The world’s best turntables use Soundsmith because we’ve been designing and hand-building the world’s best phono-cartridges for more than thirty years.

Fixed Coil

Feature On Product Grid

Zephyr MIMC ☆

New ES Series DEMS design!

“Click Here For Info On Our Gift Giveaway With Each Zephyr MIMC Star”

Another positive review of the MIMC Star, at Positive Feedback ” Listening to the music using this pickup is incredibly enjoyable. Zephyr also has incredible dynamics. “

Luxury You Can Afford (review: click here)

“At the under $2000 price point, the new low output Soundsmith Zephyr MIMIC Star is an overachiever that gives you a glimpse of the best in terms of non-mechanical, artifact-free performance…” – Michael Fremer / analogplanet.com – Click Here for Full Review

Made in the USA. Rebuild Price? $350 – Less Than 20% of MSRP, as always ! ~ The Zephyr MIMC Star features a 2 year warranty to the original owner.

Click READ MORE link below for information and to purchase!

Read moreabout Zephyr MIMC ☆

Otello

New ES Series DEMS design!

A “Gruvy Award” recommendation at Analog Planet click for more

Our entry level design captures more than its share of recorded beauty — by design. Big soundstage, detail and resolution at an affordable price. Made in the USA. Rebuild Price? ~ $100 ~ Only 20% of MSRP, as always ! – The Otello features a 2 year warranty to the original owner.

Click READ MORE link below for information and to purchase!

Read moreabout Otello

Carmen mk II

New ES Series DEMS design!

Stereophile review for The Carmen: click here

Our Carmen design resolves high performance at an affordable price. A dramatic deep and wide soundstage, and ultra trackability.Made in the USA.Rebuild Price? ~ $199 ~ 20% of MSRP, as always ! – The Carmen mk II features a 2 year warranty to the original owner.Made in the USA.

Click READ MORE link below for information and to purchase!

Read moreabout Carmen mk II

Aida

New ES Series DEMS design!

A triumph of Soundsmith Engineering, Stereophile Class “A” rated, a rarity at its price point – and for good reasons.

[an Aida review here http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/rega-rp6-cartridge-upgrade-soundsmith-aida.567909/ ]

The Aida employs a Laser drilled Sapphire Cantilever and an ultra-low mass Line Contact Stylus – Made in the USA. Rebuild Price? ~ $350 ~ Less Than 20% of MSRP, as always ! – The Aida features a 2 year warranty to the original owner.

Click READ MORE link below for information and to purchase!

Read moreabout Aida

Zephyr MK III

New ES Series DEMS design!

The Zephyr MK III [Zephyr Mark Three] formerly Zephyr MK II has achieved what no other cartridge has done since its inception; rapid recognition as a leading force in phono cartridge design and performance.Made in the USA. Rebuild Price? ~ $299 ~ Only 20% of MSRP, as always ! – The Zephyr MK III features a 2 year warranty to the original owner.

Click READ MORE link below for information and to purchase!

Read moreabout Zephyr MK III

The Voice

New ES Series DEMS design!

“The Voice will wring every last drop of performance from it at a price that, in a world where most competitors go for two, three and four grand (up to ten large), is extremely reasonable and probably a great bargain. It is easily a reference quality cartridge with the added edge of being supremely musical, which is why Peter is going to have to pry this thing from my cold, bloody hand to get it back!”- James Darby, StereoMojo — click here to read the complete original review —

Kudos, accolades and many “Product of the Year” awards. The pinnacle of High Output designs – from Soundsmith – of course. Since its introduction in 2009, The Voice has won numerous “product-of-the-year” awards… Each one hand crafted by Peter Ledermann – Made in the USA. Rebuild Price? $450 – Less than 20% of MSRP ! ~ The Voice features a 2 year warranty to the original owner.

Click READ MORE link below for information and to purchase!

Read moreabout The Voice

Paua mk II

New ES Series DEMS design!

As it stands, the cartridge will be happily employed spinning records in the future, as we have added it to our reference fleet.”

