Soundsmith Zephyr Mk III ES

New ES Series DEMS Design

Made in  the USA. Rebuild Price? ~  Only 20% of MSRP, as always ! – The Zephyr MK III features a 2 year warranty to the original owner.

The new Zephyr MK III has achieved what no other cartridge has done since its inception; rapid recognition as a leading force in phono cartridge design and performance.  It also follows Soundsmith’s tradition for its complete line of cartridges – full restoration and stylus rebuilding when the time comes at 20% of its price ~ $299 for rebuild. And it can do it many times over for you. Imagine that – A new Zephyr Mk III cartridge for $299, every time it’s needed. 

The Soundsmith Zephyr Mk III enjoys a great history, starting with the well loved VPI Zephyr  original, which evolved into the well known Zephyr Mk II. In an effort to bring you even higher definition without increase in cost, Soundsmith introduces the NEW Zephyr Mk III. It features a newly developed aluminum alloy – the same one we are now using in the Paua Mk II, just released. 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 the new cantilever material is a tiny new super low mass “High Profile” Contact Line diamond developed for the new Zephyr Mk III. This stylus traces more of the groove walls than a standard contact line, but avoids some of the alignment pitfalls that can occur with a high profile contact line design, allowing more azimuth alignment forgiveness than is normally possible with such designs. 

These improvements are paired with technology borrowed from the 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 employed in the Soundsmith’s well received and reviewed high end Sussurro Cartridge.

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

What is DEMS?

The ES line features not only a dramatic new look, but is a significant evolution of the DEMS system design (Dynamic Energy Management System). The new Soundsmith ES cartridge designs are a significant advancement in cartridge performance due to their ability to direct internal vibrational forces without reflection and disperse them properly to the tone arm. The absence of reflections enables the stylus to stay in far greater statistical contact with the groove walls — a critically important technical refinement. Increased liquidity and reduced “grain,” without loss of detail are some of the immediately discernible advantages of Soundsmith’s new ES models.

The new line also features Azimuth adjustment built-in to each cartridge, as well as the option for electrical isolation for hum-prone systems.

Every cartridge in Soundsmith’s lineup will now feature our sleek new ES body design. The upgrade is far more than cosmetic; the new shape is a departure from the reflective and “boxy” design of many cartridges whose internal construction contribute to uncontrolled vibrational issues adversely effecting performance. Peter says, “Think of how singing in an open field compares with singing in a shower.” Soundsmith has always challenged conventions, looking deeper into nuances of cartridge design that dramatically affect immediate and long term performance. These have included extreme reductions of moving mass and the use of novel materials and designs. The new ES lineup is a continuation of that research and development.