Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge - Dreamedia AV

Vendor: Michell Audio

Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge

Precision Engineered Moving Coil Cartridge

$3,499.00; $3,499.00
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Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge

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Unveiling the Pinnacle of Vinyl Playback: Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge

In the world of audiophiles, the quest for the purest audio experience is a journey of passion and precision. The Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge is a testament to this pursuit, offering an unparalleled listening experience that transcends the ordinary. Crafted for the connoisseur, the CUSIS M is not just a component; it is the heart of a vinyl playback system, pumping life into every record it touches.

A Harmonious Blend of Art and Technology

At the core of the CUSIS M lies a Moving Coil design, revered for its ability to retrieve the most intricate details from vinyl grooves. This design is powered by a samarium-cobalt magnet and pure iron assembly, ensuring a stable magnetic field that is crucial for accurate sound reproduction. The ultra-precise Microline stylus delicately traces the record's grooves, unlocking the depth and breadth of the music.

Precision Engineering for Supreme Audio Fidelity

Stylus Profile: The Microline stylus is engineered to follow the record groove with extraordinary precision, capturing every nuance of the audio signal.
Cantilever Material: Constructed with Boron, the cantilever boasts a lightweight yet sturdy platform, allowing for agile and responsive movement.
Body Material: The Carbon Loaded Acrylic body not only looks sophisticated but also reduces unwanted vibrations, maintaining a clean and focused soundstage.
Coil Material: With pure 30µ Copper coils, the CUSIS M achieves an impeccable clarity and dynamic range that audiophiles crave.

Advanced Features for the Ultimate Listening Experience

Damper: The specially designed damper provides exceptional stylus support, ensuring precise tracking and reduced distortion.
Construction: Every element is optimized to eliminate vibration and resonance, allowing the music to flow uninterrupted and pure.
Chassis: An aluminum chassis serves as a fortress against external vibrations, preserving the integrity of the audio signal.

Specifications at a Glance

Frequency Response: 15-45000Hz - A broad range capturing the full spectrum of audible sound.
Output Voltage: 0.25mV - Fine-tuned for compatibility with a wide range of phono preamps.
Weight: 8.1g - A perfect balance of mass for optimal tracking without compromising the integrity of your records.
Tracking Force: 2.0g - Expertly calibrated for secure tracking and prolonged record life.
Loading: 100 Ω - Ideal for achieving the perfect synergy with your phono stage.
Channel Balance and Separation: <1dB and 28dB respectively, delivering a precise stereo image and immersive listening experience.

Discover the Michell Audio CUSIS M Advantage

Exceptional Tracking Ability

The CUSIS M's superior tracking ability ensures that every detail within the vinyl grooves is captured with precision. This translates to a soundscape that is as close to the original recording as possible.

Class-Leading Frequency Response

With a frequency response that spans from 15Hz to an ultrasonic 45kHz, the CUSIS M reproduces the full breadth of sound, from the deepest bass to the highest harmonics, with ease and grace.

High Channel Separation

The impressive channel separation means that each stereo channel is distinct and clear, contributing to a three-dimensional audio image that places you at the center of the performance.

Low Internal Impedance

The low internal impedance of 3 Ω ensures that the cartridge can drive the signal through your phono stage with minimal loss, resulting in a lively and dynamic sound.

Carbon Loaded Acrylic Body

The use of Carbon Loaded Acrylic for the body of the cartridge not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but significantly dampens unwanted resonances, allowing the music to stand out in stark relief against a background of silence.

Microline Stylus

The Microline stylus is a marvel of engineering, designed to extract every last bit of information from your records. The result is a level of detail and clarity that will redefine your vinyl listening experience.

Designed for the Discerning Ear

The Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge is a product of meticulous design and craftsmanship. It is the culmination of years of research and development, with every aspect engineered to deliver the ultimate audio performance. From its precision-wound coils to its vibration-absorbing chassis, the CUSIS M is a masterclass in cartridge design.

Seamless Integration with Your System

The Michell Audio CUSIS M is designed to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of tonearms and turntables. Its standard mounting and optimal weight make it a versatile choice for those seeking to upgrade their vinyl playback system. Moreover, the run-in period of over 40 hours ensures that the CUSIS M will reach its full potential, providing countless hours of audio bliss.

Your Music, Reimagined

Imagine sitting in the comfort of your home, dropping the needle on your favorite record, and hearing it come to life as never before. The Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge makes this a reality. It is not just a tool for listening to music; it is an invitation to experience music in its purest form.

Ready to Elevate Your Vinyl Experience?

The Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge represents a significant investment in your audio journey. It is an investment that pays dividends every time you sit down to listen to your vinyl collection. With Dreamedia's expert design services, you can ensure that the CUSIS M is perfectly matched to your home theater system, creating an oasis of sound that is uniquely yours.

Embrace the Michell Audio Difference

In a world where digital often dominates, the Michell Audio CUSIS M stands as a beacon for analog excellence. It reaffirms the vinyl record's place as a medium of emotional and sonic depth, unmatched by any other. Embrace the difference that the CUSIS M can make in your audio system, and in your life.

Welcome to the pinnacle of vinyl playback. Welcome to the Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge.

Our Review

Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge Review

Introduction

Michell Audio, a respected name in the world of high-fidelity audio equipment, is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and sound excellence. The CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge is a testament to their dedication to audio purity and meticulous design. As we delve into the intricacies of the CUSIS M, it's clear that this cartridge is aimed at the audiophile seeking a transcendent vinyl listening experience.