– Jeff Dorgay, TONE

The Paua MKII: adorned with sea shell to remind us of the beauty of the sounds of the world all around us. Nature healing nature.

Each one hand crafted by Peter Ledermann – Made in the USA. Rebuild Price? $550 – Less than 14% of MSRP ! ~ The Paua features a 2 year warranty to the original owner.

Click READ MORE link below for information and to purchase!

Read moreabout Paua mk II

Sussurro mk II

New ES Series DEMS design!

This cartridge is the real deal, and is very enthusiastically recommended.” – Philip Holmes, Dagogo

►Video from Dukkan HiFi

The Sussurro mk II ~ critical design decisions, realized. Lowest internal mass. Best damping. Esoteric stylus and cantilever. If you need to stay in constant contact, your cartridge has arrived. Each one hand crafted by Peter Ledermann – Made in the USA. Rebuild Price? $650 – Less than 20% of MSRP ! ~ The Sussurro features a 2 year warranty to the original owner.

Click READ MORE link below for information and to purchase!

Read moreabout Sussurro mk II

Hyperion

New ES Series DEMS design!

“In my opinion, the new Hyperion is without question the finest magnetic cartridge made today. Looking forward to the next few weeks of final break in.” https://www.sound-smith.com/testimonials/hyperion

A new review of the Hyperion (Norway): http://www.audiophile.no/nb-no/item/2139-soundsmith-hyperion **via Google translate: http://www.audiophile.no/nb-no/item/2139-soundsmith-hyperion

Find out why the Soundsmith Hyperion is the go-to cartridge for many of the world’s most highly esteemed equipment manufacturers. Each one hand crafted by Peter Ledermann – Made in the USA. Rebuild Price? $850 ~ Less than 20% of MSRP – The Hyperion features an industry first: A 10 year free retipping service for stylus wear to the original owner.

Soundsmith Phono Preamps

Highly respected and hand made in the USA, Soundsmith phono preamps are the best way to get every last drop of goodness out of your Soundsmith cartridge, or, if you don’t already own a Soundsmith cartridge, our phono preamps will work great with your existing one. We make it easy to find just the right model by referring to the table included on the detail page for each model. Use the links below to learn more, or use the filter bar to select one that fits your setup, taste, and budget.

Why Fixed Coil? | How to Choose a Cartridge? | Stylus Shape Information | Our Unparalleled Warranty

Soundsmith MMP3 Phono Preamp

MMP3 Phono Preamp for High and Medium Output Phono Cartridges

The Soundsmith MMP & MCP preamps are revolutionary designs for their price – and the comments we get at each hi-fi show prove it!

Soundsmith MCP2 Phono Preamp

MCP2 Phono Preamp for Low Output Phono Cartridges

The Soundsmith MMP & MCP preamps are revolutionary designs for their price – and the comments we get at each hi-fi show prove it!

Soundsmith MMP4 Phono Preamp

MMP4 Phono Preamp for High and Medium Output Phono Cartridges

The Soundsmith MMP & MCP preamps are revolutionary designs for their price – and the comments we get at each hi-fi show prove it!

Signature SG Systems Preamplifier

Above: Our Flagship Strain Gauge Preamp – the SG-810

Entry Level SG systems: click this

By the way….All Soundsmith SG systems have user replaceable styli – VIDEO is HERE !

The Strain Gauge cartridge is not at all like any other cartridge….
All other cartridges, whether moving magnet, moving coil, or moving iron, are “generators” – that is, you put motion in, and you get energy out… they generate a tiny voltage that you amplify and send to your speakers.
The key here in describing all other cartridges is in the word moving……because all other cartridges MUST move a mass around – a magnet, and iron core with wires (moving “coil”) or iron.
All other cartridges are all magnetic generating systems, which require a mass to be constantly moved to generate a voltage. The Strain Gauge does not; the effective moving mass has been reduced by over 80%….allowing the stylus to stay in intimate contact with the groove walls…..and allowing the stylus to stop jittering – or “bouncing” in the groove as it now is not trying to move a “large” mass back and forth….

