Technical Specifications
Stylus --------------------------------Optimized Nude Contact Line, 0.120 SQ
Radius of curvature ---------------- Contact Line
Cantilever -------------------------- RUBY
Recommended
Tracking force --------------------- 10mN / 1 Gram
Effective tip mass ----------------- 0.32 mg
Compliance ------------------------ 28 mm/mN
Frequency response -------------- 20-20,000 Hz +/- 2.5 dB
Channel Separation
1000 Hz ------------------- >25 dB
50-15,000 Hz------------- >20 dB
Channel difference --------------- <1.6 dB
Output voltage -------------------- >0.6 mV/cm/sec.
5 cm/sec. Lat. RMS -------------- >2.12 mV
Cartridge weight w/o Adapter - 4.05 gram
Load: Resistance -------------- >/= 47 kohms
Capacity ---------------- >/= 400 pF
The Soundsmith Corp.
8 John Walsh Blvd. Suite 417
Peekskill, NY USA 10566
1-800-942-8009
The Soundsmith SMMC and SERIES Cartridges
The Soundsmith manufactures cartridges to exacting specifications, using carefully selected and precision processed materials. Their unique design results in a “no-compromise” device, providing the listener with unparalleled performance through an ultra-low mass, high-purity moving iron element. Soundsmith cartridges differ primarily in the stylus* and cantilever** material, shape and structure. The cartridge body itself has been optimized by design and manufacture, and cannot be easily improved upon.
One of the key optimizing elements in Soundsmith cartridges is the use of a single-piece, ultra low-mass moving iron, stylus and cantilever assembly. They do not have replaceable styli. This design choice prioritizes performance without significant cost compromise relative to brands with lower-performing replaceable-stylus designs: the cost of original replacement styli for these brands usually amounts to 80-90% of the complete cartridge’s original price. Designing a cartridge for optimal performance that does not have replaceable styli is therefore a better option than designing one that has compromised performance and expensive original replacement styli.
Peter Ledermann
President/Chief Engineer
Additionally, unlike other cartridges, our “pluggable” cartridges allow:
· Easy switching between different models of Soundsmith cartridges for different levels of vinyl sound reproduction;
· Easy inspection and cleaning of the stylus;
· Easy replacement in the event of damage; and
· Easy safe storage for your cartridge when you transport your turntable.
The Soundsmith has taken great care to manufacture this cartridge to exacting standards and performance. It should provide you with many years of fine listening from your treasured vinyl collection.
* Stylus – this is the actual “needle” or shaped diamond tip that fits in the record groove and follows the movements of the groove walls. All Soundsmith styli tip shapes are either elliptical or contact line, and are either titanium bonded or solid “nude” diamond.
** Cantilever – This is the rod or arm that holds the stylus – its function is to accurately transmit the movement of the stylus into the cartridge body, which converts that movement into small electrical signals. It should be, by design, extremely lightweight and very rigid. All Soundsmith cantilevers are either aluminum alloy, sapphire, ruby, exotic metal or ceramic.