Design and Build Quality

Materials and Construction

The CUSIS M boasts a carbon-loaded acrylic body, a material choice that's not only aesthetically pleasing but also acoustically beneficial. The inherent damping properties of this composite material reduce unwanted resonance, allowing the cartridge to retrieve more information from the vinyl grooves with minimal interference.

The boron cantilever paired with the Microline stylus is a standout feature, offering a rigidity that is crucial for tracking accuracy. The stylus shape, designed to mirror the cutting head used to create the vinyl master, ensures an impressive retrieval of musical detail, translating into a more authentic sound.

An aluminum chassis serves as the foundation, providing a stable and non-resonant platform that's essential for maintaining the purity of the audio signal.

Aesthetics and Physical Characteristics

The CUSIS M's design is sleek and modern, with a professional look that exudes quality. Weighing in at 8.1g, it finds a sweet spot that allows for compatibility with a range of high-end tonearms. Its dimensions are considerate of various headshell designs, ensuring a good fit across different turntable setups.

Features

Advanced Technological Components

Michell Audio's use of a samarium-cobalt magnet and pure iron in the CUSIS M creates a stable magnetic field, which is critical for consistent and accurate sound reproduction. The precision-wound copper wire coils contribute to the cartridge's ability to produce a clear, detailed soundstage.

Engineering for Sound Precision

The specially designed damper within the CUSIS M is engineered to provide optimal stylus tracking, which is essential for accurate groove tracing. The optimized coil number and output have been meticulously calculated to ensure that the audio output is of the highest caliber, demonstrating Michell Audio's attention to detail.

Compatibility and Installation

While the CUSIS M is designed to be compatible with a variety of high-end audio setups, it does require careful calibration to achieve its full potential. The recommended loading of 100 Ω and tracking force of 2.0g are starting points, but users may find that slight adjustments can yield even better performance depending on their specific system.

Performance

Audio Reproduction

The cartridge's frequency response range of 15-45000Hz is indicative of its ability to produce both the deep rumble of low frequencies and the airy extension of high frequencies with equal prowess. The low internal impedance of 3 Ω allows for a more direct signal path and less electrical interference, which can translate to a purer sound.

Tracking and Precision

With a tracking ability of 70µ / 2.0g, the CUSIS M shows exceptional performance in following the record groove accurately, even during complex musical passages. This precision is supported by a compliance of 8x10-6cm/dyne, which speaks to the cartridge's flexibility and responsiveness to the vinyl's micro-dynamics.

Sound Characteristics

Channel balance and separation are areas where the CUSIS M truly excels. With a channel balance of less than 1dB and channel separation of 28dB, the cartridge ensures a well-defined stereo image, allowing listeners to pinpoint the placement of instruments within the sound field. The Microline stylus further enhances this effect by digging deep into the grooves to extract the finest audio nuances.

Usage Scenarios

Ideal Use Cases

The CUSIS M is particularly well-suited for genres that benefit from a wide dynamic range and intricate soundscapes, such as classical, jazz, or acoustic music. Its ability to articulate subtle details makes it an excellent choice for audiophiles who value fidelity and nuance in their listening experience.

Potential Limitations

However, the CUSIS M may present challenges when dealing with densely layered prog rock recordings, where the complexity of the music could overwhelm its tracking capabilities. Additionally, the cartridge's performance is highly dependent on precise azimuth and vertical alignment, which may require a meticulous setup process.

Comparison with Competitors

In comparison to other moving coil cartridges in its price bracket, the CUSIS M stands out for its construction quality and sound precision. While competitors may offer similar features, the unique combination of Michell Audio's engineering, material choices, and fine-tuning sets the CUSIS M apart.

User Experience

Setup and Calibration

The installation of the CUSIS M is an involved process, demanding a level of precision that may intimidate some users. However, for those willing to invest the time, the rewards are substantial. Achieving optimal performance can be a gratifying experience for the enthusiast who delights in the hands-on aspect of their audio hobby.

Longevity and Maintenance

With a recommended run-in period of over 40 hours, the CUSIS M's performance will continue to improve as the components settle in. Regular maintenance and careful handling can ensure that this cartridge remains a long-term fixture in one's audio setup.

Final Thoughts

The Michell Audio CUSIS M Moving Coil Cartridge is a formidable contender in the realm of high-fidelity audio. Its strengths lie in its meticulous design and exceptional sound quality. While it may demand a level of patience and precision in setup, the audio payoff is worth the effort. The CUSIS M is best suited for discerning audiophiles who are willing to engage with their equipment to extract the highest level of performance.

Specifications

General Specifications

Type: Moving Coil
Stylus Profile: Ultra-precise Microline
Cantilever Material: Boron
Body Material: Carbon Loaded Acrylic
Coil Material: Pure 30µ Copper
Internal Impedance: 3 Ω
Output Voltage: 0.25mV
Frequency Response: 15-45000Hz
Channel Balance: <1dB
Channel Separation: 28dB
Compliance: 8x10-6cm/dyne
Tracking Ability: 70µ / 2.0g
Tracking Force: 2.0g
Loading: 100 Ω
Run-in Period: > 40 Hours
Weight: 8.1g

Features

Design: Moving coil design with samarium-cobalt magnet and pure iron for stable magnetic field
Precision: Precision-wound coils onto ultra-lightweight armature
Damper: Specially designed damper for precise stylus support
Construction: Optimized construction to eliminate vibration and resonance
Chassis: Aluminum chassis for vibration absorption and rigidity
Vibration Reduction: Exterior design to reduce vibration and resonance