Soundsmith Paua MKII Cartridge

The Soundsmith Paua MKII Cartridge Is an Acoustic Masterpiece for Vinyl Aficionados

The Soundsmith Paua MKII cartridge is a premier low-output phono cartridge, revered for delivering warm, detailed sound with supreme accuracy and channel separation. Adorned with a striking paua shell inlay, the MKII reflects Soundsmith's dedication to both audio excellence and visual craftsmanship. This exquisite cartridge brings nature’s aesthetic and healing power to a highly refined audio component, designed to reveal the profound subtleties of any analog recording.

The Paua MKII’s Innovative Cantilever Elevates Sound Performance

At the heart of the Paua MKII's remarkable performance is a newly developed telescoping aluminium alloy cantilever, designed to optimise sound reproduction across the acoustic spectrum. This advanced alloy enables the cantilever to act as both an acoustic and mechanical lever, exhibiting precise stiffness where needed while providing critical damping in specific frequency ranges. This translates to exceptional clarity, enabling listeners to experience an intricate soundstage filled with rich, natural tones.

Each movement is articulated with accuracy due to the ultra-low internal moving mass, allowing the Paua MKII to extract details with delicacy and precision. Combined with a nude Contact Line stylus—finely polished for low mass—the cartridge traces the record grooves with finesse, capturing every nuance. With channel separation figures exceeding 34 dB at 1,000 Hz, the Paua MKII achieves unparalleled stylus control, making it a premier choice for those who seek pristine sound fidelity.

Exceptional Rebuild Value and Durability for Long-Term Listening

Soundsmith understands that a premium cartridge represents a long-term investment. Like all Soundsmith cartridges, the Paua MKII is designed for multiple rebuilds at a fraction of the original cost. Each full rebuild ensures that the Paua MKII will continue to perform at peak levels for years to come—representing around 20% or less of its initial value. This rebuild service is both practical and economical, setting Soundsmith apart as an industry leader in cartridge longevity and customer value.

Versatile Design with Mono Compatibility for True-to-Source Sound

The Paua MKII offers versatility for both stereo and mono playback. For dedicated mono setups, a dual-coil mono variant is available, providing the same fixed-coil precision and dynamic range as the stereo model. Soundsmith's commitment to the Fixed Coil (Moving Iron) design ensures low distortion, vibrant sound, and rich detail across all configurations, with minimal tracking error and excellent azimuth stability. This dual-coil mono option brings even greater depth and clarity for mono recordings, creating an authentic listening experience true to the original studio sound.

Detailed Specifications for Optimal Compatibility and Sonic Precision

• Output: Low, delivering a precise voltage of 0.4 mV, optimised for pairing with high-gain preamps in the range of 58-64 dB.
• Stylus: A nude Contact Line stylus, 0.10 mm square, selected for its ability to trace grooves with precision and to maintain sonic integrity even on demanding recordings.
• Frequency Response: A linear 20-20,000 Hz ± 1.0 dB, ensuring rich, detailed sound throughout the entire audible range.
• Channel Separation: Exceptional separation >34 dB at 1,000 Hz, and >25 dB across a wider frequency range of 50-15,000 Hz, enhancing spatial resolution and stereo imaging.
• Effective Tip Mass: 0.30 mg, contributing to the low moving mass and reducing groove wear while ensuring high-resolution playback.
• Compliance: 10 µm/mN, delivering a balanced, resonant playback ideal for audiophile-grade tonearms.
• Cartridge Weight: 12.2 g (ES Series), suitable for a wide array of tonearms and balancing options, with additional options for azimuth adjustment.

The Paua MKII’s aluminium alloy cantilever and meticulously designed moving-iron system offer audiophiles a combination of warmth, dynamic range, and exceptional channel separation. With each detail crafted to meet high-performance audio demands, this cartridge will become the centrepiece of any high-end analog system.