SoundSmith Zephyr Star Low-Output Phono Cart. Unbelievable performance

Now at True Audiophile

Trying to find a solid line of cartridges that allow an audiophile to reach a higher level of performance without the price penalty has been an incredible challenge.  After years of listening to just about every line of cartridges we are confident SoundSmith fulfills that criteria. --True Audiophile mini review

"...you do get what you pay for when you spend $5000, $8000 and more for a phono cartridge, but with the Zephyr Star, I think you will get more than you were expecting to get ... under $2000 price point, the new low output Soundsmith Zephyr MIMIC Star is an overachiever that gives you a glimpse of the best in terms of non-mechanical, artifact-free performance..." " -- Michael Fremer from Analog Planet

Zephyr MIMC was SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC was our entry-level to the high-performance world of Soundsmith's MC-pre-compatible, low-output cartridges. It brought a very nice portion of the performance available in our higher-end MC-compatible cartridges (Paua, Sussurro, Hyperion) to the more affordable sub-$2k category. Recently, Peter Ledermann decided to see if he could stretch the limits of the MIMC's performance even higher without stretching past the $2k price point ... little did any of us know how far he would be able to take it!

The updated Zephyr MIMC ☆ smashes through sonic barriers with its new laser-drilled Sapphire cantilever and select nude Contact-Line diamond stylus! This is probably the most important Soundsmith model to have in your arsenal. It brings an astounding portion of the performance available only in our top-level low output cartridges, and it does it for just $1,749.95 retail (USD)! 

SoundSmith is so excited about this model that we've put together our best promotion ever for it - we call it the "Golden Ticket" program: We will be giving away Soundsmith products to customers who purchase the new Zephyr MIMC ☆ via a Golden Envelope inserted into each Zephyr MIMC ☆ cartridge box, ranging from EZ-Mount Screws to Strain Gauge 210 systems! We'll be spreading the news about this promotional program very soon on Social Media, with specifically-targeted focus to the countries where we are distributed. We want your customers to know all about this extraordinary product, and this outrageously cool promotion! Come visit us at High End 2016 in Munich, Hall 4 Booth T02 to see the Zephyr MIMC ☆ in person and find out why now is the best time to be in business with SOUNDSMITH - makers of the world's best and most unique phono cartridges - - and the WORLD'S BEST REBUILD POLICY!

Also available in dual-coil mono. entry-level to the high-performance world of Soundsmith's MC-pre-compatible, low-output cartridges. It brought a very nice portion of the performance available in our higher-end MC-compatible cartridges (Paua, Sussurro, Hyperion) to the more affordable sub-$2k category. Recently, Peter Ledermann decided to see if he could stretch the limits of the MIMC's performance even higher without stretching past the $2k price point ... little did any of us know how far he would be able to take it! The updated Zephyr MIMC ☆ smashes through sonic barriers with its new laser-drilled Sapphire cantilever and select nude Contact-Line diamond stylus! This is probably the most important Soundsmith model to have in your arsenal. It brings an astounding portion of the performance available only in our top-level low output cartridges, and it does it for just $1,749.95 retail (USD)! We're so excited about this model that we've put together our best promotion ever for it - we call it the "Golden Ticket" program: We will be giving away Soundsmith products to customers who purchase the new Zephyr MIMC ☆ via a Golden Envelope inserted into each Zephyr MIMC ☆ cartridge box, ranging from EZ-Mount Screws to Strain Gauge 210 systems! We'll be spreading the news about this promotional program very soon on Social Media, with specifically-targeted focus to the countries where we are distributed. We want your customers to know all about this extraordinary product, and this outrageously cool promotion! SOUNDSMITH - makers of the world's best and most unique phono cartridges - - and the WORLD'S BEST REBUILD POLICY! Also available in dual-coil mono.

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Warranty

1 Year

Specifications

Cartridge Type: Fixed Coil
Stylus Type: Contact Line
Output: Low
Output Voltage: .4 mV

Available As Dual Coil Mono: Yes

Additional Specifications

Stylus: Selected Contact Line low mass Nude Stylus
Radius of curvature: 6 x 17 μm
Cantilever:Laser Drilled Sapphire
Recommended tracking force: 1.8 to 2.2 grams
Effective tip mass: 0.32 mg
Compliance: 10 μm/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: ≥0.4 mV
DC Resistance (DCR): 10-11 Ω each channel
Coil: 2.75 mH each channel
Suggested Preamp Gain: 58-64 dB
Soundsmith Recommends: MCP2 Variable Loading Preamp
Cartridge weight: 10.25 grams
Loading: ≥ 470 Ω

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