SKU: 45676913153

Soundsmith Carmen MKII Turntable Cartridge

Sale price$828.00 Regular price$920.00
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 11 - Jul 16

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Soundsmith Carmen MKII Turntable CartridgeCARMEN MKII Our Carmen design resolves high performance at an affordable price. A dramatic deep and wide soundstage, and ultra trackability. The Carmen MKII was created out of the desire to make a very high performance design at an affordable price Just slightly lush with a well developed midrange, the Carmen MKIIis surprisingly pleasing and will seduce you into late listening sessions. The stylus used is a part of what makes it special; an ultralow

CARMEN MKII

Our Carmen design resolves high performance at an affordable price. A dramatic deep and wide soundstage, and ultra trackability.

The Carmen MKII was created out of the desire to make a very high performance design at an affordable price... Just slightly lush with a well developed midrange, the Carmen MKIIis surprisingly pleasing and will seduce you into late listening sessions. The stylus used is a part of what makes it special; an ultralow mass cut and polished into a true Hyper-Elliptical shape. The combination of low tip mass and the Moving Iron gives the Carmen MKII a tremendous resolution advantage over MC designs selling for more than twice the price. Housed in our new ES DEMS body design, the Carmen MKII delivers.

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: 45676913153

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.4 ★★★★★
Based on 1747 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
N
Verified Purchase
Nick
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Great quality and fast shipping
Size: Medium, Color: (001) Black / Black / Castlerock
These socks are tight but after the first wash and dry , they fit perfect and NEVER slide off , ordered a second pack
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2026
B
Verified Purchase
Bargain Rig
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable, Durable, and Stylish
Perfect gift choice! Excellent quality socks with a variety of colors to match any wardrobe.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2025
A
Verified Purchase
Aaron Braumann
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Finally found a good set again.
Size: X-Large, Color: (001) Black / Black / Castlerock
I’m picky on socks, any they always have to be Under Amour. These are top notch, super padded but also temperature regulating, feet don’t sweat when wearing, and I can tell in the winter they’ll stay the right temperature. They also fit great. Purchasing more.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Ash
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Best Quality Socks & Great Thickness Plus Comfort
Size: Medium, Color: (001) Black / Black / Castlerock
I love these. They do not slip away from foot. The value for a good pack of socks was worth it. Has a good thick quality. They look clean and nice. Their stretch is good to get on and then molds to foot. Have noticed these socks have changed two times since buying. First they were slightly lighter color gray- then a darker gray but both had good quality and thickness. I am sure these are very durable but unfortunately I can not speak fully to this as the horrible steel toe shoes I have to wear rip everything apart. But if I had good shoes and everyday use of these I know they would stay good for so much longer than 6months.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2025
B
Verified Purchase
Benjamin Butler
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Best socks ever
Size: Large, Color: (100) White / White / Mod Gray
Best athletic socks I’ve bought. I usually buy UA socks anyway and these are the best. Super soft and comfy. Fit snug and my feet don’t slide around in them.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2026

recommand products