Soundsmith Carmen mk II
Best high end cartridge for listeners seeking warm and musical analog sound.
This cartridge delivers the resolution and detail typically reserved for high-end moving coil designs, but with a warmer, more forgiving character. It trades clinical precision for a lush, inviting midrange that makes long listening sessions feel effortless and deeply musical.
$699.00
at
Hi-Fi Heaven
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking moving-coil detail without investing in expensive step-up transformers.
- Listeners with demanding vinyl collections who prioritize skip-free, accurate playback.
- Music lovers who prefer a lush, natural sound over clinical transparency.
Who should skip it
- Practical users who prefer the convenience of swapping styli at home.
- Casual listeners who want a simple plug and play cartridge experience.
- Budget-conscious hobbyists looking for the best value-to-performance ratio.
Performance breakdown
Tonal Warmth
The ebony housing imparts a rich, inviting character to every record.
Stylus Precision
Nude hyper-elliptical diamond extracts impressive detail from complex vinyl grooves.
Resolution Clarity
Fixed coil design delivers high-end transparency rivaling pricier moving coil options.
Tracking Ability
High compliance ensures excellent stability across a wide range of tonearms.
Build Quality
Handmade ebony construction offers both acoustic resonance and stunning visual appeal.
Listening Fatigue
Smooth, lush presentation makes this ideal for long, uninterrupted listening sessions.
Key Specs
Cartridge Type
Fixed Coil
Stylus
Nude Hyper-elliptical
Output Voltage
2.12 mV
Weight
6.8 grams
Weight
0.24 ounces
Material
Ebony case, Aluminum Alloy cantilever
Frequency Response
20-20,000 Hz
Recommended Tracking Force
1.3 – 1.6 grams
Compliance
28 μm/mN (high), 22 μm/mN (medium)
Loading
≥ 47 kΩ
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