Soundsmith Zephyr MKIII ES Cartridge 2.4mV (Low Compliance)

The new Zephyr MK III has achieved what no other cartridge has done since its inception; rapid recognition as a leading force in phono cartridge design and performance. It also follows Soundsmith's tradition for their complete line of cartridges - full restoration and stylus rebuilding when the time comes at 20% of its price ~ $299 for rebuild. And Soundsmith can do it many times over for you. Imagine that - A new Zephyr MKIII cartridge for $299, every time it's needed.

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 their effort to bring you even higher definition without increase in cost, Soundsmith introduces the NEW Zephyr MKIII. It features a newly developed aluminum 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 its 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 Soundsmith's 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 Soundsmith's 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 employed in the 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.

As always from Soundsmith, all their fixed coil designs are available in dual-coil mono.

I love the fact that I can get this level of performance from a phonograph cartridge without needing a step-up transformer to accomplish it. It's a satisfying and liberating feeling!