Features:

Frequency response, DC to 70 kHz
No “RIAA” filter circuitry is required or used in our preamp – just one ULTRA clean gain stage (this is because the Strain Gauge is a “displacement” device, not a “velocity” sensitive device like magnetic cartridges – see below).
Compatible with standard “4 wire” tone arm wiring
User Replaceable Nude “Contact-Line” stylus w/Ruby Cantilever (varied stylus types available)
System Price includes Strain Gauge Cartridge and Soundsmith SG Preamp of your choice
“Fixed” Line level & +10 dB variable outputs, both Balanced and Unbalanced (via RCA jacks)
High Compliance design and freedom from low frequency saturation assures excellent tracking ability and performance with any tone arm
All preamp models now feature toggling between the Strain Gauge function and single or (multiple) line inputs for maximum hookup flexibility to your equipment

Low tracking forces with extreme precision
Compatible with any ½” mount headshell – uses STANDARD 4 wire tone arm wiring
Frequency response DC – 70 kHz with only 10° of phase shift in the audio band (rumble filter built in @ 12 Hz – passive type before single flat gain stage
Front panel displays for tracking force (digital readout), AC component of the vertical tracking force, force balance per groove wall, and record eccentricity! (on models 810, 610,and 600 only)
Fixed and variable, balanced and unbalanced outputs via RCA jacks. Our variable output will provide up to +10dB level, and may be used DIRECTLY into any amplifier with balanced or unbalanced inputs.
Advanced muting features: Automatic Cue-Up muting (works with any turntable, and is user defeatable), manual muting control, and fault-sensing auto-mute to allow “hot plugging” of the tone arm or cartridge with the volume up, thus eliminating buzz or transients (allows stylus cleaning, adjustments, etc….)
User replaceable styli available in varied compliance and configurations (Ruby & Aluminum cantilever, Nude Contact Line &, Elliptical Styli,78 Styli) Styli replacement costs from $350 – $950
IR Hand Held Remote for remote controlled models controls volume, mute, power (and input switching on the SG-510 and SG-810)

All models feature front panel finger “light-touch” control switches for power, manual muting and front panel lighting control (on models 810,610 & 600) allowing adjustable front panel lights from “automatic room lighting level” to variable intensity – full bright to off. (All other models have rear manual control for lighting intensity) Our lucite volume knob changes color to indicate the state of operation: RED (standby); Yellow (auto-mute); flashing yellow (manual mute); Blue (unmuted – playing)
Our Strain Gauge cartridge requires specialized preamp circuitry, and is sold with any of seven models of Soundsmith’s preamplifiers – All models have both fixed and +10 dB variable outputs – and can be used directly into an “aux” input on your preamp, or used DIRECTLY into any power amplifier.
All models have identical sonic characteristics and vary only in features:

SG-810 – Our top model is a multi-function preamp and full function Strain Gauge Preamp; It features the SG function plus 4 line inputs & tape monitor, Front panel “touch” & Remote control input switching, volume, mute and power with full Strain Gauge performance displays and lighting intensity control (auto room adjust or manual “linear control” from lights off to full bright)
SG-610 – Dedicated Preamp for Strain gauge Plus ONE Line input- Front panel “touch” & Remote control for volume, mute and power; full Strain Gauge performance displays; lighting intensity control (auto room adjust or manual “linear control” from lights off to full bright)
SG-600 – Dedicated Preamp for Strain Gauge – Same as 610, no remote control
SG-510 – Dedicated Preamp for Strain Gauge and full function preamp – SG input plus 4 line inputs & tape monitor; Front panel “touch” & Remote control for input switching, volume, mute and power -NO DISPLAYS
SG-500 – Dedicated Preamp for Strain Gauge and full function preamp – same as SG-510, but no remote control
SG-410 – Dedicated SG Preamp Plus ONE Line Input- Remote & Manual control for Volume, mute & power
SG-400 – Dedicated SG Preamp Plus ONE line input – Manual Volume, mute & power

Below are excerpts and reviews from customers on their Strain Gauge systems……

Hello Peter,

First I hope you, your family and staff are all well. I so want everyone to get through this, for people to stay well and for businesses to weather the difficulties they are faced, for the toll not to be too great or dear. Perhaps my little status note is misplaced at this time, and if so, I apologize.

