Product Description
The Soundsmith Zephyr MKIII phono cartridge employs trickle-down technology from a unique Energy Distribution System within the cartridge body as used in the Soundsmith’s well-received high-end Sussurro Cartridge. The Zephyr MKIII features a newly developed aluminium cantilever with contact line diamond stylus — capable of truly remarkable separation, sound stage and imaging. The new ES DEMS body design unique energy distribution system contributes to the Zephyr MKIII‘s ability to produce high-end performance from a moderately priced cartridge.
- Stylus: Selected Contact Line low mass Nude Stylus
- Radius of curvature: 6 x 17 μm
- Cantilever: Aluminum Alloy
- Recommended Tracking force: 1.8 to 2.2 Grams
- Effective tip mass: 0.32 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)
- Output voltage: 2.4 mV
- Cartridge weight: 12.2 Grams
- Loading: ≥ 47 kΩ
Soundsmith’s "fixed coil" cartridges
Our Fixed Coil cartridge designs are unique in having both the magnet and the coils fixed in place, allowing an ultra-low mass moving iron element between the magnet and coils to generate the signal. This design mimics a moving magnet by varying the magnetic field, but avoids the high mass aspect of both moving magnet and moving coils. The design also eliminates the fragile, unrepairable and age related failures of all moving coil designs.
By reducing the moving mass far below that of moving magnet and moving coil systems, Soundsmith designs deliver superior micro resolution, imaging and channel separation. Our design also vastly increases the durability against ageing effects and handling accidents. Have an accident with a Soundsmith cartridge? We always rebuild to new condition for 20% or LESS, making Soundsmith purchases a long term investment in enjoyment, unlike any other cartridge manufacturer.
Soundsmith’s new ES design
Our new ES series provides a Soundsmith owner with several additional distinct advantages over other cartridge designs. Our four year research effort resulted in the ES body development which provides a novel engineered energy path into the tone arm. This design increases detail retrieval and resolution by reducing reflective energy which normally contributes to stylus sampling or “jitter”. The new slotted top design also allows freedom of choice for electrical isolation thereby eliminating common hum issues, as well as providing built-in azimuth adjustment when used with tone arms that do not allow such.
Made in the USA
The Soundsmith is a specialty audio manufacturer located an hour north of New York City. Founded in 1972, Soundsmith has achieved an enviable reputation in the audiophile world for unique designs, outstanding sonic quality and extremely high value products. Perhaps best known for their work restoring cartridges of all makes and for their novel Strain Gauge and Fixed Coil cartridges, every Soundsmith product is handcrafted in Soundsmith’s Peekskill New York factory by a carefully selected team of artisans and engineers.
