
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
