SKU: 45676913153

Soundsmith Carmen MKII Turntable Cartridge

Sale price$828.00 Regular price$920.00
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Description

Soundsmith Carmen MKII Turntable CartridgeCARMEN MKII Our Carmen design resolves high performance at an affordable price. A dramatic deep and wide soundstage, and ultra trackability. The Carmen MKII was created out of the desire to make a very high performance design at an affordable price Just slightly lush with a well developed midrange, the Carmen MKIIis surprisingly pleasing and will seduce you into late listening sessions. The stylus used is a part of what makes it special; an ultralow

CARMEN MKII

Our Carmen design resolves high performance at an affordable price. A dramatic deep and wide soundstage, and ultra trackability.

The Carmen MKII was created out of the desire to make a very high performance design at an affordable price... Just slightly lush with a well developed midrange, the Carmen MKIIis surprisingly pleasing and will seduce you into late listening sessions. The stylus used is a part of what makes it special; an ultralow mass cut and polished into a true Hyper-Elliptical shape. The combination of low tip mass and the Moving Iron gives the Carmen MKII a tremendous resolution advantage over MC designs selling for more than twice the price. Housed in our new ES DEMS body design, the Carmen MKII delivers.

New EM Series DEMS Design

What is DEMS??

“Sometimes you can judge a book by its cover.” – Peter Ledermann.

2018’s RMAF show was the official launch of Soundsmith’s new ES series of cartridges, where the attendees experienced the latest exploration into overlooked areas of cartridge design and solutions from Soundsmith.

The ES line features not only a dramatic new look, but is a significant evolution of the DEMS system design (Dynamic Energy Management System). The new Soundsmith ES cartridge designs are a significant advancement in cartridge performance due to their ability to direct internal vibrational forces without reflection and disperse them properly to the tone arm. The absence of reflections enables the stylus to stay in far greater statistical contact with the groove walls — a critically important technical refinement. Increased liquidity and reduced “grain,” without loss of detail are some of the immediately discernible advantages of Soundsmith’s new ES models.

The new line also features Azimuth adjustment built-in to each cartridge, as well as the option for electrical isolation for hum-prone systems. (see picture below)

Every cartridge in Soundsmith’s lineup will now feature our sleek new ES body design. The upgrade is far more than cosmetic; the new shape is a departure from the reflective and “boxy” design of many cartridges whose internal construction contribute to uncontrolled vibrational issues adversely affecting performance. Peter says, “Think of how singing in an open field compares with singing in a shower.” Soundsmith has always challenged conventions, looking deeper into nuances of cartridge design that dramatically affect immediate and long term performance. These have included extreme reductions of moving mass and the use of novel materials and designs. The new ES lineup is a continuation of that research and development.

ES Series Mounting

The new ES has some special mounting features that you need to be aware of.

Sometimes when mounting on a grounded metal arm, a cartridge will create hum due to a ground loop. If you experience some low level hum due to ground loop, you can now solve this issue by using the two half-round white rods which are to be placed and used in the OUTER slots, seen on the top of the cartridge. Place them flat side UP.

The rods are made of Alumina, and are insulating, thus allowing ground isolation for your cartridge without compromising the crucial mechanical energy transfer into the tone arm. This energy transfer is maintained due to the use of Alumina, which has the same properties as aluminum, but is non-conductive. Due to the novel body design of the ES cartridge, electrical isolation can still be maintained even though you may use metal screws.

On tone arms that do not allow azimuth adjustment, it is now possible to achieve this adjustment by way of the ES series by using the one full round alumina rod in the center slot only, alternately tightening and loosening the mounting screws by small amounts.

Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
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SKU: 45676913153

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Aimee C.
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 4
Perfect size and weight with compact size
Style: Rack with 3 Pairs (3, 5, and 8 Pound)
I purchased the Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights specifically for Pilates, and they’ve been a great addition to my routine. The size and weight are perfect for controlled movements, helping with muscle toning without feeling too bulky or awkward. The neoprene coating gives them a comfortable, non-slip grip, which is especially important during longer sessions or when your hands get a little sweaty. They feel secure and easy to hold through a full workout. I also like the shape—they don’t roll around on the floor, which makes transitions between exercises smoother and less frustrating. They’re compact enough to store easily but still feel durable and well-made. Overall, these are a simple, affordable, and effective option for Pilates or light strength training. I’d definitely recommend them for anyone looking to add a little resistance to their workouts without overcomplicating things.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
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J. saroukhan
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Well made , gym quality
Style: 10 Pound, Pair
Color is nice and bright . The weights grips are good they do not slip . Prices reflect quality
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2026
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Kim Wood
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Good purchase
Style: 3 Pound, Pair
These are just the right weight for me to start gaining muscle back in my arms, after a large weight loss. They are of good quality, they are covered in a nice rubber like coating that is soft to the touch. They are small enough that i can take them with me when I travel. My dog has got hold of them a couple times and played with them, and they held up just fine without any damage.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2026
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Ky Mogg
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Solid, grippy, and they don’t roll away!
Style: 10 Pound, Pair
I bought these because I’m finally trying to build a consistent home workout routine and didn't want to drop a fortune on name-brand weights. I’ve been using this 10lb pair for about a month now for everything from overhead presses to lunges, and honestly, they’re exactly what I was looking for. The Pros: • That Neoprene Grip: The coating is fantastic. Even when my hands get pretty sweaty halfway through a workout, I don’t feel like I’m going to drop them. It’s a much "softer" feel than cold metal or hard plastic. • The Hex Shape: This is a small detail that makes a huge difference. Since the ends are hexagonal, they don't roll across the floor when I set them down between sets. They also stay put if I’m using them for "renegade rows" or floor work. • Compact Size: They aren’t bulky. I can easily shove them under my bed or in the corner of the closet when I’m done. • No Weird Odor: I was worried they might smell like a tire factory (which happens with some rubber-coated weights), but these had almost no scent right out of the box. The Cons: • Handle Diameter: The handles are a little on the thicker side. I have medium-sized hands and it’s fine, but if you have very small hands, they might feel a bit chunky to wrap your fingers all the way around. • Color Scuffs: The navy blue looks great, but if you clank them together or drop them on concrete, the coating can scuff or show dust pretty easily. The Verdict: If you just need a reliable set of weights for HIIT, Pilates, or general strength training, these are a no-brainer. You're basically getting gym-quality equipment for a fraction of the price. I’ll probably be back for the 15lb set in a few months!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2026
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Lala
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
My Favorite Face Mask for Hydrated, Glowing Skin
Scent: Collagen, Size: 4 Count (Pack of 1)
I’ve tried a lot of face masks over the years, but the BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask has easily become my favorite. Every time I use it, my skin feels incredibly hydrated, smooth, and refreshed, and the results last much longer than I expected from a single mask treatment. One of the things I love most about this mask is how deeply moisturizing it is. After wearing it overnight, my skin looks noticeably plumper and feels soft and nourished. Instead of just giving a temporary boost, I’ve found that the healthy glow lasts well beyond the next day. In my experience, my skin maintained a radiant, hydrated appearance for nearly two weeks after use, which is something I haven’t experienced with many other masks. The hydrogel material feels comfortable on the skin and stays in place well throughout the night. When I remove it in the morning, my skin looks brighter, more refreshed, and noticeably more hydrated. I appreciate that this mask feels like a true self-care treatment rather than just another skincare step. Whether I’m preparing for a special event or simply giving my skin some extra attention, this is the mask I consistently reach for. The fact that it comes in a multi-pack makes it even better because I always like having one available when my skin needs a boost. Overall, this is one of the few skincare products that I continue to repurchase because I genuinely notice a difference. If you’re looking for a mask that delivers intense hydration, plumping benefits, and a beautiful long-lasting glow, I highly recommend giving this one a try.I’m
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026

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