Time to move some extras along, as I try to keep my cartridge collection manageable. Time to let go of a very nice moving magnet cartridge, as I am pretty much a moving coil kind of pig.
This is the Vessel A3SM. Here are the specs:
Type: Moving Magnet
- Frequency range: 20-35,000 Hz
- Output voltage @ 1kHz: 2.5 mV
- Channel balance @ 1kHz: <1.0dB
- Channel separation @ 1kHz: 24dB
- Dynamic compliance (100Hz): 10 × 10-6 cm/dyne
- Tracking ability at 2.0g : 70 µm
- Cantilever: Special type aluminum pipe
- Stylus type: Nude Super Micro Line
- Stylus tip radius: .000079 x .0031 inch
- Tracking force: 2.0 g
- Internal impedance @ 1kHz: 670 ohms
- Internal inductance: 270 mH
- Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm
- Cartridge color, body/stylus: Black/Gold/Black
- Weight: 6.0 g
- Mounting hardware included: 4 × Screws, 2 × Nuts
- Stylus replacement: A3SM stylus
I keep a check sheet on my cartridges, and the hour usage is estimated at 113. This uses a line contact stylus, and its very small profile and diminutive cantilever is an indicator of high quality parts used in this stylus assembly. Cantilever is straight, suspension rides high, cartridge has never been abused.
In terms of sound its a very balanced cartridge. Has nice detail, in the upper registers, but not excessively bright. Solid bass response, but once again not over blown. It is a line contact stylus, so some care is needed in getting VTA set correctly. Very quiet in the groove, seems to minimize noise. However, this is a high performance design, and that means a low mass cantilever. So it will not take a lot of abuse like a $50 cartridge will. Treat it like a lady, and it will reward you with wonderful music.
MSRP of $499
Sell for $220
