Van Den Hul Colibri XGW Stradivarius Phono Cartridge

The Colibri XGW ‘Stradivarius’ Offers Exceptional Phono Cartridge Performance

The Colibri XGW ‘Stradivarius’ is a pinnacle of analogue audio engineering, embodying precision, clarity, and musicality. Crafted with a pau ferro wooden body, it blends artistry and advanced technology to create a truly high-end listening experience. With a standard output level of 0.60mV at 5.6 cm/s, and customisable output options ranging from 0.30mV to 1.1mV, this cartridge meets the demands of discerning audiophiles.

Matched Crystal Coils Elevate Sound Fidelity

The Colibri XGW features meticulously matched crystal copper or gold coils, tailored to suit specific musical genres. The copper coil version offers low output at 0.30mV/channel, ideal for an all-around experience. For classical enthusiasts, the gold coil variant delivers a medium output of 0.38mV/channel, capturing nuanced, spacious details. A high-output option of 0.65mV/channel is also available, catering to dynamic jazz performances. This versatility ensures a rich, immersive auditory experience, regardless of musical preference.

A Masterpiece of Minimalist Design

The Colibri XGW ‘Stradivarius’ builds on the success of Van den Hul’s acclaimed Grasshopper “Beauty” series, stripping back non-essential components to refine the cartridge’s performance. By minimising the magnetic circuit, the cartridge achieves significant reductions in distortion and Barkhausen noise. The result is unparalleled clarity, revealing previously unheard subtleties, such as the extended decay of instruments in complex compositions.

Enhanced Tracking and Compliance for Versatility

The lightweight design of the Colibri XGW makes it compatible with an extensive range of tonearms, including ultra-light models. Its static compliance tuning allows for customised tracking abilities, ensuring excellent groove modulation even on demanding records. A reduced cantilever length enhances the transduction process, offering unmatched accuracy and directness.

Premium Materials and Design Customisation

The Colibri is available in four body types:

• W (Wooden body, Pau Ferro for tonal warmth and aesthetic appeal)
• P (Carbon plastic body for lightweight precision)
• M (Metal body for rigidity and clarity)
• A (Amber body for resonance control)

Paired with the VDH-1S stylus, which boasts a 2x85 micron radius and a tracking force range of 1.35-1.5g, the cartridge achieves a remarkable tracking ability of 70 microns. Its frequency response spans 5 to 65,000 Hz, capturing every detail from deep bass to airy highs.

Tailored to Your Audio System and Preferences

The Colibri series stands out for its customisability. Each unit can be personalised based on the customer’s tonearm, pre-amp, load impedance, and musical preferences. Whether your focus is on jazz’s dynamic textures or classical music’s spatial intricacies, the Colibri can be tailored to your specific needs. For an added touch of exclusivity, the cartridge’s wooden container can feature the owner's name.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Output Voltage: 0.30mV, 0.38mV, or 0.65mV RMS (based on configuration)
• Channel Balance: < 0.5 dB
• Channel Separation: > 35 dB
• Stylus Mass: 0.24mg
• Tracking Force: 13.5-15 mN
• Dynamic Compliance: 20 Micron/mN
• Impedance: 20–47,000 Ohm; optimal 50–600 Ohm

Unparalleled Listening Experience

Designed and handcrafted by A.J. van den Hul, the Colibri XGW ‘Stradivarius’ is more than a phono cartridge; it’s a gateway to the heart of your music. Each detail—from its pau ferro wooden body to its optimised magnetic design—has been engineered for pure, transparent sound. Its exceptional performance and customisation options make it an essential choice for audiophiles seeking the ultimate vinyl playback experience.