Soundsmith Zephyr MK/III ES Series Hand-Made High-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 MK/III ES Series

Made in  the USA. Rebuild Price? ~  $299 ~ Only
20% of MSRP, as always ! – The Zephyr MK III features a 2 year
warranty to the original owner.

(* as well as Zephyr and Zephyr MK II)

The new Zephyr MK III has achieved what no other cartridge
has done since its inception; rapid recognition as a leading force in phono
cartridge design and performance.  It also follows our tradition for our
complete line of cartridges – full restoration and stylus rebuilding when the
time comes at 20% of its price ~ $299 for rebuild. And we can do it many times
over for you. Imagine that – A new Zephyr MKIII cartridge for $299, every time
it’s needed. 

The Soundsmith Zephyr MkIII enjoys a great history, starting
with the well loved VPI Zephyr  original, which evolved into the well
known Zephyr MKII. In our effort to bring you even higher definition without
increase in cost, we introduce the NEW Zephyr MKIII. It features a newly
developed aluminum alloy – the same one we are now using in the Paua MKII, just
released. This new metal alloy has unique dualistic properties, providing
stiffness in the ranges required as well as damping exactly where its needed –
and by the proper amount – in the most critical parts of the sonic spectrum.
The result  is a cartridge that will slam your Rock and Roll while
providing a new level of linearity and clarity for the most complex classical
and jazz passages. 

Attached to our new cantilever material is a tiny new super
low mass “High Profile” Contact Line diamond we have developed for
the new Zephyr MKIII. This stylus traces more of the groove walls than a
standard contact line, but avoids some of the alignment pitfalls that can occur
with a high profile contact line design, allowing more azimuth alignment
forgiveness than is normally possible with such designs. 

These improvements are paired with technology borrowed from
our higher end line;  “Trickle Down” technology from a unique
Dynamic Energy Management System  (DEMS) developed by Soundsmith that
moves the damped energy and propagates it properly within the cartridge body.
This is a similar system we employ in the Soundsmith’s well received and
reviewed high end Sussurro Cartridge.

The new Zephyr MKIII is capable of truly remarkable
separation and sound stage imaging at a level not previously achievable in a
modestly priced design. The composite body and unique DEMS design work in
tandem to contribute to the Zephyr MkIII’s ability to produce high-end
performance from a moderately priced cartridge. Be prepared to sit back and realize……you
may have never really  heard your record collection before.

The Zephyr MkIII will provide a level of clarity and beauty
that will make you take out your record collection and listen to it all over
again.

Cartridge Type

Fixed Coil

Stylus Type

Contact Line

Output

High

Available As Dual
Coil Mono

Yes

Additional
Specifications

Stylus: Ultra Low Mass Nude High Profile Contact
Line
Radius of curvature: 6 x 17 μm
Cantilever: New Soundsmith Aluminun Aluminum Alloy
Recommended Tracking force: 1.8 to 2.2 grams
Effective tip mass: 0.28 mg
Compliance: 10μm/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: 2.4 mV
Cartridge weight: 12.2 grams
DC Resistance (DCR): 680Ω

Loading: ≥ 47 kΩ

Coil Inductance: 190mH per channel