Description
- SOUNDSMITH Sets a New Sonic Bar with the ES Series “Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover.” – Peter Ledermann. The ES line features not only a dramatic new look, but is a significant evolution of the DEMS system design (Dynamic Energy Management System). All model names have been preserved, and pricing remains the same.
- The new Soundsmith ES cartridge designs are a significant advancement in cartridge performance due to their ability to direct internal vibrational forces without reflection and disperse them properly to the tone arm. The absence of reflections enables the stylus to stay in far greater statistical contact with the groove walls — a critically important technical refinement.
- Increased liquidity and reduced “grain,” without loss of detail are some of the immediately discernible advantages of Soundsmith’s new ES models. Every cartridge in the line now features the sleek new ES body design and allows azimuth adjustment when used in tonearms that do not permit it. The new ES body also allows an electrical isolation method for tables that hum due to ground loops.
- The HYPERION is the cartridge of choice for the most esteemed audio equipment manufacturers. Why? Because when they exhibit their gear at Hi-Fi shows, they want their turntable, amplifier or speaker systems to sound the very best that they can! Peter Ledermann‘s radical design utilizes an actual “cactus spine” for the cantilever.
- The naturally tapered shape, stacked columnar fibers and desiccated resin damping fit the exact parameters of the perfect cantilever: Low mass, extreme rigidity, internal damping, and tremendous strength. Also available in a Dual Compliance Design for older Linear Tracking turntables as the HYPERION LT. The Hyperions are offered with a choice of CL or OC-CL stylus. Each one hand crafted by Peter Ledermann - Made in the USA. Rebuild Price? $850 ~ Less than 20% of MSRP -
The upgrade is far more than cosmetic; the new shape is a departure from the reflective and “boxy” design of many cartridges whose internal construction contribute to uncontrolled vibrational issues adversely effecting performance. Peter says, “Think of how singing in an open field compares with singing in a shower.” Soundsmith has always challenged conventions, looking deeper into nuances of cartridge design that dramatically affect immediate and long term performance. These have included extreme reductions of moving mass and the use of novel materials and designs. The new ES lineup is a continuation of that research and development. Cartridge Type Fixed Coil Stylus Type Contact Line O.C. Contact Line Output Low Output Voltage 0.4 mV Available As Dual Coil Mono Yes Additional Specifications Stylus: Contact Line Nude, 0.100mm SQ Radius of curvature Selected Diamond shapes: CL or Optimized (OCL) Cantilever: Hand formed/treated selected Cactus "Spine" Recommended tracking force: 1.8 to 2.2 grams Effective tip mass: 0.30 mg Compliance: 10 μm/mN (low compliance) (LT) | 12 μm/mN vertical | 7 μm/mN horizontal Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz ± 1.0 dB Channel separation (stereo only): 1000 Hz >36 dB (LT: > 34dB), 50-15,000 >25 dB Channel difference: <0.5 dB (Stereo) <1.0 dB (Mono) 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 Stylus to Mounting Hole Offset: ≈ 10mm (0.4") Loading: ≥ 470 Ω
