{"title":"Best Phono Cartridges $2,000 - $5,000","description":"\u003cp\u003ePhono cartridges from $2,000 to $5,000 are assembled by hand in small batches, often by a single technician who tension-winds the coils and aligns the cantilever under magnification. Exotic materials (boron, diamond, sapphire cantilevers; line-contact or replicant styli) are standard here, not upgrades. The sonic difference over lesser cartridges isn't just more detail. It's more musical coherence: instruments have natural body and weight, dynamic contrasts are wider, and the noise floor drops low enough to reveal ambient information buried in the groove that you didn't know was there.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"michell-cusis-s-moving-coil-cartridge","title":"Michell CUSIS S Moving Coil Cartridge","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eThe Michell Audio CUSIS S represents the sweet spot in the CUSIS lineup, offering greater frequency extension and detail retrieval than the entry-level \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/michell-cusis-e-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eCUSIS E\u003c\/a\u003e. If you’re eager for more depth, clarity, and nuance from your records—without venturing into absolute top-tier pricing—this cartridge delivers a solid leap in performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSamarium-Cobalt Magnet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Maintains a stable magnetic field for precise and faithful signal reproduction.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e30μ Copper Coils\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Precision-wound on an ultra-light armature for enhanced clarity and lower distortion.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShibata Stylus \u0026amp; Boron Cantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Extends high-frequency response, improves imaging, and tracks grooves with remarkable finesse.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcetyl Body\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Rigid yet lightweight, minimizing unwanted vibrations for a neutral, balanced sound.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWider Frequency Range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: 20–35kHz for increased detail and air.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy It Matters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoving up from the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/michell-cusis-e-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eCUSIS E\u003c\/a\u003e, the CUSIS S brings higher resolution and channel separation (25dB) to reveal even more musical subtleties. Its Shibata stylus is known for its extended frequency response, lower distortion, better imaging, and better depth compared to a conical or elliptical stylus. This mid-level offering in Michell’s CUSIS range delivers a noticeable jump in fidelity without sacrificing the warmth and musicality you love about analog.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerformance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe CUSIS S operates at a 2.0-gram tracking force and outputs 0.4 mV, striking a balance between accuracy and musical engagement. Its boron cantilever provides an ideal blend of rigidity and low mass, ensuring fast transient response and clean detail retrieval. Whether you’re listening to grand orchestral works or intimate singer-songwriter sessions, the CUSIS S delivers a dynamic soundstage with impressive clarity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTechnology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLike all CUSIS cartridges, the CUSIS S is built around a samarium-cobalt magnet for a stable magnetic field, coupled with pure iron elements to maintain consistent performance. The Shibata stylus, boron cantilever, and carefully optimized coil system work together to minimize resonance and maximize sonic detail. From bass extension to treble sparkle, the CUSIS S offers a cohesive and engaging listening experience.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Listening Room Experience\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt The Listening Room, we appreciate the upgrades that make a real difference in how you connect with your music. The Michell CUSIS S is a prime example of “more than the sum of its parts”: improved extension, tighter imaging, and a profoundly immersive soundscape. Our small, enthusiastic team (including Mike, ever ready to discuss all things vinyl) is here to help you find the perfect match for your system. Let’s explore how the CUSIS S can heighten every moment you spend with your favorite records.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.0 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20Hz–35kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.4 mV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.9 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCantilever Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBoron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStylus Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShibata\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Balance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt;1 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 × 10⁻⁶ cm\/dyne\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Ability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e70µ \/ 2.0 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternal Impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.5 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMoving Coil (MC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoil Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePure 30µ Copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRun-in Period\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt; 40 Hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAcetyl\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michell Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41573839274080,"sku":"MACUSISS","price":2299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/MichellCusisSMovingCoilCartridge.jpg?v=1738249294"},{"product_id":"michell-cusis-m-moving-coil-cartridge","title":"Michell CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Michell Audio CUSIS M stands at the pinnacle of the CUSIS series, delivering an ultra high-end sonic experience that holds its own against cartridges well above its price point. Boasting an extended frequency range (15–45kHz) and enhanced channel separation (28dB), the CUSIS M uncovers every nuance in your music, from the subtlest vocal inflection to the broadest orchestral sweep.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSamarium-Cobalt Magnet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Provides a stable magnetic field in tandem with pure iron for exceptional signal accuracy.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicroline Stylus \u0026amp; Boron Cantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Offers superior groove contact and detail retrieval, capturing every subtlety of your vinyl.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarbon-Loaded Acrylic Body\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Lightweight yet rigid, effectively damping vibrations for a cleaner, more open sound.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefined Coil Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Reduced coil mass with 30µ copper windings ensures swift transient response and high dynamic range.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWide Frequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Extends from 15Hz to 45kHz, delivering remarkable clarity across the entire spectrum.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy It Matters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you demand top-level realism and neutrality from your analog setup, the CUSIS M promises a truly immersive listening experience. Its Microline stylus profile delves deep into record grooves, translating the most delicate sonic information into a richly detailed soundstage. Whether your preference is classic jazz, modern electronica, or symphonic masterpieces, the CUSIS M reveals layers in your music you never knew existed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerformance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRunning at a 2.0-gram tracking force and outputting 0.25 mV, the CUSIS M achieves an ideal balance between precision and musical warmth. The boron cantilever delivers lightning-fast response, while the carbon-loaded acrylic body minimizes resonance—resulting in authoritative bass, lifelike vocals, and sparkling highs that stretch well beyond most cartridges’ range. Add in excellent channel separation (28dB) and you have a cartridge that can faithfully convey every dimension of your recordings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTechnology\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLike its counterparts in the CUSIS series, the CUSIS M is built around a samarium-cobalt magnet and pure iron stabilizer, creating a robust magnetic field. A specially engineered damper ensures the Microline stylus tracks accurately, while reduced coil mass further refines detail retrieval. The result is a synergy of advanced materials and design principles that push the boundaries of what's possible in vinyl playback.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Listening Room Experience\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt The Listening Room, we know the thrill of seeking the ultimate in vinyl playback. The Michell CUSIS M is a masterpiece that caters to the most discerning ears—those who refuse to settle for anything less than extraordinary. Our small, passionate team (with Mike at the helm) is on standby to help you integrate the CUSIS M into your system, fine-tune tracking force, and ensure every note resonates as it should. Step into a world of musical transcendence—this cartridge is your ticket.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.0 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15Hz–45kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.25 mV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCantilever Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBoron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStylus Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicroline\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Balance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt;1 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e28 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 × 10⁻⁶ cm\/dyne\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Ability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e70µ \/ 2.0 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternal Impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMoving Coil (MC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoil Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePure 30µ Copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRun-in Period\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt; 40 Hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon-Loaded Acrylic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Michell Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41573879578720,"sku":"MACUSISM","price":3799.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/MichellCusisMMovingCoilCartridge.jpg?v=1738250938"},{"product_id":"rega-apheta-3-moving-coil-cartridge","title":"Rega Apheta 3 Moving Coil Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Rega Apheta 3 is a pinnacle of moving coil cartridge design, representing over 15 years of refinement and technological advancement. It builds upon the success of its predecessors to deliver a level of performance that is both musical and revealing. Hand-built in England, the Apheta 3 is engineered with a unique, undamped micro mass generation system and a jointless body, allowing it to extract an extraordinary amount of detail from your vinyl collection. This cartridge is a testament to Rega's commitment to creating high-end analog products that prioritize sonic purity and precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eUndamped Micro Mass Generator:\u003c\/b\u003e The cartridge features a unique, undamped micro mass generator, designed to reduce mechanical resonance and move with greater freedom, resulting in superior tracking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFine Line Nude Diamond Stylus:\u003c\/b\u003e A precision \"Fine Line\" nude diamond stylus is mounted through 90 degrees, a method shared with the top-of-the-line Aphelion 2, to extract a stunning level of detail from the record groove.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAdvanced Magnet System:\u003c\/b\u003e The Apheta 3 uses a super high-powered neodymium magnet and a meticulously hand-wound coil on a miniature iron cross.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eJointless Aluminium Body:\u003c\/b\u003e Housed in a completely redesigned, single-piece, anodised aluminium body that is jointless, providing a rigid, non-resonant housing for the internal components.