SOUNDSMITH ZEPHYR MKIII

The new Zephyr MK III is a unique blend of Soundsmith designs being a low compliance, high output design compatible with MM preamps. It has achieved what no other Soundsmith cartridge has done since its inception; rapid recognition as a leading force in phono cartridge design and performance.  It also follows our tradition for our complete line of cartridges - full restoration and stylus rebuilding when the time comes at 20% of its price ~ $299 for rebuild. And we can do it many times over for you. Imagine that - A new Zephyr MKIII cartridge for $299, every time it's needed.

The Soundsmith Zephyr MkIII enjoys a great history, starting with the well loved VPI Zephyr  original, which evolved into the well known Zephyr MKII. In our effort to bring you even higher definition without increase in cost, we introduce the NEW Zephyr MKIII. It features a newly developed aluminum alloy that provides smooth response without masking critical details. This new metal alloy has unique dualistic properties, providing stiffness in the ranges required as well as damping exactly where its needed - and by the proper amount - in the most critical parts of the sonic spectrum. The result  is a cartridge that will slam your Rock and Roll while providing a new level of linearity and clarity for the most complex classical and jazz passages.

Attached to our new cantilever material is a tiny new super low mass "High Profile" Contact Line diamond we have developed for the new Zephyr MKIII. This stylus traces high frequencies very well, dramatically reducing end of record playback challenges while being far superior to standard elliptical designs. It is a bit less critical in terms of alignment requirement than our OCL stylus design. .  

These improvements are paired with technology borrowed from our higher end line;  "Trickle Down" technology from a unique Dynamic Energy Management System  (DEMS) developed by Soundsmith that moves the damped energy and propagates it properly within the cartridge body. This is a similar system we employ in the Soundsmith's well received and reviewed high end Sussurro Cartridge.

The new Zephyr MKIII is capable of truly remarkable separation and sound stage imaging at a level not previously achievable in a modestly priced design. The composite body and unique DEMS design work in tandem to contribute to the Zephyr MkIII's ability to produce high-end performance from a moderately priced cartridge. Be prepared to sit back and realize......you may have never really  heard your record collection before.

The Zephyr MkIII will provide a level of clarity and beauty that will make you take out your record collection and listen to it all over again.


Type: Fixed Coil / Moving Iron
Mount: Standard ½”
Stylus: Ultra Low Mass Nude High Profile Contact Line
Radius of Curvature: 6 x 17 µm
Cantilever: New Soundsmith Aluminun Aluminum Alloy
Recommended Tracking Force: 1.8 - 2.2 g
Effective Tip Mass: 0.28 mg
Compliance: 10 µm/mN
Frequency Response: 15 - 45,000 Hz ± 2.0 dB
Channel Separation @ 1000 Hz: > 28 dB
• N/A (Mono version)
Channel Separation @ 50 - 15,000 Hz:> 25 dB
• N/A (Mono version)
Channel Difference: < 1.0 dB
• < 0.5 dB (Dual Mono w/optimal VTF setting)
Output Voltage @ 5cm/sec: > 2.40 mV (HIGH)
DC Resistance (DCR): 680?
Coil Inductance per channel: 190 mH
Suggested Preamp Gain: 38 - 44 dB
Cartridge Weight: 12.2 g (ES series)
Recommended Load Resistance: ? 47k?
Recommended Load Capacitance: n/a