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High Fidelity Audio

CAR-30

KUZMA · CAR

CAR-30

A precise moving coil cartridge featuring a microridge stylus and boron cantilever.

The Kuzma CAR-30 is an expertly engineered moving coil cartridge that sits at the heart of the Kuzma analogue range. By pairing a high-precision microridge diamond tip with a lightweight, rigid boron cantilever, it ensures maximum detail retrieval while maintaining structural integrity at the stylus tip. This combination allows for a remarkably clean and accurate extraction of musical information from the record groove. The cartridge body is constructed from a precisely machined combination of brass and aluminium, creating an inert platform for the signal generator. This design philosophy directly mirrors Kuzma's approach to their high-end turntables, where the elimination of resonance and vibration is paramount. By suppressing internal reflections and mechanical colorations, the CAR-30 allows the full character of the recording to emerge with clarity. Sonically, the CAR-30 is characterised by its composure and even-handedness. It offers an extended frequency response and tight, tuneful bass, avoiding the common pitfalls of overly clinical or overtly warm sound profiles. It is a versatile performer, well-suited to demanding listeners who require a stable, transparent, and rhythmically engaging window into their vinyl collection.

Key Features

01

Microridge stylus

Provides superior contact area within the groove for precise high-frequency tracking and reduced distortion.

02

Boron cantilever

Offers an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio, ensuring accurate transient response and high-frequency stability.

03

Rigid brass and aluminium housing

Creates an inert, low-resonance environment that isolates the generator from harmful mechanical energy.

04

5N copper coils

Utilises high-purity conductor material to maintain signal integrity and ensure a transparent sound profile.

Chapter 01

Design & Philosophy

The CAR-30 was developed to be the optimal bridge between precision tracking and musical naturalism. By focusing on mechanical grounding through a multi-material body, the cartridge ensures that the generator remains isolated from the external vibrations that typically cloud the delicate low-level signal of a moving coil design.

Chapter 02

Build & Materials

Kuzma cartridges are produced by specialists with over 50 years of experience, ensuring that every unit meets exacting tolerances. The use of a boron cantilever is a deliberate choice for its sonic neutrality, while the brass and aluminium chassis provides the physical mass required for compatibility with high-performance tonearms.

Chapter 03

Sonic Signature

Listeners can expect a presentation that is both lucid and dynamic. The CAR-30 avoids the artificial sparkle found in some competitors, preferring a smooth, coherent midband and an expansive soundstage that accurately reflects the original recording space.

Specifications

TypeMoving Coil
Frequency response10 Hz – 35 kHz
Sensitivity0.3 mV (3.54 cm/s at 1 kHz)
Impedance4 Ω
Weight17 g
Coil wire5N Copper
Cantilever MaterialBoron
StylusMicroridge
Channel Balance (1 kHz) <1 db
Channel Separation (1 kHz) >25 db
Tracking Force 2.0 gr
Compliance 10 x 10-6 cm/dyne
Trackability>70 μm/2.0 gr
Load Impedance <100 Ω