LOMC (low output moving coil) phono cartridges
Nitro
Why the name Nitro? Well for starters it’s related to the improved
motors and the shell shape. Secondly, we wanted to add some “Oomph” to better describe what we were seeking and what we were hearing. These are a few resulting key attributes that best reflect the series name: lively, spontaneous, impactful, realistic, tone right, vibrant, musical, and dare we say, downright impressive.
Since the beginning in 2017 we have demonstrated through many excellent reviews that our design is very unique and figures among the best ranking. Always striving to go further, today with the Nitro Series we are offering what we believe is the best of the best at very competitive pricing.
Beyond the stylus and the cantilever quality, the magnetic field is one of the fundamental properties of the physical cartridge environment. While searching for improvement, our experience shows that upgrading to exotic cantilevers and diamonds does not necessarily emerge to winning results; we were losing some of the cartridge’s intrinsic virtues to faithfully reproduce musicality. We further shifted our research to investigate the magnetic field which we believe is overlooked. To attain the best sound, our improved motors use an amalgam magnet core composition, and we precisely control how the array interacts within the generator’s critical gap. Most of our studies are based on rigorous trial and error and A/B listening tests.
Considering their versatility, their modular power, and fully customizable aspect, these unique cartridges are a leap in the industry as now cartridge voicing and its optimization are attainable on the field. All cartridges come in a versatile kit form that can be fully customized to your musical and/or visual preference. We supply standard and customized parts to original MusiKraft owners through our Fidelity Program.
The use of a Nitro cartridge requires at least three things:
- Medium to high mass tonearm to match these low compliance cartridges (i.e. 10g and more).
- System ready for low output MC cartridges or either using a head amp or a step-up transformer (SUT).
- Tonearm able to counter-balance 11 to 21g depending on the alloy series (refer below).
- Fully modular design to interchange between motor, shell, and wood at your will
- Tonality and resonance controllable system
- Three (3) voicing fine-tuning micro setscrews
- Sharp perimeter edges for trouble-free cartridge installation and alignment
- Five (5) different geometric positions for overhang adjustment
- Straightforward to service: i.e. quick phono cartridge and wood insert installation (parts renewal or simply swapping)
- Wide front clearance for stylus ease of view
- Highly durable and recyclable cartridge and shell
- Very precisely machined (± 0.001″)
- Upgradable part options (motor, many wood species, finish and more)
- Almost infinite sonic tuning capability.
We recommend the Aluminum (Al) series cartridge as a versatile and highly competitive candidate and one that provides excellent performance in a wide variety of contexts. Its sonic signature is lively, dynamic and provides fine focus and attack; you can literally map the soundstage.
The (Al) Nitro cartridges require a tonearm able to counterbalance 12g.
Standard tonewood inserts may differ from the actual picture (shown: patinated jatoba)
The Lithium (Li) series cartridge is for those seeking a more intimate presentation of the musicians while the core and timbres of the instruments are better perceived. The high frequencies in the Lithium (Li) are silkier and are not unlike going from a metallic dome tweeter to a silk one in a loudspeaker. The mid-band is more laid back, damped and relaxed. The bass is a rounder. compared to the Aluminum (Al) version. A Lithium (Li) cartridge sounds warmer and pleasing. The copper content in this alloy provides a well-balanced damping effect that gives this warmer and silkier result.
The (Li) Nitro cartridges require a tonearm able to counterbalance 12g.
Standard tonewood inserts may differ from the actual picture (shown: eco-oiled ipé)
The Magnesium (Mg) series is for the audiophile wanting maximum transparency with neutral sound. It is the most analytical of the four alloys. The Magnesium (Mg) tends towards an immersive headphone-like 3D effect, delivering a lot of the micro-information that is contained in the vinyl grooves, with an excellent left to right soundstage nuance. Given its mechanical properties, it delivers a shorter decay time. It restores the textures and provides a harmonious tonal balance with a less weighty presentation than the other alloys.
The (Mg) Nitro cartridges require a tonearm able to counterbalance 11g.
Standard tonewood inserts may differ from the actual picture (shown: black cherry)
For the ultimate experience, the Bronze (Br) and the Bronze (Br) Collectors series cartridge stand out by the lower octaves’ extended bandwidth. The soundstage foundation is more entrenched. It has a more significant footprint than other metals in upper-bass and lower-midrange tonal levels. One can feel the veracity, the syncopated rhythm and the presence of the midrange’s fundamental notes. The background is noiseless and dark which permits to restore every subtlety. Given its smoother effect on the high-medium and treble, listening with the Bronze (Br) steers the listener in a more passive, less cerebral direction, yet maintaining the right mix of details which results from it playing with grace.
The (Br) Nitro cartridges require a tonearm able to counterbalance 21g.
Standard tonewood inserts may differ from the actual picture (shown: cocobolo)
We supply parts to original MusiKraft cartridge owners through our Fidelity Program and allow beneficial discounts through it.
For the full listing of motors, tonewood inserts, and various accessories, please consult our web store.
For special request or customized parts, contact us directly.