PurpleHeart N.S. vs ZYX UNIverse X
The UNIverse X's compliance is 15 cu against the PurpleHeart N.S.'s 16 cu, its output 0.2 mV against 0.5 mV, its tracking force 2.5 g against 2.4 g, and its cartridge type MC against MM.
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Kiseki PurpleHeart N.S. moving-coil phono cartridge is crafted with a 30 mm long body made from PurpleHeart wood, known for its hardness and unique purple hue under daylight. It features a solid boron cantilever with a 0.3 mm diameter and a 0.12 x 0.12 nude line-contact diamond stylus that is mirror polished, with a stylus tip radius of 4 x 120 µm. The coil body is made of pure iron, contributing to its sonic characteristics. Weighing 7 grams, it offers an output voltage of 0.48 mV at 5 cm/s and an internal impedance of 42 ohms. The frequency response ranges from 20 Hz to 30,000 Hz ±1 dB, with excellent channel balance of 0.2 dB and channel separation of 35 dB at 1 kHz. It has a dynamic compliance of 16 µm/mN and a tracking ability of 80 µm at 315 Hz with a tracking force of 2.6 grams. Recommended tracking force is between 2.0 and 2.6 grams, with an optimum tracking force of 2.4 grams. The cartridge requires a recommended loading of 400 ohms and is best used with medium tonearm mass. A break-in period of 50 to 100 hours is advised for optimal performance. The Kiseki PurpleHeart N.S. is highly regarded for its revealing yet musical sound, combining delicate micro-dynamics with powerful bass and precise frequency response, making it a reference-level cartridge for audiophiles.
Phono cartridge specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the PurpleHeart N.S. in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The UNIverse X's compliance is 15 cu against the PurpleHeart N.S.'s 16 cu, its output 0.2 mV against 0.5 mV, its tracking force 2.5 g against 2.4 g, and its cartridge type MC against MM.
The Classic's output is 0.4 mV against the PurpleHeart N.S.'s 0.5 mV and its compliance 12 cu against 16 cu. Both share tracking force (2.4 g) and cartridge type (MM).
The Eminent EX's output is 0.4 mV against the PurpleHeart N.S.'s 0.5 mV, its compliance 10 cu against 16 cu, its tracking force 2.0 g against 2.4 g, and its channel separation 30 dB against 35 dB.
The JSD 5's output is 1.1 mV against the PurpleHeart N.S.'s 0.5 mV, its compliance 12 cu against 16 cu, and its cartridge type MC against MM. Both share tracking force (2.4 g).
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