Michell CUSIS S Moving Coil Cartridge
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Michell CUSIS S Moving Coil Cartridge
The Michell Audio CUSIS S represents the sweet spot in the CUSIS lineup, offering greater frequency extension and detail retrieval than the entry-level CUSIS E. 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.
Key Features
- Samarium-Cobalt Magnet: Maintains a stable magnetic field for precise and faithful signal reproduction.
- 30μ Copper Coils: Precision-wound on an ultra-light armature for enhanced clarity and lower distortion.
- Shibata Stylus & Boron Cantilever: Extends high-frequency response, improves imaging, and tracks grooves with remarkable finesse.
- Acetyl Body: Rigid yet lightweight, minimizing unwanted vibrations for a neutral, balanced sound.
- Wider Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 35 kHz for increased detail and air.
Why It Matters
Moving up from the CUSIS E, 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.
Performance
The 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.
Technology
Like 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.
The Listening Room Experience
At 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.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tracking Force | 2.0 g |
| Loading | 100 Ω |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 35kHz |
| Output Voltage | 0.4 mV |
| Weight | 8.9 g |
| Cantilever Material | Boron |
| Stylus Profile | Shibata |
| Channel Balance | <1 dB |
| Channel Separation | 25 dB |
| Compliance | 8 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne |
| Tracking Ability | 70µ / 2.0 g |
| Internal Impedance | 4.5 Ω |
| Type | Moving Coil (MC) |
| Coil Material | Pure 30µ Copper |
| Run-in Period | > 40 Hours |
| Body Material | Acetyl |
Why Brand Synergy Matters Here
Brand synergy is a real thing with cartridges. This one is built with a suspension design and shielding intended for a specific turntable rather than as a universal fit, and matching the two tends to give better outcomes than mixing brands. It is why a Michell cartridge is the natural choice on a Michell deck.
What does the CUSIS S add over the CUSIS E?
What does the CUSIS S add over the CUSIS E?
A better stylus and cantilever. The S moves from the E's elliptical stylus on an aluminum cantilever to a Shibata stylus on a boron cantilever. Michell rates its response to 35kHz against the E's 25kHz, with 0.4mV of output against 0.35mV and 25dB of channel separation against 23dB. Both load at 100 ohms and track at 2.0g.
CUSIS S or CUSIS M?
CUSIS S or CUSIS M?
The CUSIS M is the top of the range. It keeps the boron cantilever and 2.0g tracking force, and adds an ultra-precise Microline stylus, reduced coil mass and a carbon-loaded acrylic body. Michell rates it from 15Hz to 45kHz with 28dB separation, against the S's 20Hz to 35kHz and 25dB. Its output is lower, at 0.25mV against 0.4mV.
What phono stage settings does the CUSIS S need?
What phono stage settings does the CUSIS S need?
A moving coil input loaded at 100 ohms. At 0.4mV it sits on the line between two rows of the gain guide Michell prints on its Apollo phono stage: 60dB for 0.4 to 0.6mV cartridges and 68dB for 0.25 to 0.4mV.
How should the CUSIS S be set up, and does it suit other turntables?
How should the CUSIS S be set up, and does it suit other turntables?
Michell specifies 2.0g of tracking force; the S weighs 8.9g, with a compliance of 8 x 10-6 cm/dyne, and needs more than 40 hours to run in. Michell describes it as a cartridge that "will grace any turntable", so it is not limited to Michell decks.
