Bronze (Br) Series
For the ultimate experience, the Bronze (Br) alloy cartridge stands 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.
Standard tonewood inserts may differ from the actual picture (shown: Beeswax patinated cocobolo)
Each patina is an artwork, so each piece is unique and will slightly differ from this picture
Bronze's sonic signature...
To best compliment the way the Audio MusiKraft Nitro motors are designed, our latest research showed that the ideal metal shell environment to work with was a bronze alloy.
As usual, our primary objective was to provide optimal musical playback. In general, we believe bronze is quite favorable for high-performing audio component construction when introduced in strategic places. Here are two key reasons why we have chosen this mythic alloy in search of specific sonics. One, for its heavier mass, to better control the arm resonances as well as stimulate the cartridge’s moving coil suspension, and secondly, by providing to the motor the best acoustically sound structure in reference to the proper alloy composition; i.e. copper, lead and tin which are low resonant materials. These supple materials dampen the ringing transmitted back to the generator usually associated with metals and which would translate into distortion. It turns out that bronze is regarded as a durable and ageless material which last millenniums which therefore represents in some way our strong and unique recyclable feature.
In every aspect, our quest for ultimate performance has proven us right.
Requirements
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).
- The Bronze (Br) Nitro cartridges require a tonearm able to counterbalance 21g.
Which Nitro Motor to Choose…
Audio MusiKraft offers two distinct cartridge motors: Nitro 1 and Nitro 2.
Mechanically, both motors closely resemble each other. To help distinguish them the external finish on the Nitro 2 is gold plated. The main difference stems from the Nitro 2 possessing a higher degree of copper wire purity resulting in a more faithful reproduction. Electrically; the Nitro 2 has a lower DC resistance so the recommended load is slightly different from each other and the Nitro 2 is slightly lower in output voltage than the Nitro 1.
Essentially the Nitro 1 is pleasing to listen to, it provides vivid sound which translates to a more «forefront» presentation. It offers more midrange bloom and it confers more presence than the Nitro 2.
The listener looking for a more neutral and precise reproduction will prefer the Nitro 2 version. Subjectively, this one has a flatter frequency response in its entire passband. It has slightly better and refined timbre than the Nitro 1, especially notable in the mid-range portion; thanks to the use of 6N pure copper wire. Its lower moving coil equipment mass ensures quicker transients.
The Cartridge Kit Includes
- Either one of the two (2) distinct motors: Nitro 1 or Nitro 2;
- Offered in a hand-polished mirror finish, 14k gold plated;
- Three (3) pre-selected tonewoods. We have chosen clear lacquered maple, beeswax patinated torrefied pine, and eco-oiled ipe as the optimal woods for you to cover a large musical and sonic spectrum.
- One damping oil vial, a complete tool kit and various screws for a trouble-free installation.
- A red stained baltic plywood jewel box.
Actual tonewoods included: Clear lacquered maple, beeswax patinated torrefied pine, and eco-oiled ipé.
Wood color and grain may differ from the actual picture.
Reviews
- Matej Isak, Mono & Stereo, June 2020
- Art Dudley, Stereophile, October 2019, Listening #202
- Laurent Thorin, Vumètre, mai 2019, Musikraft
Awards
Granted: Class “A”
Technical Specifications
Series
Bronze (Br)
Motor model:
Nitro 1
Nitro 2
Shell Specifications
Alloy material:
bronze
Protective layer:
14k gold
Finish:
mirror / hand-polished
Color:
gold
Shell weight (nude):
13.1g
Headshell mount:
per EIA Standards, 1/2″
Shell cover threads:
10 – M2.5 x 0.45 (5 overhang positions)
Cover depth clearance:
2.2mm (max. screw length)
Tone wood inserts (3 species incl.):
Clear lacquered maple, beeswax patinated torrefied pine, and eco-oiled ipé
Cartridge Specifications
Generating system:
LOMC (low output moving coil)
Channel:
2, stereo
Cartridge size (LxWxH):
28.5 x 18.0 x 17.7mm
Cartridge weight (with wood inserts):
20.6g – 21.1g
Coil conductor:
copper
6N pure copper
Diamond
Stylus shape:
conical
Tracking tip size:
0.65 mil
Cantilever:
light alloy
Measurements
Playback frequency response:
20-45,000 Hz
Channel separation (1 kHz):
> 25 dB
Channel sensitivity difference (1 kHz):
< 1 dB
Output voltage (1 kHz, 50mm/sec.):
0.35 mV
0.30 mV
Stylus pressure (vertical tracking force):
2.5 ±0.3 g
Compliance (on disc):
5 x 10-6 cm/dyne
Electrical impedance (1 kHz):
40Ω ± 20 %
14Ω ± 20 %
Recommended load resistance:
100Ω min. (40 Ω min. SUT)
100Ω min. (14Ω min. SUT)
Warranty: One (1) year against manufacturer defect in materials and craftsmanship. The warranty does not cover any damage by the owner. For eligibility, the cartridge must return to the manufacturer for inspection and approval. Please handle your cartridge carefully. Refer to Terms and Conditions for additional pieces of information.
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