Michell Cusis S Reference Moving Coil Cartridge

Product Description

The Michell Cusis S is a reference moving coil phono cartridge engineered to reveal greater detail, tonal accuracy and musical expression from vinyl records. Featuring a precision Shibata stylus, rigid boron cantilever and carefully optimized moving coil generator, the Cusis S delivers extended frequency response and precise groove tracking for high-performance analog audio systems.

At the heart of the cartridge is a samarium-cobalt magnet combined with pure iron to establish a stable magnetic field. Ultra-fine copper coils, a specially developed damping system and a resonance-controlled body work together to preserve the delicate musical information retrieved by the stylus.

With a frequency response extending to 35kHz and a 0.4mV output, the Cusis S is designed for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking the resolution and musical refinement of a high-quality low-output moving coil cartridge.

Shibata Stylus for Detailed Groove Retrieval

The Cusis S features a precision Shibata stylus, a sophisticated line-contact profile designed to maintain close contact with the intricate modulations of a vinyl record groove.

Its extended contact area allows the stylus to retrieve fine musical information while tracking complex passages with precision. Compared with simpler stylus geometries, the Shibata profile is designed to provide greater access to high-frequency information recorded within the groove.

Paired with the cartridge's boron cantilever, this stylus assembly supports detailed reproduction of vocals, instruments and spatial information.

Rigid Boron Cantilever

A boron cantilever provides the Cusis S with a lightweight, rigid connection between the stylus and moving coil generator.

Boron's combination of low mass and high stiffness allows the cantilever to transmit rapid stylus movements with minimal unwanted flex. This is particularly important when reproducing demanding musical passages containing complex high-frequency information and fast transients.

The result is a stylus assembly engineered for accurate tracking, extended frequency response and detailed musical reproduction.

Precision Moving Coil Generator

Michell uses a samarium-cobalt magnet combined with pure iron to create the stable magnetic field at the center of the Cusis S.

The cartridge's coils are precision-wound using ultra-fine, 30-micron pure copper wire and mounted on a lightweight armature. This construction is designed to respond accurately to the minute movements generated as the stylus traces the record groove.

The Cusis S produces a 0.4mV output and has a specified internal impedance of 4.5 ohms. Michell recommends a 100-ohm load, making the cartridge suitable for appropriately configured moving coil phono preamplifiers.

Engineered Damping and Resonance Control

Mechanical resonance can introduce unwanted coloration and interfere with the delicate signals generated during vinyl playback.

To address this, Michell mounts the cartridge's lightweight armature on a specially designed damper that supports the stylus assembly during groove tracking.

A substantial aluminum chassis provides a rigid foundation for the internal components, while the high-density acetal body is shaped to help control unwanted vibration and resonance.

These elements work together to support the cartridge's neutral tonal balance, low-frequency definition and ability to resolve subtle musical details.

Designed for High-Performance Analog Systems

The Cusis S is intended for listeners building or upgrading a serious vinyl playback system. Its Shibata stylus, boron cantilever and low-output moving coil design make it particularly suitable for a precision tonearm paired with a dedicated MC phono stage.

Correct cartridge alignment, tracking force and phono stage loading are important to realizing its performance potential. Michell specifies a tracking force of 2.0 grams and a recommended load of 100 ohms.

Technical Specifications

Experience Michell Audio at The Grid HiFi

Discover the Michell Cusis S moving coil cartridge at The Grid HiFi in Houston, Texas. Our team specializes in high-end turntables, precision tonearms, phono cartridges and reference two-channel audio systems.

Whether you're upgrading an existing turntable or configuring a new Michell analog system, we can help you select a compatible tonearm and moving coil phono preamplifier, with attention to cartridge alignment, tracking force and proper system matching.