Recently, listening room challenges have been better addressed, and this has allowed me to dial-in the SG-210 system with much more precision by ear, not having room effects masking small but significant changes of setup. As HTA/Zenith and Azimuth were carefully adjusted on the Air Tangent air bearing arm, the smallest details in the mix to the largest dynamics were further liberated in an utterly coherent fashion. Subtle details of timbre and texture were even more beautiful, and the soundstage of recordings is simply ‘there’. The overall effect is, simply, music unencumbered, just flowing. From LPs.

I thought I was probably pretty close before, but all the fabric of a performance just ‘pops’ in a most musically natural, coherent (and gratifying) way. Words will never by able to convey what the ears hear.
So, didn’t want to wax on too long, but wanted to offer a pat on the back for allowing me the pleasure. I can’t wait to listen some more.

Stay well.

Best regards, Jeffrey Bernhard

[More Testimonials]

To Peter Ledermann, President of Soundsmith

After a lifetime of collecting vinyl and cartridges to play them, I have settled happily on the Soundsmith strain-gauge system. It speaks the truth, and it has singular virtues. It is for all practical purposes noise-free, its resolution is the highest I know, and its wear on groove walls the lowest. As a record producer, I audition test cuts on lacquers which are famously fragile. The strain-gauge cartridge can play them repeatedly with no sign of damage. I find it a joy to listen to for pleasure, and as a professional, I consider it a valuable tool.

Tam Henderson, Founder Reference Recordings

Meanwhile the speed and slam of the Strain Gauge, as well as its phenomenal clarity, were continuing to startle me – I simply could not believe my ears. I asked Peter if indeed the sound was coming from the monitors and he confirmed that very surprising fact. (more…)

I was very fortunate to meet Peter during a visit to his workshop in 2008, and was lucky enough to purchase the Soundsmith SG-200 Strain Gauge. (more…)

“…The ability to extract low level information at low modulation levels, or to be unflappable at high modulation levels and not fall into chaotic behavior — to sound strained and lose that tape-like quality — is in part due to very low moving mass. Regardless of the reasons why the SG has these exemplary qualities, it has them. …

… So, check it out yourself. This is the way to listen to your LPs, and hear them as you never have before. …” (read more…)

Specifications

	width		height		depth		weight
Product Name	inches	cm.	inches	cm.	inches	cm.	lbs.	kg.
SG-410	15.750	40.005	4.125	10.478	15.500	39.370	18.50	8.39
IN SHIPPING BOX	33.500	85.090	9.500	24.130	20.250	51.435	28.50	12.93
SG-610	15.750	40.005	4.125	10.478	15.500	39.370	20.50	9.30
IN SHIPPING BOX	33.500	85.090	9.500	24.130	20.250	51.435	30.50	13.83
SG-810	15.750	40.005	4.125	10.478	15.500	39.370	20.50	9.30
IN SHIPPING BOX	33.500	85.090	9.500	24.130	20.250	51.435	30.50	13.83
SG-410/610/810 P.S.	6.250	15.875	3.250	8.255	9.000	22.860	4.00	1.81

HE-150/150M MOSFET Power Amplifier

Ultra Linear High Current Circuitry MOSFET ZERO feedback design
Designed over a lifetime and Hand-Made by Peter LedermannThe HE-150 amplifier’s design is the result of nearly 40 years of research in solid state amplifiers with the goal of building the most transparent and most reliable design possible. Years of investigation into why most solid state amplifiers cause listening fatigue and often cannot be listened to at all power levels has yielded tremendous results – a highly linearized, Zero Feedback lateral MOSFET amplifier ~one that has been called the most fatigue free sounding, tube like circuit ever made. Although it has the warmth associated with tube designs, it also has (unlike tubes) ultra low distortion and is free of the colorations that tube amplifiers cannot avoid. Being solid state, it does not degrade over the years requiring constant expensive feeding of new tubes and other components due to heat damage. It is unique in the industry, and always solicits comments about how it “disappears”…..after all, an amplifier should not get in the way or be noticed…. except for its absence in interfering with your listening.

