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 Aluminum 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.
Soundsmith Zephyr MKIII Specs:
Stylus:Ultra Low Mass Nude Contact Line 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), <0.5 dB (Dual Mono operation- w/optimal VTF setting)
Output voltage: 2.4 mV
Cartridge weight: 12.2 grams
Loading: ≥ 47 kΩ
Also available in dual-coil mono.
ES Cartridges with “DEMS”
Sometimes when mounting on a grounded metal arm, a cartridge will create hum due to a ground loop. If you experience some low-level hum due to ground loop, you can now solve this issue by using the two half-round white rods which are to be placed and used in the OUTER slots, seen on the top of the cartridge. Place them flat side UP.
The rods are made of Alumina, and are insulating, thus allowing ground isolation for your cartridge without compromising the crucial mechanical energy transfer into the tonearm. This energy transfer is maintained due to the use of Alumina, which has the same properties as aluminium but is non-conductive. Due to the novel body design of the ES cartridge, electrical isolation can still be maintained even though you may use metal screws.
On tonearms that do not allow azimuth adjustment, it is now possible to achieve this adjustment by way of the ES series by using the one full round alumina rod in the centre slot only, alternately tightening and loosening the mounting screws by small amounts.
See Soundsmith product range HERE