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAbsence of Tie Wire \u0026amp; Damper:\u003c\/b\u003e Unlike conventional moving coil designs, the Apheta 3 operates without a tie wire or foam damper, eliminating potential high-frequency resonance and signal deterioration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEngineering for Purity\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRega's engineering philosophy is centered on removing all unnecessary components that could interfere with the delicate signal. The Apheta 3 is a prime example of this, as it is designed without a tie wire and foam damper. This unique approach allows the stylus and generator to operate with no damping, resulting in a super clear and extended high-frequency sound, combined with an exceptionally firm and tight bass. The absence of these common components ensures that the musical information is presented with an uncolored, lifelike quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDesign and Construction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Apheta 3 is a work of art in both form and function. Its jointless, one-piece anodised aluminium body is not just for aesthetics; it provides a rigid and perfectly stable platform for the internal components, ensuring they perform optimally. The hand-wound coil is a testament to Rega's commitment to craftsmanship and precision. The entire cartridge is protected by a CAD-designed, smoked rigid cover that safeguards the delicate internal wires while maintaining a stylish, minimalist look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Pursuit of Perfection\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Apheta 3 represents the culmination of over 15 years of continuous development. Its design and technology are directly informed by the lessons learned from previous models, leading to a cartridge that delivers an unparalleled level of sonic performance. It is the ideal partner for high-end turntables like the Rega Planar 8 and Planar 10, providing a synergy that allows the entire system to deliver a truly reference-level analog experience. The lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects further underscores the confidence Rega has in this exceptional cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’re a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. Whether you’re visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don’t just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTracking Pressure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.9 - 2.0 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInput Load Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNominal Output Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e350 μV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChannel Balance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≥ 20 μV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeparation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e≥ -29 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Rega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42232160944224,"sku":"REGAPH3","price":2245.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/apheta-3-intro.jpg?v=1755718442"},{"product_id":"hana-umami-blue-moving-coil-cartridge","title":"HANA Umami Blue Moving Coil Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe HANA Umami Blue is a low-output moving coil phono cartridge that pairs a Microline nude diamond stylus and boron cantilever (carried over from the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-umami-red-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eUmami Red\u003c\/a\u003e) with the Alnico-magnet generator from the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-ml-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eHANA ML\u003c\/a\u003e, housed in a CNC-machined Duralumin \"Auricle\" body unique to the Umami line. Master designer Masao Okada-san built it as the entry point into Hana's flagship series. Output is 0.4mV with 8-ohm coil impedance and a recommended load above 80 ohms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of HANA Umami Blue Phono Cartridge\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMicroline nude diamond stylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e a precision-cut line-contact profile mounted as a single-piece nude diamond directly on the cantilever, with a long vertical contact patch that traces high-frequency information conical and elliptical styli round off.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoron cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e the same boron rod used in the Umami Red. Boron is roughly twice as stiff as aluminum and significantly lighter, which lowers tip mass and raises the cantilever's first resonance well above the audible band.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlnico magnet, cross-coil generator (carried over from HANA ML):\u003c\/strong\u003e aluminum-nickel-cobalt magnet wound with high-purity copper at 8-ohm coil impedance. Stable field over decades, lower coil impedance than the original SL family, easy to load with most quality MC phono stages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCNC-machined Duralumin \"Auricle\" body (Umami-exclusive):\u003c\/strong\u003e A7075 aircraft-grade aluminum machined from solid billet, finished in a Melamine Thermosetting Process (MTP) coating that bonds to the metal at the molecular level for resonance damping without added mass.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.4mV output, 8-ohm impedance, 10.8g weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e mid-to-high-mass cartridge that wants a 10-15 gram effective-mass tonearm. Works with any quality MC phono stage running 60dB or more of gain, or an MM stage paired with a 1:10 to 1:20 step-up transformer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30dB channel separation, 0.5dB output balance:\u003c\/strong\u003e tighter than the M and S MK II tiers below it. The Umami body design and matched coil windings produce flagship-class symmetry between channels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePure iron pole pieces and 24K gold-plated output pins:\u003c\/strong\u003e pure iron concentrates magnetic flux at the gap. Gold plating on the pins keeps the signal path corrosion-free over the cartridge's working life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-assembled by Excel Sound:\u003c\/strong\u003e every Umami cartridge is hand-built in Japan by Excel Sound's craftsmen. Excel has been making cartridges for over 50 years and supplies OEM cartridges to several premium brands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Umami Synthesis: Red Materials with ML Generator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/2_37178544-8d42-4716-ab86-3bde8bf684ae.jpg?v=1778332054\" alt=\"HANA Umami Blue cartridge with boron cantilever and Microline diamond stylus\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Umami Blue is what Hana built when they combined the most expensive parts of the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-umami-red-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eUmami Red\u003c\/a\u003e with the most musical generator of the M series. The boron cantilever and Microline nude diamond stylus are the same components Excel installs on the Red. What changes is the generator. Where the Red uses a Samarium Cobalt magnet with a 6-ohm coil, the Blue uses the Alnico-magnet generator that Hana developed for the ML and refined for the Umami body. Boron speed at the stylus, Alnico warmth and dynamic ease in the music. That is the Umami Blue brief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMicroline Nude Diamond and Boron Cantilever\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Microline stylus is a more aggressive line-contact profile than the Shibata used on the SL MK II. The contact radius is smaller (around 2.5 microns), the vertical contact patch is longer, and the stylus reads more of the recorded modulation per pass. Inner-groove distortion drops, high-frequency information that softer profiles average out becomes audible, and worn-record tracking improves because the diamond rides in groove territory below the wear pattern of conical and elliptical styli. The diamond is mounted nude (single-piece, no metal shank bonded between diamond and cantilever), which keeps tip mass to a minimum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cantilever is solid boron rod. Boron's specific stiffness (stiffness divided by density) is roughly three times that of aluminum, which means a boron cantilever resists bending under stylus drag better than aluminum at a fraction of the moving mass. The first cantilever resonance is pushed well above the audible band, the cantilever transmits groove modulation to the coil with less low-pass softening, and transient attack on percussion and plucked strings comes through with the leading edge intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAlnico Generator and the M Series Connection\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Umami Blue generator is the Alnico-magnet, cross-coil architecture Hana uses in the ML and MH. Coil impedance is 8 ohms, output is 0.4mV at 1kHz, and channel separation measures 30dB. The 8-ohm coil impedance broadens phono-stage compatibility (Hana recommends greater than 80 ohms; 100 ohms and 470 ohms are both common starting points). Compared to the Samarium Cobalt magnet in the Umami Red, Alnico produces a slightly warmer, more relaxed harmonic envelope, particularly in the lower midrange where bowed instruments and male vocals live. Buyers who liked the M series tonal character but wanted the Red's resolution at the stylus end of the cartridge are the audience the Blue was built for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuricle Duralumin Body and MTP Finish\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/1_dbc943de-a074-4e73-ab30-938b0f595876.jpg?v=1778332057\" alt=\"HANA Umami Blue Auricle body machined from Duralumin with Melamine Thermosetting finish\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Auricle body is unique to the Umami line. CNC-machined from a single billet of Duralumin (A7075, the same aircraft-grade aluminum used in airframes), the body's geometry is shaped for both internal damping and rigid mechanical coupling between the cantilever pivot and the headshell. The Melamine Thermosetting Process finish bonds the coating to the aluminum at high temperature, which damps body-borne resonance without adding the weight of a thicker paint or polymer skin. Cartridge weight comes in at 10.8 grams, which couples positively to mid-mass and high-mass tonearms in the 10-15 gram effective-mass range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eTonearm Matching\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEffective compliance is 10 x 10-6 cm\/dyne at 100Hz (estimated 17 x 10-6 at 10Hz), recommended tracking force is 2.0 grams, and cartridge weight is 10.8 grams. That puts the Umami Blue squarely in mid-to-high-mass tonearm territory. We pair it most often with the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/michell-tecnoarm-2-tonearm\"\u003eMichell TecnoArm 2\u003c\/a\u003e, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oracle-audio-origine-tonearm\"\u003eOracle Origine\u003c\/a\u003e, and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rega-rb3000-tonearm\"\u003eRega RB3000\u003c\/a\u003e. Buyers running long-term reference setups move up to the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-dv-507-mk2-tonearm\"\u003eDynavector DV-507 MK2\u003c\/a\u003e, which gives the Umami Blue's transient information the rigid pivot bearing it deserves. Buyers transitioning from a mid-tier setup often bring an existing \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rega-rb880-tonearm\"\u003eRega RB880\u003c\/a\u003e, which still mass-matches the Blue cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003ePhono Stage Compatibility\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 0.4mV output and 8-ohm coil impedance want a moving-coil input with 60dB or more of gain, or an MM stage paired with a 1:10 to 1:20 step-up transformer. At this cartridge price, our most common pairings from the TLR lineup are the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/michell-apollo-phono-stage-powered-by-muse\"\u003eMichell Apollo\u003c\/a\u003e at $4,999, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/audia-flight-fl-phono\"\u003eAudia Flight FL Phono\u003c\/a\u003e at $6,999, and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kora-phonostage-phono-preamp\"\u003eKora\u003c\/a\u003e at $7,999. Recommended load on the cartridge side is greater than 80 ohms; 100 ohms is a conservative starting point and many users land on 470 ohms after experimenting on their own system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eHand-Assembled by Excel Sound\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Umami cartridge is hand-built in Japan by Excel Sound craftsmen. Excel has been making cartridges for over 50 years and is the actual factory behind several premium-brand cartridges sold under other names. The hand assembly matters specifically because of how tight Hana's specs are at this tier (0.5dB output balance, 30dB channel separation): those numbers require coil winding and magnet alignment tolerances that machine assembly cannot deliver consistently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the HANA Cartridge Lineup\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Umami Blue's place in the Hana ladder, plus the next step up:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-ml-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eHANA ML\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: $1,200 step-down. Same Alnico generator family, with a Microline stylus and Delrin body. The natural step-up from the M series into the Umami body and boron cantilever is the Blue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-sl-mk-ii\"\u003eHANA SL MK II\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: $850. Second-gen S series with a nude Shibata stylus. Shares the Alnico generator family but uses a tapered aluminum cantilever and elastomer-coated body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-umami-red-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eHANA Umami Red\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: $3,950 step up. Same boron cantilever and Microline diamond, with a Samarium Cobalt magnet, 6-ohm coil, and Urushi-lacquered Duralumin body. The audible step is in midrange transparency and dynamic snap rather than a wholesale character change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-umami-black-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eHANA Umami Black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: $11,500 reference top. Solid diamond cantilever, Microline diamond, and a refined Duralumin body. Top of the Hana cartridge line.