200 W/Ch. into 8 ohms/265 W/Ch @ 4 ohms
HE-150 features “Vary-Light” Power Level indication
HE-150M Features “V” display power level indication
Clipping indication for each channel
Touch switch for muting
Touch switch for making Vary Light feature steady light
State settings (power/mute) remembered during mains power off to unit
All models feature unbalanced Inputs; Amplifiers are single ended, non-bridged Output designs (Balanced input &/or bridged output designs are available)
PATENTS PENDING

10 year warranty

Specifications

Power requirements: 115 V+/- 10%, 50 – 60 Hz, or 230V +/- 10%, 50-60 Hz

Power consumption: 50 – 770 W

Dimensions: Width: 15.75” Depth: 17” Height: 4” Weight: 46 lbs

Continuous Average Power Output (per/ch): 8 ohms, 20 – 20,000 Hz 200 watts,

THD < 0.021 %, @190 W/channel

Frequency range: +0/- 0.1 dB, 20 – 20,000 Hz

Output Impedance (20 – 20,000 Hz): typical 0.04 ohms

Wideband Damping Factor: typical 200

SMPTE Intermodulation Distortion: typical 0.05 % IHF Intermodulation Distortion:typical 0.05 %

Slew Rate: 250 V/µS

Channel Separation: > 75 dB

Continuous Average Power Output into 4 ohms (per/ch): 225 W

Frequency range @ 1 Watt: +0/- 0.2dB, 0.1 Hz -1.5 MHz Sensitivity (1 W/8 ohms/1 kHz):800 mV

A-weighted Signal-to-Noise ratio: (Ref. 1 W/8 ohms) 99 dB Minimum

Pulse power: 1250 W in 0.5 ohms

	width		height		depth		weight
Product Name	inches	cm.	inches	cm.	inches	cm.	lbs.	kg.
HS-150/150M	15.750	40.005	4.125	10.478	16.500	41.910	37.00	16.78
IN SHIPPING BOX	33.500	85.090	9.500	24.130	20.250	51.435	47.00	21.32

Accessories By Soundsmith

Accessories

Soundsmith’s automated Audio Tester ~ the CDT-4

The CDT-4 is a an automated non-invasive tester for any audio signal path – as well as CD players, DVD, Laser disc players, CD ROM’s, preamplifiers, amplifiers, tuners, DAT’s, VCR’s, tape decks and A/D and D/A’s. Anywhere you can insert an audio signal and wish to test for integrity over time.

Soundsmith Wooden Headshell and half-inch Adapter

NEW! Soundsmith ½” Adapter for B&O^TM phono cartridges and Wood Headshell

EZ Mount Cartridge Screws

Cartridge mounting screw set! Only two hands needed to install your cartridge! Adds headshell weight (if desired) to improve sonics – PATENTS PENDING

Counter Intuitive for VPI tone arms

A “must have” device for VPI owners who have dreamed of a way to easily adjust both tracking force and azimuth ~ without losing one setting while adjusting the other ~ we introduce the Soundsmith “Counter Intuitive”.

BACK

Just In

High End Society Munich 2019 – Why Analog is Digital and How to Fix It – Peter Ledermann

Stereophile Vists and Videos Us!

Art Dudley, Stereophile’s Deputy Editor, visits specialty audio manufacturer Soundsmith in Peekskill, NY. Soundsmith’s President and Chief Engineer,.. [CLICK FOR MORE}.

