Soundsmith Zephyr MKIII High-Output HiFi Turntable Cartridge

Soundsmith Zephyr MKIII High-Output HiFi Turntable Cartridge

The Zephyr MKIII by Soundsmith is their mid-range high-output cartridge, borrowing features from its more expensive siblings like its nude diamond stylus engineered in the Line Contact shape- this means that it is shaped similarly to the stylus used for cutting vinyl records, ensuring maximum contact with your record. Like the other cartridges in the Fixed Coil range, it benefits from minimal noise being introduced to your record and much less 'stylus jitter', delivering sound with clarity and detail.

What Soundsmith say

The new Zephyr MKIII has achieved what no other cartridge has done since its inception; rapid recognition as a leading force in phono cartridge design and performance.

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 Soundsmith's effort to bring you even higher definition without an increase in cost, they introduce the NEW Zephyr MKIII. It features a newly developed aluminium alloy - the same one they 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 it's 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 the new cantilever material is a tiny new super low mass "High Profile" Contact Line diamond they 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 their 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 they employ in 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.

Features

Cartridge Type: Fixed Coil
Stylus Type: Contact Line
Output: High

Specification

Type: Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Mount: Standard ½”
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 - 2.2 g
Effective Tip Mass: 0.28 mg
Compliance: 10 µm/mN
Frequence Response: 15 - 45,000 Hz ± 2.0 dB
Channel Separation @ 1000 Hz: > 28 dB
Channel Separation @ 50 - 15,000 Hz: > 25 dB
Channel Difference: < 1.0 dB
Output Voltage @ 5cm/sec: > 2.40 mV (HIGH)
DC Resistance (DCR): 680Ω
Coil Inductance per channel: 190 mH
Suggested Preamp Gain: 38 - 44 dB
Cartridge Weight: 12.2 g (ES series)
Recommended Load Resistance: ≥ 47kΩ
Recommended Load Capacitance: n/a

About Soundsmith

Soundsmith, a speciality audio manufacturer located just north of New York City, has been a renowned name in the audiophile world since its establishment in 1972. With a commitment to exceptional sonic quality and exceptional value, Soundsmith has earned an enviable reputation among audio enthusiasts. The company is best known for its cartridge expertise, including cartridge restoration and groundbreaking Strain Gauge and Fixed Coil cartridges. Every Soundsmith product is skillfully hand-crafted by a team of skilled artisans and engineers in the company's Peekskill, NY factory.

Made in the USA, Soundsmith takes pride in its four-decade presence in Westchester County, New York. The company offers audio repairs for a wide range of major brands, serving customers from all around the globe. Brands such as Audio Research, Revox, Bang & Olufsen, Nakamichi, Tandberg, Halcro, DartZeel, Jeff Rowland, and McIntosh, among many others, trust Soundsmith for their equipment repairs. Moreover, Soundsmith has a long-standing history of designing and manufacturing various types of audio equipment, showcasing their unwavering dedication to achieving the pinnacle of audio reproduction.

When it comes to vinyl playback, nothing matters more than achieving the best possible sound quality. Soundsmith's highly respected, hand-made phono cartridges are coveted by turntable enthusiasts worldwide. With a wide range of models available, including the Hyperion MKII-MR, Hyperion, Sussurro Gold Limited Edition, Sussurro mk II, Paua mk II, Zephyr MIMC, Helios, Mezzo, Nautilus, Sotto Voce, Norma, The Voice, Aida, Boheme, Zephyr MK III, Carmen MK II, Otello, Irox Ultimate, and Irox Blue, Soundsmith ensures that every vinyl lover can find the perfect cartridge to suit their needs. The extensive range includes low-output and high-output models and specialised models designed for unique applications.

Choose Soundsmith for the ultimate vinyl experience. With their meticulous craftsmanship, unwavering commitment to quality, and a diverse range of phono cartridges, Soundsmith continues to elevate vinyl reproduction to new heights. Discover the perfect match for your turntable and unleash the full potential of your vinyl collection with Soundsmith Cartridges from Future Shop.