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eHANA Umami Blue Phono Cartridge Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eType\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eMoving Coil (Low Output)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBody\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eDuralumin (A7075)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFinish\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eMelamine Thermosetting Process (MTP)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCantilever\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eBoron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStylus\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eMicroline Nude Diamond\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMagnet\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eAlnico\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eParts Material\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003ePure Iron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Pins\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e24K Gold Plated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCoil Wire\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eHigh Purity Copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Level\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e0.4mV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Balance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e0.5dB \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCoil Impedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e8Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSuggested Load Impedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e\u0026gt; 80Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e30dB \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e15 - 50,000Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTracking Force\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e2g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrackability\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e70 µm \/ 2g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDynamic Compliance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e10 x 10\u003csup\u003e-6\u003c\/sup\u003e cm\/dyne (100Hz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCartridge Weight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e10.8g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e15.8mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWarranty\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e2 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"HANA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42404335222880,"sku":"HANAUBLUE","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/hana-ub-gallery-white-bg-1000x800px.jpg?v=1763400363"},{"product_id":"hana-umami-red-moving-coil-cartridge","title":"HANA Umami Red Moving Coil Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe HANA Umami Red is a low-output moving coil phono cartridge built around a Microline nude diamond stylus, a boron cantilever, a Samarium Cobalt magnet generator with 6-ohm coils, and a CNC-machined Duralumin \"Auricle\" body finished in gloss Urushi lacquer. Master designer Masao Okada-san built it as Hana's flagship from 2020 to 2025, and it remains the brand's reference statement under the new \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-umami-black-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eUmami Black\u003c\/a\u003e. Output is 0.4mV with a recommended load above 60 ohms. The entry-flagship below is the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-umami-blue-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eUmami Blue\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of HANA Umami Red Phono Cartridge\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMicroline nude diamond stylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e precision-cut single-piece line-contact diamond mounted directly to the cantilever, with a long vertical contact patch and approximately 2.5-micron contact radius for high-frequency tracing well below the wear pattern of conical and elliptical styli.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoron cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e solid boron rod with roughly three times the specific stiffness of aluminum at lower mass. Pushes the first cantilever resonance well above the audible band and tightens transient attack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSamarium Cobalt magnet generator:\u003c\/strong\u003e rare-earth Samarium Cobalt produces a stronger, more focused magnetic field than Alnico at the same physical size, which lets Hana use shorter coil windings (6-ohm coil impedance) while holding 0.4mV output. Higher field strength translates to faster transient response and tighter dynamic envelope.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCNC-machined Duralumin \"Auricle\" body, gloss Urushi lacquer finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e A7075 aircraft-grade aluminum machined from solid billet. Urushi is a Japanese lacquer (sap of the urushi tree, applied in many thin coats and cured for weeks) traditionally used for high-grade musical instruments and tea-ceremony objects. The lacquer damps body-borne resonance and protects the Duralumin substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e0.4mV output, 6-ohm impedance, 10.5g weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e mid-to-high-mass cartridge that wants a 10-15 gram effective-mass tonearm. Compatible with quality MC phono stages running 60dB or more of gain, or MM stages with 1:10 to 1:20 step-up transformers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30dB channel separation, 0.5dB output balance:\u003c\/strong\u003e flagship-class symmetry between channels. Soundstage cues that depend on inter-channel timing accuracy (depth, lateral positioning, ambient space) come through unblurred.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePure iron pole pieces and 24K gold-plated output pins:\u003c\/strong\u003e pure iron concentrates magnetic flux at the gap. Gold plating keeps the signal-path interface corrosion-free over the cartridge's working life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-assembled by Excel Sound:\u003c\/strong\u003e every Umami cartridge is hand-built in Japan by Excel Sound's craftsmen, with over 50 years of cartridge-manufacturing history and OEM work for several premium brands.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Umami Concept and the Excel Sound Pedigree\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/2_a44c73b0-6f0c-41ce-a304-cdfa221b16aa.jpg?v=1778332227\" alt=\"HANA Umami Red cartridge with Urushi lacquer finish on Duralumin body\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Umami\" is the fifth taste, named in 1908 by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda-san to describe the savory, layered flavor that emerges when specific ingredients combine in synergy. Hana borrowed the word for the same reason: every part of the Umami Red is selected and matched against every other part, and the result is meant to be greater than the sum of the components. Boron at the cantilever, Microline at the diamond, Samarium Cobalt at the magnet, pure iron at the pole pieces, high-purity copper at the coil, Duralumin and Urushi at the body. None of those choices is unique to Hana on its own; the synthesis is. Excel Sound has been making cartridges in Japan for over 50 years, including OEM work for several premium brands sold under other names. The Umami Red is the cartridge they built when Okada-san was given license to use the parts he wanted at the price he needed, with no compromises forced by an OEM customer's spec sheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMicroline Nude Diamond and Boron Cantilever\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Microline is a more aggressive line-contact profile than the Shibata used on the SL MK II. Contact radius is around 2.5 microns, the vertical contact patch is longer than a Shibata, and the diamond reads more of the recorded modulation per pass. Inner-groove distortion drops, high-frequency information that softer profiles average out becomes audible, and the stylus rides in groove territory below the wear pattern of older profiles. The diamond is mounted nude (single-piece, no metal shank between diamond and cantilever), which keeps tip mass to a minimum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cantilever is solid boron rod. Boron's specific stiffness (stiffness divided by density) is roughly three times that of aluminum, so a boron cantilever resists bending under stylus drag better than aluminum at a fraction of the moving mass. The first cantilever resonance is pushed well above the audible band, transient attack on percussion and plucked strings comes through with the leading edge intact, and high-frequency information transfers from groove to coil with less low-pass softening than aluminum gives you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eSamarium Cobalt Generator and the 6-Ohm Coil\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Umami Red generator uses a Samarium Cobalt magnet rather than the Alnico magnet Hana puts in the M, S MK II, and Umami Blue tiers. Samarium Cobalt is a rare-earth alloy with significantly higher magnetic field strength per unit volume than Alnico. The practical consequence: Hana can use shorter coil windings (lower coil impedance, 6 ohms versus 8 in the Blue) while holding output at 0.4mV. Lower coil impedance means lower coil mass, lower coil inductance, and faster transient response at the generator. The audible signature is a tighter, more focused dynamic envelope, more snap on percussive transients, and a slightly more extended top end than the Alnico-equipped models. Recommended load impedance is greater than 60 ohms; 100 ohms is a conservative starting point and 470 ohms is a common landing spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eDuralumin Auricle Body with Urushi Lacquer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/4_027ba199-081c-4ffb-8659-92773d304f0d.jpg?v=1778332229\" alt=\"HANA Umami Red mounted on a tonearm headshell over a vinyl record\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Auricle body is unique to the Umami line. CNC-machined from a single billet of A7075 Duralumin (the same aircraft-grade aluminum used in airframes), the body geometry is shaped for both internal damping and rigid mechanical coupling between the cantilever pivot and the headshell. The finish is gloss Urushi lacquer, applied in many thin coats and cured over weeks, then polished. Urushi is a traditional Japanese lacquer made from the sap of the urushi tree, used historically on high-grade musical instruments and tea-ceremony objects. It bonds chemically to the Duralumin substrate, damps body-borne resonance, and is essentially indestructible at normal handling temperatures. Cartridge weight is 10.5 grams, which couples positively to mid-mass and high-mass tonearms in the 10-15 gram effective-mass range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eTonearm Matching\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEffective compliance is 10 x 10-6 cm\/dyne at 100Hz (estimated 17 x 10-6 at 10Hz), recommended tracking force is 2.0 grams, and cartridge weight is 10.5 grams. The Umami Red sits squarely in mid-to-high-mass tonearm territory. Our most common pairings at this cartridge price point are the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/michell-tecnoarm-2-tonearm\"\u003eMichell TecnoArm 2\u003c\/a\u003e, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rega-rb3000-tonearm\"\u003eRega RB3000\u003c\/a\u003e, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rega-rb-titanium-tonearm\"\u003eRega RB-Titanium\u003c\/a\u003e, and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-dv-507-mk2-tonearm\"\u003eDynavector DV-507 MK2\u003c\/a\u003e. Buyers running statement-tier turntables tend toward the Dynavector for its rigid pivot bearing and high effective mass, both of which give the Red's transient resolution somewhere to land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003ePhono Stage Compatibility\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 0.4mV output and 6-ohm coil impedance want a moving-coil phono stage with at least 60dB of gain, or an MM stage paired with a 1:10 to 1:20 step-up transformer. The 6-ohm coil is more dependent on a quiet, well-designed MC input than the 8-ohm coil in the Umami Blue, so phono-stage matching matters more here. The matches we recommend from our lineup are the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/michell-apollo-phono-stage-powered-by-muse\"\u003eMichell Apollo\u003c\/a\u003e at $4,999, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/audia-flight-fl-phono\"\u003eAudia Flight FL Phono\u003c\/a\u003e at $6,999, and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kora-phonostage-phono-preamp\"\u003eKora\u003c\/a\u003e at $7,999. Recommended load is greater than 60 ohms; 100 ohms is conservative and 470 ohms is a common landing spot