Transfiguration Phoenix moving coil cartridge

Following fast on the heels of the spectacular new Orpheus and employing many of the lessons learned during the development of that cartridge, Immutable Music introduces the new Phoenix. The performance leap, when compared with the Spirit Mk. 3 is similar to that experienced between the Orpheus and the Temper series. In fact, in the areas of transparency and resolution, the Phoenix even challenges the Tempers, which cost nearly twice as much. Germany's Stereoplay magazine has ranked the new Phoenix in its "Absolute Spitzenklasse," the absolute top class, along with a very few great cartridges, including the Orpheus and the Lyra Titan I, all of which cost far more than its suggested price. This cartidge brings an exciting, full-bodied sound with tremendous rhythm and bass impact. With a sparkle on top that never sounds too hot, it may be the perfect cartridge for jazz and classical music lovers. The double-ring-magnet construction ensures the usual Transfiguration musical coherence and phase-linearity, which presents a seamless view into the musical performance. Delivering performance at its price-point that was unachievable by any cartridge at any price, even just a few years ago.Just as the Orpheus advanced the absolute state-of-the-art in what was possible with a phono cartridge in terms of musically natural reproduction of the analog LP, it re-defines what is possible in its price class (and considerably far above it). The Phoenix is the new price/performance leader in the areas of transparency, timbre, bass-impact and articulation...oh, yes, and in the all important JPF factor (Just Plain Fun). The huge gains in musical performance by both the Phoenix and the Orpheus over cartridges already recognized as world-leaders in their respective price ranges is both gratifying and encouraging at a time when analog playback seems stronger and more healthy than ever, at a time when digital playback seems almost in search of an identity. At a time when the average listener to digital (the ubiquitous ipod listener) is accepting a significant reduction in sound quality from even redbook CD, LP lovers are discovering new worlds in the same old grooves they have been listening to for over half a century. We are very grateful to Mr. Yoshioka and the other pioneers of the new analog era, for bringing us closer to the emotion and experience of live music than we dreamed possible a few years back, when reports of the death of analog circulated, apparently, prematurelyÖ Technical details 1. Push pull damping A special compound has newly been meticulously designed and fabricated to provide total stylus/coil alignment and control. It's non-sensitivity to temperature change keeps the damping coefficient stable and improbes tracing accuracy. 2. Twin coils on the cantilever fulcrum Minimises dynamic mass and mechanical impedance, enabling instant, accurate reaction to every groove detail, including the ability to handle massive transients without overshoot or break-up. 3. Special alloy core for coil assembly This increases sensitivity by 25dB, improves signal to noise ratio eliminating a usual source of distortion. 4. Neodymium magnet Thanks to the much higher induced magnetism of the neodymium magnet in the rear of the double ring magnets, the coil-turns of the generator have been reduced. It is very helpful to reduce the internal impedance to 7 ohms, which contributes to the improvement in the solidarity with transparency. 5. Low mass tip Ogura PA (3 x 30um) tip shares many of the advantages of the flagship MC cartridge "The Orpheus". Its function is to reproduce the character of the original recorded sound - not add or subtract its own deficiences. 6. Anti-resonance cartridge body The solid cartridge body utilizes both shape and material to create a totally inert environment for the electromagnetic elements. These elements are more effectively insulated from arm, turntable and tracing noises, further reducing any tonal coloration of the music and lessening the illusion of distracting mechanical noises. Physical: Body: Aluminium, resonance controlled Cantilever: 0.3mm diameter solid boron Stylus: PA (3 x 30um), solid diamond Core/coils: High grade permalloy square core with pure silver coils Magnet: Neodymium (rear) & Samarium cobalt (front) Weight: 7.8g