Soundsmith Hyperion Cartridge

Soundsmith Hyperion Cartridge Redefines Audio Fidelity with Revolutionary Cactus Spine Cantilever

The Soundsmith Hyperion Cartridge sets an unprecedented standard in high-fidelity playback, revered by audio equipment manufacturers worldwide for its ultra-precise, lifelike reproduction. The Hyperion’s unique design, featuring an actual cactus spine cantilever, delivers unparalleled rigidity, low mass, and superior internal damping. Handcrafted by Peter Ledermann, this cartridge’s patent-pending cantilever technology surpasses conventional materials like boron or sapphire, ensuring every sonic detail emerges with remarkable clarity. The Hyperion’s natural tonal balance and expansive soundstage establish it as an instrument of choice for critical listening environments, embodying an exceptional fusion of innovation and craftsmanship.

Cactus Spine Cantilever: An Innovative Approach to Cartridge Design

The Hyperion’s cactus spine cantilever is a breakthrough in cartridge engineering, leveraging the natural structure of cactus fibers for enhanced performance. Its columnar, stacked fiber design is lightweight yet incredibly strong, reducing tip mass while preserving vibrational precision. This unique structure provides internal damping, eliminating unwanted resonances and capturing high-frequency details and dynamic shifts with unmatched accuracy. Combined with Soundsmith’s hand-selected Optimised Contour Contact Line (OC-CL) stylus, the Hyperion’s cantilever faithfully translates musical information from the groove without distortion or colouration.

Supreme Neutrality and Realism in Sound Presentation

True to its reputation among audiophiles, the Soundsmith Hyperion delivers a neutral and precise soundscape. Free from tonal bias, it unveils every nuance across the frequency range without artificial coloration. Its frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hz (±1 dB) offers exceptional detail, immersing listeners in a natural and balanced sonic experience that brings out the texture and emotion in every recording. This neutrality does not mean a lack of character; rather, it reveals the music authentically, allowing listeners to experience each recording as it was intended by the artist.

Low Output, High Gain Compatibility, and Mono Option

Designed with a low output of 0.4 mV, the Hyperion requires a preamp gain of 58–64 dB, integrating seamlessly with high-end audio systems to ensure optimal signal clarity. For dedicated mono enthusiasts, the Hyperion is available in a dual-coil mono configuration, capturing every tonal detail for a pure mono listening experience. This flexibility makes it a compelling choice for audiophiles with diverse record collections, supporting both stereo and mono playback with uncompromised performance.

Durable Build and Economical Rebuild Pricing

Beyond its sonic prowess, the Hyperion Cartridge is engineered for durability and value. Unlike many high-end cartridges, the Hyperion offers an economical rebuild program at $850—approximately 11% of its MSRP—allowing owners to preserve their investment over time. Each rebuild replaces the cartridge’s essential components, making it effectively new while retaining its original calibre of sound performance. This feature is a testament to Soundsmith’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, offering peace of mind to owners of this premium cartridge.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Stylus: Optimised Contour Contact Line, nude diamond, 0.10 mm square
• Cantilever: Naturally tapered cactus spine for maximum damping and rigidity
• Output Voltage: 0.4 mV at 5 cm/sec
• Compliance: 10 μm/mN for superior tracking accuracy
• Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz ± 1.0 dB
• Channel Separation: >36 dB at 1 kHz, >25 dB at 50–15,000 Hz
• Load Resistance: ≥470 Ω for optimal system integration
• Weight: 12.2 g

The Soundsmith Hyperion Cartridge embodies the pinnacle of cartridge design, offering remarkable tonal precision, innovative engineering, and long-term value. With its groundbreaking cactus spine cantilever and handcrafted quality, the Hyperion transforms listening sessions into immersive musical experiences that audiophiles will treasure.