after experimentation on your own system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eHand-Assembled by Excel Sound\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Umami cartridge is hand-built in Japan by Excel Sound craftsmen. Excel has been making cartridges for over 50 years and is the actual factory behind several premium-brand cartridges sold under other names. Hand assembly matters specifically because of how tight Hana's specs are at this tier (0.5dB output balance, 30dB channel separation): those numbers require coil winding and magnet alignment tolerances that machine assembly cannot deliver consistently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the HANA Cartridge Lineup\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Umami Red's place in the Hana ladder, plus the next step up:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-umami-blue-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eHANA Umami Blue\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: $2,500. The entry into the Umami flagship line. Same boron cantilever and Microline diamond as the Red, with the Alnico generator from the ML and an MTP-finished Duralumin body. The natural step-down for buyers who liked the Umami body and front-end but wanted a warmer Alnico tonal signature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hana-umami-black-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eHANA Umami Black\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: $11,500. The current Hana flagship. Diamond cantilever (a category first for Hana), the new \"OKD\" high-efficiency moving coil generator with rare-earth neodymium magnet, and an Urushi lacquer finish in black. The Black is not a Red painted black; it is a redesigned generator and a different cantilever material. The Red remains the value reference at the statement tier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eHANA Umami Red Phono Cartridge Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eType\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eMoving Coil (Low Output)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBody\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eDuralumin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFinish\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eGloss Urushi Lacquer \/ Red\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCantilever\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eBoron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStylus\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eMicroline Nude Diamond\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMagnet\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eSamarium Cobalt\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eParts Material\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003ePure Iron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Pins\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e24K Gold Plated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCoil Wire\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003eHigh Purity Copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Level\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e0.4mV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Balance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e0.5dB \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCoil Impedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e6Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSuggested Load Impedance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e\u0026gt; 60Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e30dB \/ 1kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e15 - 50,000Hz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTracking Force\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e2g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrackability\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e70 µm \/ 2g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDynamic Compliance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e10 x 10\u003csup\u003e-6\u003c\/sup\u003e cm\/dyne (100Hz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCartridge Weight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e10.5g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e15.8mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWarranty\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;\"\u003e2 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"HANA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42404342988896,"sku":"HANAURED","price":3950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/hana-ur-main-white-bg-1000x800px.jpg?v=1763402010"},{"product_id":"dynavector-te-kaitora-rua-moving-coil-phono-cartridge","title":"Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua Moving Coil Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua combines a solid boron cantilever, PF line-contact stylus, and PCOCC copper coils in a titanium headpiece, delivering 0.26mV of signal with 30dB channel separation and ±1dB frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz. It's a cartridge built to disappear, leaving nothing between the stylus and the music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNamed after the Maori word for \"The Discoverer, Second Version,\" the Te Kaitora Rua inherits technologies from Dynavector's flagship XV-1 series and refines them into a more accessible package. The PCOCC copper coil wire, titanium headpiece, and square-shaped armature design all trickle down from the top of the range. It occupies a sweet spot in the lineup where the engineering is genuinely reference-grade but the price hasn't crossed into five figures. We carry it because customers at this level want no compromises in the signal path, and the TKR delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid Boron Cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6mm boron rod offers the highest stiffness-to-mass ratio outside of diamond, for precise tracking and fast transient response\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePF Line Contact Stylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 x 30 micron contact radius reads deep groove detail with minimal wear and low inner-groove distortion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePCOCC Copper Coil Wire:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single-crystal copper winding eliminates grain boundaries for smoother, more coherent signal transmission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTitanium Headpiece:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maximum rigidity construction coupled to the magnetic circuit via stainless steel bolts with precision torque\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlnico Magnet:\u003c\/strong\u003e High flux density with low magnetic resistance for natural transient behavior and wide dynamic range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSquare-Shaped Armature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Improved linearity in magnetic flux distribution compared to conventional round armature designs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlux Damper and Softened Magnetism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual magnetic optimization technologies reduce stray flux and noise for a blacker background\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003ePCOCC Copper Coils\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Te Kaitora Rua uses PCOCC (Pure Copper by Ohno Continuous Casting) wire for its generator coils. Standard copper wire contains grain boundaries at regular intervals, each one creating a micro-junction that can impede signal flow. PCOCC copper is drawn as a single continuous crystal, eliminating these boundaries entirely. The audible result is smoother high-frequency reproduction and a more natural, coherent presentation across the full bandwidth. It's a material upgrade that Dynavector reserves for their upper-tier cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eTitanium Headpiece Construction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe headpiece is the structural foundation of any cartridge, and the Te Kaitora Rua uses titanium for its combination of extreme rigidity and low mass. The magnetic circuit components are secured to the titanium body with stainless steel bolts torqued to precise specifications during assembly. This mechanical coupling ensures that vibration energy from the stylus tip travels directly through the cantilever to the generator without being absorbed or distorted by body flex. The result is better micro-dynamic resolution and tighter bass control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eSquare-Shaped Armature Design\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost MC cartridges use a round armature in the magnetic gap. The Te Kaitora Rua employs a square-shaped armature that provides more uniform magnetic flux distribution across the coil's range of motion. This improved linearity means the generator produces a more accurate electrical representation of the stylus movement, particularly during complex musical passages where the stylus is tracing multiple frequencies simultaneously. It's a detail that only matters at this level of playback resolution, and it's one of the technologies inherited from the XV-1 series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAlnico Magnet Circuit\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike the XX-2A above it, the Te Kaitora Rua uses an alnico magnet rather than the neodymium or samarium-cobalt found in most modern designs. Alnico provides high flux density with inherently low magnetic resistance, which translates to natural transient response and wide dynamic range. The magnetic circuit components undergo Dynavector's proprietary annealing process to restore their crystal structure after machining, and the flux damper stabilizes the air gap for consistent, linear operation regardless of signal amplitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eSetup and Loading\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 9.8 grams and 10mm\/N compliance, the Te Kaitora Rua is optimized for medium to medium-high mass tonearms. The 6-ohm impedance and 0.26mV output require a quality MC phono stage or step-up transformer with adequate gain. Dynavector recommends a minimum load impedance of 30 ohms, though many owners find their preferred loading between 100 and 500 ohms. Tracking force is 1.8-2.2g with 2.0g nominal. Standard half-inch mount with the titanium headpiece accommodating a range of headshell and integrated arm configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the Full Dynavector Cartridge Range\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Te Kaitora Rua builds on the XX-2A's boron cantilever platform with PCOCC coils, titanium construction, and the square armature design. Below it, the XX-2A offers the same cantilever and stylus profile at a more accessible price. Above, the DRT XV-1s and XV-1t represent Dynavector's ultimate expression: diamond cantilevers, direct rear terminal construction, and stainless steel bodies with the full complement of magnetic technologies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eTHE LISTENING ROOM DIFFERENCE\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eDynavector Te Kaitora Rua Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow Output Moving Coil Cartridge with Flux Damper and Alnico Magnet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.26mV (1kHz, 5cm\/sec)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20Hz - 20kHz (±1dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30dB (1kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Balance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0dB (1kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10mm\/N\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.8 - 2.2g (2.0g nominal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImpedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Load\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 ohms+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStylus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePF Line Contact (7 x 30 micron)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6mm Solid Boron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoil Wire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCOCC Copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeadpiece\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitanium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlnico\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.8g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the Dynavector Moving Coil Range\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Te Kaitora Rua sits near the top of Dynavector's cartridge lineup, just below the reference DRT models. Consider these alternatives depending on your system and budget:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-karat-17dx-moving-coil-phono-cartridge-1\"\u003eDynavector Karat 17DX\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Short-bodied design with a micro-ridge diamond stylus on a solid boron cantilever. A different approach to detail retrieval at a lower price point.