Soundsmith - The Zephyr MI Phono Cartridge - High Output Low Compliance

The Soundsmith VPI Zephyr model features "Trickle Down" Technology from a unique Energy Distribution System within the cartridge body - the same system employed in the $4500 Soundsmith Sussurro Cartridge. The VPI Zephyr is built using a selected 'true elliptical' 'nude diamond' stylus design, insuring that your proper azimuth setting will result in superb performance from this exacting cartridge! This VPI Zephyr cartridge is capable of truly remarkable separation, sound stage and imaging!

“Trickle down” Soundsmith technology from the Sussurro:
A Unique internal damping and energy transmission system allows proper movement of energy from the stylus all the way into the tone arm; – a first in what is truly correct mechanical impedance matched design at this price.

The composite body VPI Zephyr MI cartridge by The Soundsmith affords high end performance from a moderately priced cartridge. Using technology found in Soundsmith higher cost cartridges, the VPI Zephyr Moving Iron cartridge will provide a level of clarity and beauty from your vinyl that will make you take out your record collection and listen to it all over again.

Stylus and cantilever design? One of the best, because that's where the rubber meets the road, in cartridge terms.

Just at the price point where many cartridge manufacturers make their profit by using a low cost stylus assembly, we employ a hand selected ultra low mass "Nude True Elliptical" Contact Stylus. Why does Soundsmith do this at this price level for a cartridge when no one else does? Simple. They love vinyl. You will too when you hear the VPI Zephyr.

The VPI Zephyr Moving Iron high output design is one model in a great cartridge lineup that overturns the myth that "moving coil" cartridges are the only path towards perfection. After all, what is the "advantage" of the moving coil type of cartridge? Low moving mass, right? We got less. Much less. And if you understand moving mass, Less IS more.

The 40 year evolution of our moving iron cartridges affords lower EFFECTIVE moving mass than most other types of cartridges. Far lower. Why is that good? Because when you lower the effective moving mass, it's easier to control. If it's easier to control, the stylus can stay in better contact with the groove walls. That's good, because if you can't stay in contact with the groove walls, you can't hear what's on the record.

Is a moving coil preamp required? No. The VPI Zephyr is a HIGH OUTPUT "Moving Iron design" - designed to be used with a standard Moving Magnet preamp. No transformers. No finicky multi-stage ultra high gain preamp required. Less is more here, too.

Once you've heard your Soundsmith VPI Zephyr MI, you'll never go back.

The Soundsmith VPI Zephyr Moving Iron Cartridge works extremely well with VPI arms, though it is not restricted to VPI arms and tables only. The VPI Zephyr Moving Iron Low Compliance Cartridge is perfect for tonearms with an effective mass of 8g - 30g! The VPI Zephyr is designed to perform well in any arm, but take full advantage of unipivot tonearm designs.