Zephyr MIMC ☆ vs Zephyr MIMC Star ES
The Zephyr MIMC Star ES matches the Zephyr MIMC ☆ on output (0.4 mV), compliance (10 cu), tracking force (2.0 g), and channel separation (28 dB).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star is a low-output fixed-coil (moving-iron) phono cartridge designed for use with a moving-coil phono preamplifier. It features Soundsmith’s ES-series DEMS design, a laser-drilled sapphire cantilever, and a selected nude contact-line stylus. The cartridge includes built-in azimuth adjustment and is made in the USA. Soundsmith specifies a 0.4 mV output, 1.8–2.2 g tracking force, and a two-year warranty for the original owner. Current listed MSRP is $1,999.95.
Phono cartridge specifications
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 Zephyr MIMC ☆ 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 Zephyr MIMC Star ES matches the Zephyr MIMC ☆ on output (0.4 mV), compliance (10 cu), tracking force (2.0 g), and channel separation (28 dB).
The Reference SHO's compliance is 12 cu against the Zephyr MIMC ☆'s 10 cu, its output 2.5 mV against 0.4 mV, and its channel separation 30 dB against 28 dB. Both share tracking force (2.0 g).
The Zephyr III's output is 2.4 mV against the Zephyr MIMC ☆'s 0.4 mV. Both share tracking force (2.0 g), channel separation (28 dB), and cartridge type (HOMC).
The R50 Bloom VX's output is 0.2 mV against the Zephyr MIMC ☆'s 0.4 mV, its compliance 15 cu against 10 cu, and its channel separation 30 dB against 28 dB. Both share tracking force (2.0 g).
The specs and the pairings above are open to everyone. Sign up and you get the system builder, the assistant, a compatibility check against the gear you already own, and a watch on this product so a price or pairing change reaches you.
Sign up free