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-drt-xv-1s-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eDynavector DRT XV-1s\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - The reference-grade step up with DR-T softened magnetic circuit, solid boron cantilever, and African ebony body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-p75-mk4-phono-preamplifier\"\u003eDynavector P75 Mk4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Dynavector's own phono stage with Phono Enhancer mode, purpose-built for their MC cartridges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dynavector","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42563558375520,"sku":"DYNATKR","price":3650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/01_front_hero_61fe852f-2679-4d59-a0f2-7dd116febc40.jpg?v=1770406137"},{"product_id":"dynavector-xx-2a-moving-coil-phono-cartridge-1","title":"Dynavector XX-2A Moving Coil Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Dynavector XX-2A is a low-output moving coil cartridge that marks the transition into Dynavector's advanced lineup. It pairs a solid boron cantilever with a PF line-contact diamond stylus (7 x 30 micron) and an alnico magnet generator with specially annealed pure iron components. At 0.28mV output and 6 ohms impedance, it requires a dedicated MC phono stage, but rewards the investment with 30dB channel separation and ±1dB frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe XX-2A is where Dynavector's cartridge range shifts from very good to serious reference territory. The boron cantilever and alnico magnets are technologies shared with their flagship models, and the difference over the aluminum-cantilever 20X2 series is immediately apparent in how the cartridge handles transients and resolves fine spatial detail. For anyone building or upgrading a serious analog front end, the XX-2A represents the sweet spot between the accessible 20X2 models and the ultra-premium Karat and Te Kaitora Rua.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Dynavector XX-2A\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid Boron Cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6mm boron rod delivers exceptional rigidity-to-mass ratio for faster transients and more accurate tracking than aluminum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePF Line-Contact Stylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 x 30 micron diamond profile traces deep into the groove for extended frequency response and minimal distortion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlnico Magnets:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide minimal fluctuation in magnetic force during playback, delivering superior signal-to-noise ratio and transient accuracy compared to rare-earth alternatives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecially Annealed Magnetic Circuit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pure iron core with custom heat treatment maximizes magnetic permeability and minimizes generator distortion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePatented Flux Damping:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stabilizes magnetic flux within the air gap for consistent, low-distortion performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30dB Channel Separation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Significantly higher separation than the 20X2 series (25dB), indicating a more refined generator assembly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Rigidity Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel bolts with precision torque adjustment during assembly for structural integrity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e6 Ohm Impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ultra-low impedance presents an easy load to MC phono stages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eBoron Cantilever: The Step Up from Aluminum\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe XX-2A's solid boron cantilever is the most significant upgrade over the 20X2 series. Boron has roughly four times the stiffness of aluminum at a similar mass, which means the cantilever transmits the stylus vibrations to the coils with less energy loss and faster response. In practice, this translates to tighter bass definition, more precise transient edges, and better retrieval of the spatial cues embedded in the recording. The 6mm length is optimized for the compliance and tracking force range of the XX-2A's generator design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAlnico Magnets vs. Neodymium\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere Dynavector's lower models use neodymium magnets for their strong field output, the XX-2A uses alnico (aluminum-nickel-cobalt) magnets. Alnico magnets have different characteristics: their field strength is lower than neodymium, but the field is more stable and linear under dynamic conditions. During playback, as the coils move through the magnetic gap, alnico magnets exhibit minimal fluctuation in magnetic force. This stability contributes to lower noise, better transient fidelity, and a more natural dynamic envelope. Dynavector reserves alnico for their higher-tier models where the improved generator linearity can be fully exploited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eSpecially Annealed Pure Iron Circuit\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe XX-2A's magnetic circuit uses pure iron components processed with Dynavector's special annealing technique. The custom heating and cooling cycle restores the crystal structure of the iron, maximizing its magnetic permeability. Higher permeability means the magnetic circuit conducts flux more efficiently with less loss, reducing the distortion that originates in the core material itself. This annealed circuit works in conjunction with the alnico magnets and flux damper to deliver the XX-2A's specified 30dB channel separation, a 5dB improvement over the 20X2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003ePF Line-Contact Stylus Profile\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PF (Pathfinder) line-contact stylus has a 7 x 30 micron contact radius, providing a narrow, elongated footprint on the groove wall. This profile traces groove modulations more completely than broader stylus shapes, extracting the high-frequency information and micro-dynamics that contribute to a three-dimensional soundstage. The line-contact profile also distributes tracking force over a larger vertical area, reducing the pressure per unit area and extending both stylus and record life. Mounted nude on the boron cantilever, the PF stylus achieves the ±1dB frequency response that distinguishes the XX-2A from less capable designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the Full Dynavector Cartridge Lineup\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe XX-2A sits at the beginning of Dynavector's advanced range. Here's how it fits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-dv-20x2a-moving-coil-phono-cartridge-1\"\u003eDynavector DV-20X2A\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Mid-range with micro-ridge stylus and aluminum cantilever at a lower price.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-karat-17dx-moving-coil-phono-cartridge-1\"\u003eDynavector Karat 17DX\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Diamond cantilever and micro-ridge stylus in a gold-plated body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-te-kaitora-rua-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eDynavector Te Kaitora Rua\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Near-flagship with boron cantilever and comprehensive flux damping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-drt-xv-1s-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eDynavector DRT XV-1s\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Flagship with diamond cantilever and Direct Rear Terminal construction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eDynavector XX-2A Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow-output moving coil cartridge with alnico magnet, flux damper, and annealed magnetic circuit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.28mV (at 1kHz, 5cm\/sec)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20Hz - 20kHz (±1dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt;30dB (at 1kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Balance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0dB (at 1kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImpedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Load\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt;30 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10mm\/N (10 x 10⁻⁶ cm\/dyne)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.8 - 2.2g (2.0g nominal)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStylus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePF line-contact diamond (7 x 30 micron)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6mm solid boron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMachined aluminum with softened magnetism\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.9g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Dynavector","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42563559817312,"sku":"DYNAXX2A","price":2250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/02_front_33107029-efc9-43f8-9eea-6702eed17041.jpg?v=1770432729"},{"product_id":"dynavector-karat-17dx-moving-coil-phono-cartridge-1","title":"Dynavector Karat 17DX Moving Coil Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Dynavector Karat 17DX is a low-output moving coil cartridge built around a 1.7mm solid diamond cantilever and micro-ridge stylus. The combination of diamond's extreme rigidity with Dynavector's flux damper and softened magnetism technologies delivers frequency response that is ruler-flat within ±0.5dB from 100Hz to 30kHz. The Karat series has been one of Dynavector's most celebrated designs since its introduction, and the 17DX represents the current state of the art with samarium-cobalt magnets and a machined brass body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Karat 17DX is a cartridge for listeners who want the absolute best transient accuracy and tracking performance available without stepping into Dynavector's five-figure flagship range. The diamond cantilever is the key: nothing else transmits stylus vibrations to the generator with less loss or faster response. We've heard plenty of expensive cartridges that smear transients or soften leading edges. The 17DX doesn't do that. It tracks what's in the groove and passes it along faithfully, which is exactly what you want when you're investing in serious analog playback.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Dynavector Karat 17DX\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1.7mm Solid Diamond Cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e The stiffest and lightest cantilever material available, providing the fastest possible signal transmission from stylus to generator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMicro-Ridge Stylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ultra-fine contact profile traces the deepest groove modulations for maximum detail retrieval with minimal vinyl wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSamarium-Cobalt Magnets:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide lower magnetic resistance than standard magnets, improving generator efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnetic Flux Damper:\u003c\/strong\u003e Absorbs stray magnetic energy within the generator assembly for reduced distortion and cleaner output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoftened Magnetism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optimized magnetic field geometry minimizes eddy currents and hysteresis effects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMachined Brass Body:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solid brass construction provides exceptional mass and rigidity for resonance control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRuler-Flat Response:\u003c\/strong\u003e ±0.5dB from 100Hz to 30kHz, delivering exceptional frequency accuracy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh Compliance Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15mm\/N compliance pairs well with a wide range of tonearms including lower-mass designs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eDiamond Cantilever: The Ultimate Signal Path\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiamond is the stiffest material available for cantilever construction, with a propagation speed roughly ten times that of aluminum and significantly higher than boron. The 1.7mm solid diamond cantilever in the Karat 17DX transmits the mechanical vibrations picked up by the micro-ridge stylus to the generator coils with virtually zero energy loss. This means transients arrive at the generator faster and more completely than with any other cantilever material. The result is a level of detail and precision that makes the difference between hearing a recording and hearing what was actually captured in the recording session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eSamarium-Cobalt Magnetic Circuit\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 17DX uses samarium-cobalt magnets rather than the neodymium or alnico magnets found in Dynavector's other models. Samarium-cobalt offers lower magnetic resistance (reluctance), which allows the coils to generate signal more efficiently within the magnetic gap. Combined with Dynavector's softened magnetism field geometry and magnetic flux damper, the samarium-cobalt circuit achieves a particularly clean and linear output. The advanced coil winding techniques used in the 17DX's generator complement the magnet's characteristics to maintain the 0.3mV output at 32 ohms impedance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMicro-Ridge Stylus Profile\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe micro-ridge diamond stylus on the 17DX has one of the narrowest contact edges of any commercially available profile. It reaches deeper into the groove than line-contact or Shibata profiles, retrieving high-frequency information and micro-dynamic detail that broader styli cannot access. The narrow contact width also means less vinyl wear per play, extending the life of your record collection. Paired with the diamond cantilever, the micro-ridge stylus delivers the ±1dB frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz that the 17DX is specified for, with the even tighter ±0.5dB accuracy from 100Hz to 30kHz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMachined Brass Body Construction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Karat 17DX's body is machined from solid brass, a departure from the aluminum bodies used in most of Dynavector's lineup. Brass has higher mass and different resonance characteristics than aluminum, providing effective damping of vibrations that could feed back into the generator assembly. At 11g total weight, the 17DX is heavier than the aluminum-bodied models, which should be considered when matching it with a tonearm. The higher compliance of 15mm\/N helps compensate, making the 17DX compatible with medium-mass tonearms despite its weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the Full Dynavector Cartridge Lineup\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Karat 17DX sits in the upper tier of Dynavector's range. Here's how it compares:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-xx-2a-moving-coil-phono-cartridge-1\"\u003eDynavector XX-2A\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Boron cantilever and alnico magnets at a lower price point.