Soundsmith Aida MKII Turntable Cartridge
SKU: 12764559484

Soundsmith Aida MKII Turntable Cartridge

Sale price$1647.00 Regular price$1830.00
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 9 - Jul 14

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Soundsmith Aida MKII Turntable CartridgeAIDA MKII A triumph of Soundsmith Engineering, Stereophile Class A rated, a rarity at its price point and for good reasons. The Aida MKII employs a laser drilled Sapphire cantilever with ultra low mass Contact Line stylus; we did this to resolve the challenges of playing the inner grooves with the same level of confidence as the outer. How did we do this? The unique stylus shape of our CL stylus has a sharper playing surface on the faceted diamond,

AIDA MKII

A triumph of Soundsmith Engineering, Stereophile Class “A” rated, a rarity at its price point – and for good reasons.

The Aida MKII employs a laser drilled Sapphire cantilever with ultra-low mass Contact Line stylus; we did this to resolve the challenges of playing the inner grooves with the same level of confidence as the outer. How did we do this? The unique stylus shape of our CL stylus has a “sharper” playing surface on the faceted diamond, allowing it to ride easily into the groove modulations of even the most difficult passages and high frequency information that other cartridges simply cannot trace. The result — a truly superb cartridge, surpassing top MC designs with air, focus and sound staging no cartridge at this price should be able to achieve.

The Aida cartridge is a Stereophile A-rated cartridge, meaning it is in the "price is no object" category and was the cheapest cartridge there.

Soundsmith carefully hand-builds every cartridge, tests them, and keeps accurate records by serial number of their performance. Those that meet or exceed specifications are sold, and the ones that don't are broken down and recycled. 

Soundsmith took moving iron technology and perfected it. This design offers lower effective moving mass, causing the stylus to stay in better contact with the groove walls. High-gain moving coil preamps are not required, as the Aida is designed to be used with a moving magnet preamp.

New EM Series DEMS Design

What is DEMS??

“Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover.” – Peter Ledermann.

2018’s RMAF show was the official launch of Soundsmith’s new ES series of cartridges, where the attendees experienced the latest exploration into overlooked areas of cartridge design and solutions from Soundsmith.

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. (see picture below)

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 affecting 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.

ES Series Mounting

The new ES has some special mounting features that you need to be aware of.

Sometimes when mounting on a grounded metal arm, a cartridge will create hum due to a ground loop. If you experience some low level hum due to ground loop, you can now solve this issue by using the two half-round white rods which are to be placed and used in the OUTER slots, seen on the top of the cartridge. Place them flat side UP.

The rods are made of Alumina, and are insulating, thus allowing ground isolation for your cartridge without compromising the crucial mechanical energy transfer into the tone arm. This energy transfer is maintained due to the use of Alumina, which has the same properties as aluminum, but is non-conductive. Due to the novel body design of the ES cartridge, electrical isolation can still be maintained even though you may use metal screws.

On tone arms that do not allow azimuth adjustment, it is now possible to achieve this adjustment by way of the ES series by using the one full round alumina rod in the center slot only, alternately tightening and loosening the mounting screws by small amounts.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 12764559484

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.2 ★★★★★
Based on 1403 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
T
Verified Purchase
Teri PD
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
FANTASTIC FIT
Size: 16 Plus, Color: Washed Blue
I'm a 4'7" , 65 year old woman. Due to abdominal issues I needed jeans that give that extra something on the waist. I've tried on just about every brand of jeans ranging in size from adult/junior 6 to 12. If they fit on the legs the waist was huge. If they fit on the waist the legs and butt had enough room for me and a friend. I was resigned to wearing yoga pants and leggings with big shirts. My son mentioned that he loved the Amazon basics men's dress slacks, so I figured why not. First I looked at women's and juniors, and I knew from the measurements that I was still stuck. Then I remembered that about 15 years ago I'd buy girls pants (I was a size 12 in kids at the time) Looking at the sizes I knew a 12 was way too small, then I saw the 16 plus. With hesitation I bought them. Well glory be miss Agnes, THEY FIT. Comfortable, real jeans again. Sure, I have to take them up about 6 inches, but that's fine, not a problem. I'm just so happy to have real jeans again !!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2023
T
Verified Purchase
Tamm
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Love them!
Size: 7 Slim, Color: Washed Blue
I did but expect these jeans to fit so well and look so nice on my daughter. Hands down the best jeans I’ve purchased for her, much better fit and quality than the other stores! The length is perfect, but it’s a little snug in the waist. Still a great fit with some stretchiness! Great value!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2025
L
Verified Purchase
Ljs
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Great pair of Jean and great price!
Size: 14, Color: Washed Blue, Size: 14, Color: Washed Blue
I can’t believe these were only $13. They feel and look like quality jeans, very basic/simple boot cut. My daughter says they’re stretchy and comfortable. I ordered her a size 14 (12’s fit her waist but are always too short) She’s 11 years old, 5’ tall, about 80lbs. The waist adjusters were great for the perfect fit.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2025
A
Verified Purchase
ABuc
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Love the Options
Size: 10 Slim, Color: Medium Wash
I love that there are slim and plus sizes. Allows me to find the perfect fit for my girls!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
tonya k
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Amazing jeans! My daughter loves them!
Size: 7 Slim, Color: Washed Blue, Size: 7 Slim, Color: Washed Blue
My daughter is really slim but tall. She is 7 about 50 pounds. She loves them and I’m so happy because all the other jeans that I buy I have to return cuz they are all too big on her. The jeans are stretchy and feel much more expensive for the price! Great quality! I will be ordering more for sure!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2026

recommand products