RMAF 2018 – Why Analog is Digital and How to Fix It – Peter Ledermann

Peter Ledermann, of Soundsmith: Reproductive Private Parts (of a phono cartridge)

click for more

All Product Reviews

SoundSmith | High End 2019

“I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ve been smitten with SoundSmith speakers for a long time. I’ve always thought they sounded extraordinary and completely out of character with their modest appearance. Peter’s set-up at High End 2019 was no less impressive. My notes consist of a single line: “Spectacular, as usual.” I stopped there because I knew I would memorize everything about the sound in the room.”

Product(s) Reviewed:

— click here to read the complete original review —

More Details

Paua Mk.II Fixed Coil Cartridge from Soundsmith

Not so much thinking out of the box but making a whole new box, Paul Rigby reviews the Paua Mk.II cartridge

Product(s) Reviewed:

Paua mk II

— click here to read the complete original review —

More Details

The New Soundsmith Zephyr Mk III Phonograph Cartridge!

“I love the fact that I can get this level of performance from a phonograph cartridge without needing a step-up transformer to accomplish it. It’s a satisfying and liberating feeling!

I think the new Zephyr Mk III phonograph cartridge at the heart of your audio system would be a superb choice, and as such I heartily recommend it to you.

Product(s) Reviewed:

Zephyr MK III

— click here to read the complete original review —

More Details

Positive Feedback review of Carmen mk II

” let me conclude instead by saying that I predict you’ll love the Carmen Mk II’s way with music, and as such I enthusiastically recommended the Soundsmith Carmen Mk II to you! ”

Product(s) Reviewed:

— click here to read the complete original review —

More Details

Soundsmith Aida Ebony Phono Cartridge: Looking For Your Last Best Cartridge? This Could Be It, At A Decent Price!

Product(s) Reviewed:

Aida

— click here to read the complete original review —

More Details

The Soundsmith Paua II Fixed Coil Phono Cartridge

Product(s) Reviewed:

Paua mk II

— click here to read the complete original review —

More Details

Otello

Hi-Fi Choice March 2018 Issue 434

Product(s) Reviewed:

Otello

— click here to read the complete original review —

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“Yes, its that good…” SOUNDSMITH PAUA MK II CARTRIDGE REVEIW

“… Considering what kind of performance Soundsmith Paua mk II is offering at its given price and the stand out “non tinted” voicing Peter has managed to accomplish, I’m more then happy to award this uncommon cartridge with the Mono and Stereo Upper Echelon Product Award.

Product(s) Reviewed:

Paua mk II

— click here to read the complete original review —

More Details

Soundsmith SG-200

I can’t deny it. There is something highly evocative about a cartridge that glows in the dark. That’s right: two blue LEDs at the front of the Soundsmith cartridge light up to confirm its operational status. Just a gimmick? No, not really. You see, the Soundsmith is quite unlike any phono pick-up you’re likely to have come across. It’s not a moving coil, nor is it a moving magnetic/moving iron type.

— click here to read the complete original review —

More Details

Sound-Smith Hyperion Cartridge Produced Love At First Listen

Sound-Smith’s Hyperion Moving Iron cartridge features an unusual cactus needle cantilever. The sound was analogous to this photo: clear, well-focused and loaded with detail. The Hyperion was used in a few rooms and all who had one and all who listened were enthused.

Product(s) Reviewed:

Hyperion

— click here to read the complete original review —

More Details

Pages

BACK

Just In

High End Society Munich 2019 – Why Analog is Digital and How to Fix It – Peter Ledermann

Stereophile Vists and Videos Us!

Art Dudley, Stereophile’s Deputy Editor, visits specialty audio manufacturer Soundsmith in Peekskill, NY. Soundsmith’s President and Chief Engineer,.. [CLICK FOR MORE}.

RMAF 2018 – Why Analog is Digital and How to Fix It – Peter Ledermann

Peter Ledermann, of Soundsmith: Reproductive Private Parts (of a phono cartridge)

click for more

They Said What?

“The Soundsmith Carmen’s ultra-low-mass MI assembly plays with more agility, is more naturally detailed, and sounds less stressed than any MC I’m aware of. Its treble is not dull or rolled off—it’s just the most authentic treble I’ve experienced from a phonographic transducer.”