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-te-kaitora-rua-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eDynavector Te Kaitora Rua\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Near-flagship with boron cantilever and comprehensive flux damping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-drt-xv-1s-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eDynavector DRT XV-1s\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Flagship with diamond cantilever and Direct Rear Terminal construction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dynavector-drt-xv-1t-moving-coil-phono-cartridge\"\u003eDynavector DRT XV-1t\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Ultimate flagship with 30dB+ separation and diamond cantilever.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eDynavector Karat 17DX Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow-output moving coil cartridge with flux damper and softened magnetism\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.3mV (at 1kHz, 5cm\/sec)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20Hz - 20kHz (±1dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt;25dB (at 1kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Balance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0dB (at 1kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImpedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Load\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt;100 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15mm\/N (15 x 10⁻⁶ cm\/dyne)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.8 - 2.0g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStylus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicro-ridge nude diamond\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.7mm solid diamond\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnets\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSamarium-cobalt\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMachined solid brass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.0g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Dynavector","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42563560276064,"sku":"DYNA17DX","price":2450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/01_front_hero_4ce6c1e2-e475-4c15-ba66-4b284c3c0cc4.jpg?v=1770406385"},{"product_id":"grado-aeon4-phono-cartridge","title":"Grado Aeon4 Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Grado Aeon4 is the second-tier reference in Grado's Lineage Series, sharing the Epoch4's nude Shibata diamond and sapphire cantilever combination in a hand-built cartridge that delivers reference-level analog performance. Built around Grado's patented flux-bridger moving iron generator with ultra-high purity OCC copper coils and a Brazilian Ebony housing, the Aeon4 sits between the boron-cantilever Statement4 and the flagship Epoch4 in component grading and voicing. It is available in both stereo and mono configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Grado Aeon4\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNude Shibata Diamond Stylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Extended groove contact for superior tracking accuracy and high-frequency detail retrieval.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSapphire Cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rigid and lightweight, preserving transient detail and micro-dynamics from the groove wall to the generator.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlux-Bridger Moving Iron Generator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grado's patented low-mass design combines moving coil speed with the higher output and simpler loading of moving magnet cartridges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUltra-High Purity OCC Copper Coils:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long-crystal oxygen-free copper for cleaner signal transmission and tighter channel balance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrazilian Ebony Wood Housing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense hardwood body for natural vibration damping and resonance control.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow-Output Design (1.0mV):\u003c\/strong\u003e Pairs with MC-capable phono stages for wider dynamic range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStereo and Mono Configurations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dedicated mono version with proper vertical compliance for mono records.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-Built in Brooklyn, NY:\u003c\/strong\u003e Assembled and voiced at Grado's Sunset Park facility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout Grado Labs\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado Labs has been building phono cartridges and headphones by hand in Brooklyn, New York since 1953. Joseph Grado, a Metropolitan Opera watchmaker turned audio engineer, founded the company in the back of his family's fruit store on 7th Avenue, hand-winding coils on a watchmaker's lathe and selling cartridges out of the same building. Four generations on, the Grado family still operates out of that same Sunset Park facility, where every cartridge is assembled, tested, and voiced by hand before it ships. The patented flux-bridger moving iron generator system at the heart of every Grado has been refined continuously since Joseph's original designs, delivering the speed and detail retrieval associated with moving coil cartridges while keeping the higher output and simpler loading requirements that made Grado a fixture in working studios and home systems for seven decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eFlux-Bridger Moving Iron System\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aeon4 uses the same patented flux-bridger generator found throughout the Grado lineup, refined to Lineage Series tolerances. The moving iron element is the lightest component in any generator type, giving the stylus freedom to track complex groove modulations without the added mass of attached coils or magnets. This translates to faster transient response, better tracking of dynamic passages, and more accurate reproduction of complex harmonics. The Aeon4's generator is hand-selected and tested to meet Grado's Lineage specifications, sitting between the Statement4 and the flagship Epoch4 in component grading. In practice, that means tighter channel-balance matching and lower part-to-part variance than the Statement4 below it, paired with a voicing pass that leans slightly closer to the Epoch4's transparency profile than to the Statement4's livelier character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- Inline image 1 --\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-aeon4-inline-01.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Aeon4 phono cartridge with Brazilian Ebony housing\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eShibata Diamond and Sapphire Cantilever\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike the Epoch4, the Aeon4 pairs a nude Shibata diamond with a sapphire cantilever. The Shibata profile contacts a wider area of the groove wall than elliptical or line-contact alternatives, reading more recorded information while distributing tracking force to reduce vinyl wear. The diamond is mounted nude, meaning the gem itself is bonded directly to the cantilever rather than to an intermediate metal shank, which lowers tip mass and improves the precision of energy transfer at the contact point. Sapphire's rigidity then ensures that the vibrations captured by the stylus reach the generator with minimal energy loss. The combination of the Shibata profile's extended contact area, the nude mounting, and sapphire's transmission efficiency makes the Aeon4 particularly revealing of micro-detail, surface texture, and spatial cues in recordings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- Inline image 2 --\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-aeon4-inline-02.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Aeon4 cartridge detail showing nude Shibata diamond and sapphire cantilever\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eBrazilian Ebony Housing\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aeon4's Brazilian Ebony body serves as both structural housing and acoustic treatment. The wood's high density provides natural vibration damping, absorbing resonances that would otherwise color the signal. Grado has updated the housing geometry for the \/4 generation, refining the profile for improved stability during playback and easier cartridge alignment during installation. The Ebony body also contributes meaningfully to the cartridge's 11-gram mass, which gives most modern tonearms enough loading for secure tracking without requiring counterweight extensions or additional headshell weights. The wood is finished by hand at the Brooklyn factory, and grain patterns vary from piece to piece, so no two Aeon4 housings are identical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eUltra-High Purity OCC Copper Coils\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOCC stands for ohno continuous cast, a copper drawing process that produces a single long crystal structure with far fewer grain boundaries than ordinary copper. Fewer grain boundaries means fewer points along the conductor where the audio signal has to cross from one crystal to the next, which lowers distortion in the low-level signal coming out of a cartridge. Grado uses OCC copper throughout the Lineage Series for the same reason it appears in reference-grade interconnects: the cartridge output is the smallest signal in the chain, and what gets lost or smeared at that stage cannot be recovered downstream. The Aeon4's coils are hand-wound to the same tolerances as the Epoch4's, with channel balance matched before installation in the generator assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the Full Grado Lineage Series\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aeon4 is the mid-tier reference of Grado's Lineage Series. All three Lineage cartridges share Brazilian Ebony housings and flux-bridger generators, differing in component selection and tolerancing:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-epoch4-phono-cartridge\"\u003eGrado Epoch4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - The flagship, with the tightest component tolerances and most refined voicing in the Grado lineup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-statement4-phono-cartridge\"\u003eGrado Statement4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Nude Shibata diamond on machined boron cantilever, the entry point to the Lineage Series.