Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC ☆ ES Series Hand-Made Low-Output 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.

Zephyr MIMC ☆ ES Series

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

Zephyr MIMC was our entry-level to the
high-performance world of Soundsmith’s MC-pre-compatible, low-output
cartridges. It brought a very nice portion of the performance available in our
higher-end MC-compatible cartridges (Paua, Sussurro, Hyperion) to the more
affordable sub-$2k category. Recently, Peter Ledermann decided to see if he
could stretch the limits of the MIMC’s performance even higher without
stretching past the $2k price point … little did any of us know how far he
would be able to take it! The updated Zephyr MIMC ☆
smashes through sonic barriers with its new laser-drilled Sapphire cantilever
and select nude Contact-Line diamond stylus! This is probably the most important
Soundsmith model to have in your arsenal. It brings an astounding portion of
the performance available only in our top-level low output cartridges, and it
does it for just $1,999 retail (USD) !

Cartridge Type

Fixed Coil / Moving Iron

Stylus Type

Contact Line

Output

Low

Output Voltage

.4 mV

Available As Dual Coil Mono

Yes

Additional Specifications

Stylus: Selected Contact Line low mass Nude Stylus
Radius of curvature: 6 x 17 μm
Cantilever: Laser Drilled Sapphire
Recommended tracking force: 1.8 to 2.2 grams
Effective tip mass: 0.32 mg
Compliance: 10 μm/mN (low compliance)
Frequency response: 15-45,000 Hz ± 2.0 dB
Channel separation (stereo only): 1000 Hz >28 dB, 50-15,000 >25 dB
Channel difference: <1.0 dB (Stereo), <0.5 dB (Dual Mono operation- w/optimal VTF setting)
Output Voltage: ≥0.4 mV
DC Resistance (DCR): 10-11 Ω each channel
Coil: 2.75 mH each channel
Suggested Preamp Gain: 58-64 dB
Cartridge weight: 12.2 grams
Stylus to Mounting Hole Offset: ≈ 10mm (0.4″)
Loading: ≥ 470 Ω