Soundsmith Carmen MKII Cartridge

Soundsmith Carmen MKII Cartridge Brings Warm Tonal Depth and Remarkable Clarity

The Soundsmith Carmen MKII Cartridge is a remarkable audio solution, engineered to deliver premium sound fidelity at an accessible price point. Crafted with an innovative Fixed Coil design, the Carmen MKII uses an ultra-low mass, occlusion-free nude diamond stylus in a hyper-elliptical shape, allowing it to capture a lush tonal range with extraordinary resolution. Set in a handcrafted solid ebony casing, the Carmen MKII showcases its ability to reveal both warmth and clarity in the midrange, presenting music in a smooth, immersive soundscape that encourages long listening sessions. It’s perfect for vinyl enthusiasts looking to experience high-performance playback without the complexity of moving coil cartridges.

Precision-Cut Stylus for Enhanced Resolution and Tracking

The Carmen MKII Cartridge is defined by its hyper-elliptical nude diamond stylus, cut and polished to maximise contact with record grooves while minimising mass. This stylus shape provides excellent tracking ability, allowing the cartridge to retrieve high-frequency details and subtleties that are often lost in other designs. Paired with the lightweight and responsive Fixed Coil design, this cartridge rivals many moving coil (MC) models, capturing details and dynamic textures without sacrificing tonal depth.

Dual-Coil Mono Option for Dedicated Mono Playback

For audiophiles with a dedicated mono record collection, the Carmen MKII is also available in a dual-coil mono configuration for an additional charge, delivering exceptional fidelity and tonal stability in mono playback. This option is ideal for listeners who value the integrity of classic mono recordings and desire a cartridge that honours the nuances of this format.

High Output and Flexible Compatibility

With a high output of >2.12 mV, the Carmen MKII integrates seamlessly with a variety of preamp setups, requiring a suggested gain of 38–44 dB, making it versatile across multiple sound systems. The cartridge is available in both medium and high compliance options, rated at 22 µm/mN and 28 µm/mN respectively, accommodating various tonearm setups for tailored performance. Its lightweight build and adjustable tracking force (1.3–1.6 g) allow for effortless installation and quick optimisation for precise playback, maintaining stable and distortion-free performance from start to finish.

Durable Ebony Housing and Fixed Coil Design for Longevity

Encased in a solid ebony body, the Carmen MKII cartridge combines style with functionality, providing robust sound isolation and vibration dampening, essential for maintaining sound purity. The Fixed Coil design is not only lightweight but also highly durable, allowing the cartridge to maintain performance over a lifetime of use, with minimal maintenance. Rebuilds are available at a fraction of the MSRP, making it an economical choice that preserves both quality and value for years.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Stylus: Hyper-elliptical, occlusion-free nude diamond, 0.12 mm square
• Cantilever: Precision aluminium alloy for stability
• Output Voltage: >2.12 mV at 5 cm/sec
• Compliance: Medium: 22 µm/mN; High: 28 µm/mN (special order)
• Frequency Response: 15–45,000 Hz ± 2.0 dB
• Channel Separation: >26 dB at 1 kHz, >20 dB at 50–15,000 Hz
• Load Resistance: ≥47 kΩ
• Weight: 9.20 g

The Soundsmith Carmen MKII Cartridge combines innovative stylus technology and a responsive Fixed Coil design with the rich, smooth sound of an ebony-encased housing. Perfect for audiophiles seeking tonal depth and refined clarity, it’s a versatile and long-lasting choice for high-fidelity vinyl playback.

Phono Cartridge Guides

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• How Cartridge Compliance Affects Tonearm Matching