Soundsmith Otello 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.

Otello ES Series

Made in  the USA. Rebuild Price? ~  $100 ~ Only
20% of MSRP, as always ! – The Otello features a 2 year
warranty to the original owner.

Our entry level design captures more than its share of
recorded beauty —by design. Big soundstage, detail and resolution at an
affordable price.

The Otello is Soundsmith’s entry level Fixed Coil
design, realizing an affordable pathway into the world of high-performance
cartridges. Built by hand like all Soundsmith cartridges, the
Otello provides a perfect balance of tone and resolution at a great price.
The result is a cartridge that is at ease with any type of music. Just slightly
warmer than other Soundsmith designs, Otello yields a richness
of timbre that is utterly beguiling with a level of speed and dynamic range
that no other cartridge in this price. The result? A wonderful design that
gives the warmth of MM and the light-footedness of Moving Iron design.

Cartridge Type   Fixed Coil

Stylus Type  Elliptical

Output  High

 

Available As Dual Coil Mono  Yes

 

Additional Specifications

 

Type:                                         • Fixed Coil / Moving Iron

Mount:                                         • Standard ½”

Stylus:                                         • Elliptical Titanium Bonded, 0.20 mm round

Radius of Curvature:                 • 6 x 17 µm

Cantilever:                                 • Aluminum Alloy

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

                                                        • 1.0 – 1.2 g (Special Order High Compliance)

Effective Tip Mass:                 • 0.50 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: • > 24 dB

                                                        • N/A (Mono version)

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

                                                                  • N/A (Mono version)

Channel Difference:                  • < 1.8 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 (ES series)

Recommended Load Resistance: • ≥ 47kΩ

Recommended Load Capacitance: • n/a