Soundsmith The Voice Cartridge

Soundsmith The Voice Cartridge: High Output Excellence for Lifelike Listening

The Soundsmith The Voice cartridge offers a refined high-output design that brings an exceptional level of transparency and sonic realism to vinyl playback. Engineered by Peter Ledermann, The Voice is the pinnacle of Soundsmith's high-output moving iron technology, featuring ultra-low mass and a sophisticated energy transfer system for an authentic, immersive listening experience. Celebrated by audiophiles and reviewers alike, The Voice has earned multiple "Product of the Year" awards for its dynamic range, precision, and uniquely musical character.

High Output Design with Unmatched Clarity and Depth

Designed for superior transparency, The Voice reproduces audio with a warmth and detail that feels direct and uncoloured. By focusing on reducing the moving mass within its moving iron design, Soundsmith has crafted a cartridge with exceptional speed and agility. With an output voltage of over 2.12 mV, it ensures compatibility with a wide array of preamps, recommended for use with a gain of 38 to 44 dB for optimal performance. The result is a cartridge that reveals complex layers within each track, offering nuanced imaging and a spacious soundstage.

Robust Ruby Cantilever and Optimised Contour Line Contact Stylus

At the core of The Voice is a stylus assembly that combines a single-crystal ruby cantilever with Soundsmith's Optimised Contour Line Contact stylus. The ruby cantilever provides stiffness and accuracy, ensuring that it traces record grooves with exceptional precision. The stylus, a nude contact line measuring 0.10 mm square, is crafted to optimise surface contact within the groove, capturing intricate details and harmonics that might otherwise be lost. Together, this combination enhances clarity across the full frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hz with an impressive ±1.0 dB accuracy.

Advanced Compliance Options and Low Tracking Force for Versatile Performance

The Voice offers two compliance options tailored for different playback needs: a medium compliance setting with a tracking force between 1.3 and 1.6 grams and an optional high compliance variant that tracks at a lighter 1.0 to 1.2 grams. The medium compliance setting features 22 µm/mN, ideal for most tonearms, while the high compliance option at 28 µm/mN allows for even finer adjustment with certain specialised tonearms. This flexibility in tracking force and compliance minimises record wear while maintaining optimal contact, making it a versatile choice for a range of audiophile setups.

Precision Engineering for Superior Channel Separation and Spatial Dynamics

With a channel separation of over 30 dB at 1,000 Hz, The Voice excels in delivering rich stereo separation and a layered soundscape. Even in challenging frequency ranges from 50 to 15,000 Hz, it maintains a separation of over 20 dB, providing clear imaging and detailed spatial dynamics. The cartridge has a channel balance within 1.0 dB, maintaining sonic consistency across the audio spectrum. This feature allows listeners to enjoy recordings with well-defined positioning and depth, as though each instrument and vocal were placed in their own acoustic space.

Durable Design with Practical V-Shaped Extension for Enhanced Stylus Protection

One of the defining physical features of The Voice is its thoughtfully engineered v-shaped extension, which protects the cantilever and stylus from accidental damage. This protective extension, a rarity in high-performance cartridges, reduces the risk of damage during handling or accidental contact. This durability factor is particularly valuable for audiophiles seeking a reliable cartridge with high longevity, adding peace of mind to its premium design.

Handcrafted Quality and Dual-Coil Mono Option for Customised Playback

As with all Soundsmith products, each The Voice cartridge is hand-assembled and individually tested by Peter Ledermann’s team, ensuring every unit meets strict performance standards. Available in both stereo and dual-coil mono versions, the mono option is available for an additional cost, making it a versatile choice for those who prefer both stereo and mono vinyl collections. This commitment to craftsmanship and quality is supported by a two-year warranty, reflecting Soundsmith’s dedication to delivering a premium audiophile experience.

Seamless Integration and Premium Audiophile Compatibility

With a standard ½” mount, a cartridge height of .675” (adjustable with alumina inserts for azimuth if needed), and a weight of 9.2 grams, The Voice is compatible with a broad range of turntable setups. For optimal sound reproduction, Soundsmith recommends a load resistance of ≥47kΩ. The cartridge's medium compliance and tracking force make it compatible with both classic and modern tonearms, allowing audiophiles to integrate it seamlessly into their existing systems.

The Voice cartridge is a testament to Soundsmith's innovation and expertise in high-output cartridge design, making it an invaluable asset for any serious audiophile seeking purity, depth, and resilience in analogue playback.