The Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star (also styled “Zephyr MIMC ☆”) is a low-output, fixed-coil / moving-iron cartridge designed for MC-preamp users who want high-end performance without going to ultra-premium price. It blends technology and materials from Soundsmith’s higher-end designs (like the Sussurro) to deliver rich detail, good dynamics, and even frequency balance. Because it’s “MIMC” (Moving Iron for Moving Coil preamps), it gives much of the sound of a good MC but with some different mechanical advantages.

-Fixed-coil / moving-iron design, meaning lighter moving mass and less strain compared to traditional MC coils.
-Nude “Contact Line” diamond stylus of low mass for high resolution and better groove contact.
-Laser-drilled sapphire cantilever which gives precision and rigidity.
-Low compliance (~10 µm/mN) — good tracking when used with suitable tonearms.
-Designed with consideration for hum / ground loop reduction includes alumina (DEMS) inserts (silica/alumina rods) that help isolate the body from the headshell for electrical decoupling.
-Good channel separation, very balanced frequency response, detailed presentation with mixture of musical warmth and clarity.

Cartridge Type: - Fixed Coil / Moving Iron (MIMC: low output)
Output Voltage: - ~ 0.40 mV
Recommended Preamp Gain: - ~ 58-64 dB
Compliance: - 10 µm/mN (low compliance)
Frequency Response: - 15 – 45,000 Hz ±2.0 dB
Stylus: - Contact Line low-mass nude stylus
Cantilever: - Laser-drilled sapphire
Effective Tip Mass: - 0.32 mg
Tracking Force: - ~ 1.8 to 2.2 grams
Channel Separation > 28 dB @ 1000 Hz, >25 dB across 50-15,000 Hz
Channel Balance / Difference: - <1.0 dB stereo; <0.5 dB with dual mono and optimal VTF settings
DC Resistance (DCR): -≈ 10-11 Ω per channel
Load Impedance Recommended: - ≥ 470 ohms
Cartridge Weight: - 12.2 grams

Orders ship Sunday through Friday from our offices in Dubai, UAE.

In-stock products typically ship within 48 hours and should be expected to arrive in 3-4 business days. Orders outside of the UAE should be expected to arrive in 5-7 business days.

Pre-order and backorder products will state the approximate delivery timeline beside the Add To Cart button.

If you would like to place a custom order, chat with our specialists for a guided shopping experience. Once your order has been placed, a timeline will be provided depending on your order details.

- Free delivery within the UAE
- Shipping charges will be calculated upon checkout for orders outside of the UAE (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia & Qatar).
- Taxes and duties are calculated according to the applicable laws of the state or country an item is shipped to and are the customer's responsibility.

For additional information on shipping and our exchange & return policy visit our help center.

Installation charges are applicable and can be paid upon delivery for our clients based in Dubai.

- Installation Charges: AED 450 Per Hour
- Speaker Cables: AED 32 Per Meter
- Trunking: AED 10 Per Meter

For clients based outside of the UAE, please contact our specialists and we will share an estimate based on your requirements.