Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star Cartridge

Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star Cartridge: Precision, Depth, and Performance at an Accessible Price

The Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star is an extraordinary low-output cartridge that redefines what’s possible in high-end audio reproduction at an attainable price. As an entry into Soundsmith's high-performance lineup, this meticulously crafted cartridge is tailored for moving coil (MC) preamps, boasting unparalleled accuracy, exceptional channel separation, and a low-mass design that captures intricate musical nuances. With its refined Fixed Coil (Moving Iron) technology, a sapphire cantilever, and a Contact Line nude diamond stylus, the Zephyr MIMC Star opens up an immersive, high-fidelity listening experience that bridges premium quality with accessibility.

Advanced Moving Iron Design for High-Fidelity Clarity

The Zephyr MIMC Star’s core Moving Iron for Moving Coil (MIMC) design combines the benefits of both fixed-coil and moving-coil systems, resulting in an output voltage of 0.4 mV suited for MC preamps with a gain of 58-64 dB. Its internal construction reduces mass and inertia, creating a cartridge with remarkable speed and transient response while maintaining clarity. Known for delivering noise-free, hum-resistant playback, the Moving Iron mechanism ensures an ultra-low distortion sound that lets listeners experience music as it was recorded, without mechanical interference.

Laser-Drilled Sapphire Cantilever and Contact Line Stylus for Detailed Tracking

One of the standout features of the Zephyr MIMC Star is its precision-crafted, laser-drilled sapphire cantilever, engineered for superior rigidity and accurate tracking. Paired with a Selected Contact Line nude stylus, the cartridge meticulously traces each groove, capturing even the subtlest details in a recording. The Contact Line stylus has a radius of curvature measured at 6 x 17 µm, enhancing its ability to extract details from deep within the groove while minimising wear on both the stylus and records. This design allows for seamless frequency response from 15 Hz to 45,000 Hz, achieving ±2.0 dB accuracy across this wide range, which is ideal for capturing both low-end depth and high-end extension.

High Channel Separation and Immersive Soundstage

With a channel separation of greater than 28 dB at 1,000 Hz, the Zephyr MIMC Star excels at spatial reproduction, offering a wide, deep, and stable soundstage. Even in challenging frequency bands from 50 to 15,000 Hz, the cartridge maintains a channel separation of over 25 dB, resulting in a holographic effect that makes instruments and vocals feel dimensionally positioned across the soundscape. This detail in spatial imaging ensures that listeners experience the performance as if it were live, enhancing both realism and immersion.

Robust Tracking and Compliance for Versatile Playback

Designed with a compliance of 10 µm/mN and a recommended tracking force range of 1.8 to 2.2 grams, the Zephyr MIMC Star provides excellent stability across various tonearm setups. This low compliance configuration, combined with the low-mass stylus, ensures that the cartridge maintains steady contact with the record grooves, minimising unwanted resonance and effectively tracing even the most demanding passages. Its effective tip mass of 0.32 mg allows the cartridge to reach into the smallest grooves, maximising detail retrieval without compromising record longevity.

Durable and User-Friendly Design with Flexible Mounting Options

The Zephyr MIMC Star offers practical design considerations such as a standard ½” mount, making it compatible with a broad range of turntables. With a cartridge weight of 12.2 grams, the Zephyr MIMC Star fits well into most tonearm setups, providing audiophiles with flexibility in their listening setups. Optional alumina inserts adjust the cartridge height from .675” to .733” and offer azimuth adjustments when tonearms do not support this function. This flexibility ensures that the Zephyr MIMC Star integrates seamlessly into premium audio setups.

Dual-Coil Mono Option and Warranty for Enhanced Versatility

For those interested in mono playback, the Zephyr MIMC Star is also available as a dual-coil mono version for an additional cost, extending its versatility to collectors of mono recordings. Each cartridge is backed by a two-year warranty, demonstrating Soundsmith’s confidence in the product’s durability and performance. This warranty, combined with the rebuild option, makes the Zephyr MIMC Star a sound investment in high-end analogue audio.

The Zephyr MIMC Star is a remarkable blend of engineering precision, artistic design, and affordability, making it an indispensable tool for audiophiles seeking non-mechanical, lifelike sound without the typical high-end price barrier.