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eGrado Aeon4 Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCartridge Type\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eMoving Iron (Flux-Bridger)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStylus\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eNude Shibata Diamond\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCantilever\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eSapphire\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e1.0mV (Low Output)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCoil Wire\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eUltra-High Purity OCC Copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBody Material\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eBrazilian Ebony\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e5 Hz - 70 kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eAvg. 35 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eInput Load\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e10,000 - 47,000 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eInductance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e8 mH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eResistance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e74 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTracking Force\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e1.6 - 1.9 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCartridge Weight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e11 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCompliance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e20 µm\/mN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMount\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eStandard ½\" Mount\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConfigurations\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eStereo, Mono\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eHand-built in Brooklyn, NY, USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Grado","offers":[{"title":"Mono","offer_id":42681431392352,"sku":"GRADAEON4MO","price":4995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Stereo","offer_id":42681432539232,"sku":"GRADAEON4ST","price":4995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-aeon4-hero.jpg?v=1775507504"},{"product_id":"grado-statement4-phono-cartridge","title":"Grado Statement4 Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Grado Statement4 is the entry point to Grado's Lineage Series, a hand-built cartridge pairing a nude Shibata diamond stylus with a machined boron cantilever in a Brazilian Ebony housing. It shares the same wood body and flux-bridger generator architecture as the flagship Epoch4, bringing Lineage-level materials and construction to the most accessible position in the series. For listeners moving up from the Timbre Series or arriving at Grado from another brand, the Statement4 is the door into Joseph Grado's most refined work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Grado Statement4\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNude Shibata Diamond Stylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wide groove contact profile for accurate tracking, extended high-frequency response, and reduced record wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMachined Boron Cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e Extremely stiff and low-mass, transmitting groove detail to the generator with high fidelity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlux-Bridger Moving Iron Generator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grado's patented low-mass design delivers moving coil speed with moving magnet simplicity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUltra-High Purity OCC Copper Coils:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oxygen-free long-crystal copper for clean signal transmission.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrazilian Ebony Wood Housing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense hardwood body for natural vibration damping and stable tracking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow-Output Design (1.0mV):\u003c\/strong\u003e Optimized for MC-capable phono preamps with wider dynamic range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStereo and Mono Configurations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dedicated mono version for proper mono playback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-Built in Brooklyn, NY:\u003c\/strong\u003e Assembled and voiced at Grado's Sunset Park facility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout Grado Labs\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrado Labs has been building phono cartridges and headphones by hand in Brooklyn, New York since 1953. Joseph Grado, a Metropolitan Opera watchmaker turned audio engineer, founded the company in the back of his family's fruit store on 7th Avenue, hand-winding coils on a watchmaker's lathe and selling cartridges out of the same building. Four generations on, the Grado family still operates out of that same Sunset Park facility, where every cartridge is assembled, tested, and voiced by hand before it ships. The patented flux-bridger moving iron generator system at the heart of every Grado has been refined continuously since Joseph's original designs, delivering the speed and detail retrieval associated with moving coil cartridges while keeping the higher output and simpler loading requirements that made Grado a fixture in working studios and home systems for seven decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMachined Boron Cantilever\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere the Epoch4 and Aeon4 use sapphire cantilevers, the Statement4 employs machined boron, a material prized in high-end cartridges for its exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio. Boron transmits stylus vibrations to the generator quickly and accurately, with minimal energy storage that could smear transient detail. The machined construction, as opposed to drawn or bonded, ensures consistent diameter and wall thickness along the cantilever's length, which contributes to predictable behavior across the frequency range. Paired with the Shibata diamond's extended groove contact, the boron cantilever allows the Statement4 to deliver the Lineage Series' characteristic speed and resolution at its most accessible price point. The cantilever-stylus assembly is hand-aligned at the Brooklyn factory and inspected under magnification before final voicing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- Inline image 1 --\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-statement4-inline-01_26146a25-2ef6-4d23-879a-05f6450b0004.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Statement4 phono cartridge in Brazilian Ebony housing\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eFlux-Bridger Moving Iron System\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Statement4 carries the same patented flux-bridger generator used throughout the Lineage Series. A small iron element serves as the moving component, keeping the effective tip mass lower than either moving coil or moving magnet alternatives. This low mass allows the stylus to follow groove modulations more accurately, particularly in complex passages where multiple instruments occupy similar frequency ranges. Unlike a traditional moving magnet design that fixes a magnet to the cantilever or a moving coil that hangs coils off the back, the flux-bridger keeps the cantilever assembly as light as possible while still generating the 1.0mV output that pairs cleanly with most MC-capable phono stages. The Statement4's generator is assembled and voiced to Lineage specifications, with hand-selected components that differentiate it from the Timbre Series models below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- Inline image 2 --\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-statement4-inline-02.jpg\" alt=\"Grado Statement4 cartridge detail showing nude Shibata diamond on machined boron cantilever\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:1000px;height:auto;border-radius:12px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eBrazilian Ebony Housing\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Lineage Series cartridge, the Statement4 included, is housed in Brazilian Ebony. The wood is selected for its high density and natural damping behavior, which absorbs the airborne and mechanical resonances that would otherwise feed back into the generator and color the signal. Grado refined the housing geometry across the \/4 generation, with an updated profile aimed at both improved stability during playback and easier alignment at installation. The Ebony body also contributes to the Statement4's 10-gram mass, providing enough heft for secure headshell mounting on the wide range of tonearms it will end up in without requiring additional counterweight adjustments on most tables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eUltra-High Purity OCC Copper Coils\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOCC stands for ohno continuous cast, a copper drawing process that produces a single long crystal structure with far fewer grain boundaries than ordinary copper. Fewer grain boundaries means fewer points along the conductor where the audio signal has to cross from one crystal to the next, and that translates to lower distortion in the low-level signal coming out of a cartridge. Grado has used ultra-high purity OCC copper throughout the Lineage Series for the same reason it appears in reference-level interconnects: the signal that leaves a cartridge is the smallest signal in the chain, and what gets lost or smeared at that stage cannot be recovered downstream. The Statement4's coils are hand-wound and matched for channel balance before installation in the generator assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the Full Grado Lineage Series\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Statement4 is the entry point to Grado's Lineage Series. All three models share Brazilian Ebony housings, Shibata diamond styli, and flux-bridger generators, with the primary differences in cantilever material and component grading:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-epoch4-phono-cartridge\"\u003eGrado Epoch4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Sapphire cantilever, the most refined component selection and voicing in the Grado lineup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-aeon4-phono-cartridge\"\u003eGrado Aeon4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Sapphire cantilever, mid-tier Lineage reference with tighter tolerancing than the Statement4.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grado-reference4-phono-cartridge\"\u003eGrado Reference4\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - The Timbre Series flagship and the natural step into Statement4 territory, sharing the machined boron cantilever material.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eGrado Statement4 Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCartridge Type\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eMoving Iron (Flux-Bridger)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStylus\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eNude Shibata Diamond\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCantilever\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eMachined Boron\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e1.0mV (Low Output)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCoil Wire\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eUltra-High Purity OCC Copper\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBody Material\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eBrazilian Ebony\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e5 Hz - 65 kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eAvg. 35 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eInput Load\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e10,000 - 47,000 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eInductance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e8 mH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eResistance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e74 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTracking Force\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e1.6 - 1.9 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCartridge Weight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e10 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCompliance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003e20 µm\/mN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMount\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eStandard ½\" Mount\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConfigurations\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eStereo, Mono\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"background-color:#f3f3f3;padding:12px;width:34%;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:12px;width:66%;\"\u003eHand-built in Brooklyn, NY, USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Grado","offers":[{"title":"Mono","offer_id":42681431425120,"sku":"GRADSTATEMENT4MO","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Stereo","offer_id":42681432572000,"sku":"GRADSTATEMENT4ST","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/grado-statement4-hero.jpg?v=1775507507"},{"product_id":"oracle-audio-corinth-phono-cartridge","title":"Oracle Audio Corinth Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Oracle Audio Corinth is a low-output moving coil cartridge built by Benz Micro Switzerland exclusively for Oracle. It uses the same solid boron cantilever and nude line-contact diamond stylus as the flagship Corinth Reference, housed in a vented ebony body that delivers a warmer tonal balance while maintaining the precision Oracle demands from their cartridge line. At 0.4 mV output, it needs a proper MC phono stage but rewards the investment with detail and tracking ability that justify its place in serious analog systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Oracle Audio Corinth\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBenz Micro Switzerland Build:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed and manufactured by Benz Micro, one of the most respected cartridge makers in the world, exclusively for Oracle Audio.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVented Ebony Body:\u003c\/strong\u003e Machined ebony wood housing with precision venting controls resonance naturally and adds warmth to the overall presentation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid Boron Cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.28mm boron rod, the same material used in the Corinth Reference, for rigid, low-loss signal transmission.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNude Line-Contact Diamond:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mirror-polished, fine line-contact profile (3 x 60 μm) reads deep into the groove for maximum detail retrieval.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePure Iron Cross Coil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Iron cross coil design delivers clean, consistent output with excellent channel separation (better than 36 dB).