moving Iron

Stylus Type

Contact Line O.C. Contact Line

Output

Low

Output Voltage

0.4 mV

Available As Dual
Coil Mono

Yes

Additional
Specifications

Stylus: Contact
Line Nude, 0.100mm SQ
Radius of curvature: Selected Optimized Contour Contact Line
Selected Diamond shapes: CL or Optimized (OCL)
Cantilever: Hand formed/treated selected Cactus “Spine”
Recommended tracking force: 1.8 to 2.2 grams
Effective tip mass: 0.30 mg
Compliance: 10 μm/mN (low compliance) (LT) | 12 μm/mN vertical | 7
μm/mN horizontal
Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz ± 1.0 dB
Channel separation (stereo only): 1000 Hz >36 dB (LT: >
34dB), 50-15,000 >25 dB
Channel difference: <0.5 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono)
Output Voltage: ≥0.40 mV
DC Resistance (DCR): 10-11 Ω each channel
Coil: 2.75 mH each channel
Suggested Preamp Gain: 58-64 dB
Soundsmith Recommends: MCP2 Variable Loading Preamp
Cartridge weight: 12.2 grams
Stylus to Mounting Hole Offset: ≈ 10mm (0.4″)
Loading: ≥ 470 Ω