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.
Paua mk II ES Series
Each one hand crafted by Peter Ledermann - Made in the
USA. Rebuild Price? $550 - Less than 14% of MSRP ! ~ The
Paua mk II features a 2 year warranty to the original owner.
The NEW Paua MKII: adorned with sea shell to remind us of
the beauty of the sounds of the world all around us. Nature healing nature.
The Paua is one of Soundsmith's most highly regarded top of
the line low output cartridges. It has won numerous accolades and praise from
users and reviewers around the word, including an “Editor’s Choice Award” in 2015
from TAS. Now we introduce the new Paua MKII, employing a newly developed
Aluminum alloy used to fashion the MKII's cantilever into a precision acoustic
and mechanical lever. It features stiffness in the ranges required, while
providing critical damping in other sections of the acoustic spectrum. The
reult is an even better Paua, a cartridge that gets raves from its owners, and
can be fully rebuilt many times for $550 - a fraction of its original
cost - as with all Soundsmith cartridges - 20% or less.
Featuring ultra-low internal moving mass, a specialized
telescoping newly developed alloy cantilever and highly polished low mass nude
Contact Line stylus, the Paua MKII will add a unique quality of warmth and
smoothness to any analog system without leaving behind all the delicate musical
details you want and need to hear. The Paua MKII reaches new heights of stylus
control and performance, as is confirmed by its incredibly high channel
separation figures.
We have accomplished a work of art with the Paua MKII
design, resulting in an unparalleled and sublime performance.
Cartridge Type
Fixed Coil
Stylus Type
Contact Line
Output
Low
Output Voltage
.4 mV
Available As Dual
Coil Mono
Yes
Additional
Specifications
Stylus: Contact
Line Nude, 0.100mm SQ
Radius of curvature: Nude Contact Line SELECTED
Cantilever: Telescoping Aluminum Alloy
Recommended tracking force: 1.7 to 1.9 grams
Effective tip mass: 0.30 mg
Compliance: 10 μm/mN (low compliance)
Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz ± 1.0 dB
Channel separation (stereo only): 1000 Hz >34 dB; 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 Inductance: 2.75 mH each channel
Suggested Preamp Gain: 58-64 dB
Cartridge weight: 12.2 grams
Loading: ≥ 470 Ω