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLow Output (0.4 mV):\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires MC-capable phono amplification. Works beautifully with Oracle's \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oracle-audio-ph200-phono-preamplifier\"\u003ePH200 MkIII\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oracle-audio-ph100-mkii-phono-preamplifier\"\u003ePH100 MkIII\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eOracle and Benz Micro: A Purpose-Built Partnership\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOracle Audio doesn't rebrand off-the-shelf cartridges. The Corinth, Corinth Reference, and Thalia are all designed from the ground up by Benz Micro in Switzerland specifically for Oracle's turntable platform. Every element is selected to complement the Delphi MkVII's suspension and bearing characteristics, creating a cartridge that works as part of an integrated system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eEbony Body and Resonance Character\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEbony is one of the most popular body materials in high-end cartridge design for good reason. It's dense enough to resist unwanted vibration but has natural damping properties that prevent the \"analytical\" character some metal-bodied cartridges exhibit. The venting pattern machined into the Corinth's body allows internal air pressure to equalize during playback, which reduces coloration. At 9.6 grams, the Corinth is significantly lighter than the zebrawood-bodied Corinth Reference (16.4 grams), making it compatible with a wider range of tonearms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eGenerator Assembly\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Corinth uses a pure iron cross coil generator, a simpler but highly effective design that delivers 0.4 mV output at 12 ohms internal impedance. The low impedance makes it easy to load correctly across a wide range of phono stages (100 to 47,000 ohms recommended). The solid boron cantilever and nude line-contact diamond are shared with the Corinth Reference, so the stylus-to-groove interface is identical. The difference in sound between the two models comes primarily from the body material and coil architecture, not the contact point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the Oracle Audio Cartridge Lineup\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Corinth sits in the middle of Oracle's three-cartridge lineup. All three are built by Benz Micro Switzerland:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/oracle-audio-thalia-phono-cartridge\"\u003eOracle Audio Thalia\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - High-output moving coil (2.5 mV) with ebony body. Works with MM phono stages, the most accessible entry into Oracle's cartridge range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/oracle-audio-corinth-reference-phono-cartridge\"\u003eOracle Audio Corinth Reference\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Low-output moving coil with zebrawood body and square ruby coil plate. The flagship, for systems that can resolve its full potential.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eOracle Audio Corinth Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f3f3f3;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; width: 34%;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; width: 66%;\"\u003eValue\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eLow-output moving coil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eVented machined ebony wood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eSolid boron rod, 0.28mm diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStylus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eNude line-contact diamond, mirror polished (3 x 60 μm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003ePure iron cross\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e0.4 mV at 3.54 cm\/s\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternal Impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e12 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e20 - 20,000 Hz ±1 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Balance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eBetter than 0.5 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eBetter than 36 dB at 1 kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Ability (315 Hz)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e80 μm at 2 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDynamic Compliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e15 μm\/mN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Loading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e100 - 47,000 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Tracking Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e1.7 - 2.0 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptimum Tracking Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e1.7 - 1.8 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Tonearm Mass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eMedium to high\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVTA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e20 degrees\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e9.6 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreak-in Period\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e40 hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptimum Working Temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e23°C (73°F)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e2 years manufacturing defects\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Oracle Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42711679500384,"sku":"ORACLECOR","price":3100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/oracle-corinth-web-hero.jpg?v=1776191778"},{"product_id":"oracle-audio-thalia-phono-cartridge","title":"Oracle Audio Thalia Phono Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Oracle Audio Thalia is a high-output moving coil cartridge built by Benz Micro Switzerland exclusively for Oracle. With 2.5 mV output, it works with any MM phono stage, removing the need for a dedicated MC input or step-up transformer. The same solid boron cantilever and nude line-contact diamond used across Oracle's entire cartridge lineup sits inside a vented ebony body, delivering the detail of a moving coil with the plug-and-play convenience of a moving magnet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features of the Oracle Audio Thalia\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBenz Micro Switzerland Build:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed and manufactured by Benz Micro, one of the most respected cartridge makers in the world, exclusively for Oracle Audio.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh Output (2.5 mV):\u003c\/strong\u003e Works with standard MM phono inputs. No MC stage, step-up transformer, or additional gain required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVented Ebony Body:\u003c\/strong\u003e Machined ebony wood housing with precision venting controls resonance naturally and adds warmth to the tonal character.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid Boron Cantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.28mm boron rod, identical to the one used in the Corinth Reference, for rigid, low-loss signal transmission from groove to coil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNude Line-Contact Diamond:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mirror-polished, fine line-contact profile (3 x 60 μm) reads deep into the groove for detail retrieval well beyond what typical MM cartridges achieve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePure Iron Cross Coil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Iron cross generator design with excellent channel separation (better than 35 dB) and 95 ohm impedance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide Loading Tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1,000 to 47,000 ohms recommended loading means it works properly with virtually any phono stage on the market.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eOracle and Benz Micro: A Purpose-Built Partnership\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOracle Audio doesn't rebrand off-the-shelf cartridges. The Thalia, Corinth, and Corinth Reference are all designed from the ground up by Benz Micro in Switzerland specifically for Oracle's turntable platform. The Thalia exists because Oracle recognized that many excellent phono stages (including their own PH100 MkIII) have MM inputs that deserve a cartridge built to moving coil standards. Rather than forcing customers into an MC-only ecosystem, the Thalia gives Oracle turntable owners a Benz Micro-quality option that works with the equipment they already have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eHigh Output MC: The Best of Both Worlds\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost moving magnet cartridges generate their signal by moving a magnet attached to the cantilever past fixed coils. The trade-off is mass: magnets are heavier than coils, which limits how quickly the generator can respond to groove modulations. The Thalia flips this by using a lightweight moving coil generator wound to produce enough voltage (2.5 mV) to drive a standard 47K ohm MM input. The result is moving coil speed and tracking precision at moving magnet gain levels. The recommended tracking force of 1.7 to 2.0 grams sits right in the sweet spot for most medium to high-mass tonearms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eExplore the Oracle Audio Cartridge Lineup\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Thalia is the most versatile entry point into Oracle's cartridge range. All three models are built by Benz Micro Switzerland:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/oracle-audio-corinth-phono-cartridge\"\u003eOracle Audio Corinth\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Low-output moving coil (0.4 mV) with ebony body. Same price as the Thalia, but designed for systems with dedicated MC phono stages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/oracle-audio-corinth-reference-phono-cartridge\"\u003eOracle Audio Corinth Reference\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e - Low-output moving coil with zebrawood body and square ruby coil plate. The flagship of the lineup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eOracle Audio Thalia Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f3f3f3;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; width: 34%;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; width: 66%;\"\u003eValue\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eType\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eHigh-output moving coil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBody Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eVented machined ebony wood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eSolid boron rod, 0.28mm diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStylus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eNude line-contact diamond, mirror polished (3 x 60 μm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003ePure iron cross\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e2.5 mV at 3.54 cm\/s\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternal Impedance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e95 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e20 - 20,000 Hz ±1 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Balance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eBetter than 0.5 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eBetter than 35 dB at 1 kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking Ability (315 Hz)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e80 μm at 2 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDynamic Compliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e15 μm\/mN\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Loading\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e1,000 - 47,000 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Tracking Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e1.7 - 2.0 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptimum Tracking Force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e1.7 - 1.8 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Tonearm Mass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003eMedium to high\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVTA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e20 degrees\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e9.6 grams\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreak-in Period\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e40 hours\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptimum Working Temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e23°C (73°F)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWarranty\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px;\"\u003e2 years manufacturing defects\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Oracle Audio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42711679533152,"sku":"ORACLETHAL","price":3100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/oracle-thalia-pdf.jpg?v=1776191490"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/collections\/hana-ur-main-white-bg-1000x800px.jpg?v=1772829531","url":"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/collections\/best-phono-cartridges-2000-5000.oembed","provider":"The Listening Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}