LS10 MKII Cartridge
Original price was: 1,260 $.990 $Current price is: 990 $.
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Level Up Your System
with the LS10 MKII
Immediate Sound Upgrade
Experience the ultimate in audio fidelity with the LS10 MKII. Engineered for high-end performance, this moving coil design delivers every note with clarity and depth, from commanding bass to intricate harmonics.
With this cartridge, embark for a sound experience that fills the room and stirs the soul.
Effortless Installation
The LS10 MKII comes with a pre-threaded cartridge body and straight sides, enabling a quick and straightforward installation.
Effortlessly return to what matters most – immersing yourself in your music, now enriched with finer details.
Expert Support Included
Achieve perfect integration in your system with our dedicated online support.
We help you through every step to ensure your setup is optimized for peak performance.
Risk-Free Trial
We understand that choosing a high-end cartridge is a significant decision. This is why we offer a 60 days money-back guarantee.
Try the LS10 MKII risk-free, and hear the difference it makes in your system.
” Can you buy a truly world-class moving coil cartridge for only $1260?
The superb Le Son LS10 MKII proves than you can. “
M. L. Gneier – TNT-Audio USA
” The music has an airiness similar to a live experience.
The moment the needle drops into the groove, we can ‘see’ the room with our ears. “
Yung Lie – Alpha Audio
” I now have three categories:
cartridges that play records, cartridges that make music and cartridges that make magic.
And what I’m hearing now is magical. “
Nels Ferre – Needles & Grooves
” In a word? Enchanting.
It is detailed and resolving, yet sounds natural and free, doing everything effortlessly. “
Christian Pruks – Audio Video Magazine
IMMEDIATE SOUND UPGRADE
ECC SYSTEM GENERATOR
The LS10 MKII is equipped with our innovative Eddy Current Cancellation (ECC) design, a technological breakthrough that significantly enhances the cartridge’s performance. By effectively neutralizing Eddy Current forces, the ECC system boosts the cartridge’s output, ensuring a purer, more dynamic sound.
This enhancement is not just technical; it’s audible. You will immediately notice a richer sonic experience, characterized by authoritative bass and beautifully extended harmonics. The LS10 MKII doesn’t just play music; it breathes life into every note.
BORON NITRIDE CANTILEVER
The LS10 MKII features a Boron Nitride Cantilever, a material chosen for its impressive mechanical qualities.
In comparison to Boron Carbide commonly used in high-end cartridges, Boron Nitride offers a notable advantage with its lower density:
Density (g/cm3)
This advanced material, along with the tailored design of the LS10 MKII cantilever, effectively reduces the cartridge’s moving mass. The result is a remarkable increase in the accuracy and speed of vibration transmission.
For you, this means experiencing your music with unparalleled clarity — every transient and micro-detail is captured with exquisite precision, unlocking a new realm of audio fidelity.
SHIBATA STYLUS
The LS10 MKII is equipped with a Shibata variant stylus, a design that holds a special place in the history of audio technology. Patented by Victor Company of Japan (JVC) in 1973 and developed by Mr. Shibata, this stylus shape was initially created to accurately track the high-frequency information on quadraphonic records, supporting frequencies up to 45 kHz, without causing premature wear.
To understand its advantages, consider the difference between a traditional elliptical stylus and the Shibata:
Point Contact vs Line Contact: The Shibata stylus offers a line contact with record grooves, as opposed to the point contact of an elliptical stylus.
This design variant provides two key benefits for the LS10 MKII:
1. Optimized Tracking Ability: The Shibata stylus excels in tracking, capturing every micro-detail in the music with precision.
2. Reduced Record Wear: Applying a vertical tracking force of only 1.9 grams over a larger area in the record grooves, the Shibata stylus not only lasts longer but also helps in preserving the integrity of your valuable vinyl records.
These features make the LS10 MKII not just a tool for exceptional audio playback, but also a means to extend the life of your cherished record collection.
MEET THE WIZARD
Dr. Ted Tsai, the visionary behind the LS10 MKII, is a figure synonymous with innovation in the world of high-fidelity audio. Deeply engrossed in his research lab, Dr. Tsai’s relentless pursuit of excellence led to a significant breakthrough following the successful launch of the LS10 MC cartridge in 2018.
His focus? Tackling the intricate challenge of Eddy Current forces in moving coil phono cartridges.
Understanding Eddy Currents in Audio Technology
Eddy Currents are electric currents circulating in conductors like eddies in the oceans.
Image: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio
These currents are induced by changing magnetic fields and flow in loops perpendicular to the magnetic field. In moving coil cartridges, these currents are generated as the conductor moves through the magnetic field.
The Impact of Eddy Currents on Sound Quality
Eddy Currents create their own magnetic fields, which, according to Lenz’s Law, oppose the initial magnetic field change. This reaction can adversely affect the movements of the cartridge’s cantilever, impacting the overall sound quality.
Dr. Tsai’s Solution: Eddy Current Cancellation
To mitigate these effects, Dr. Tsai innovated beyond traditional methods like laminating the core or using nonconductive materials for the cantilever.
His groundbreaking solution? A unique generator design where Eddy Current forces are ingeniously aligned to neutralize each other. This system, incorporating a cross coil design, is what we now know as ECC (Eddy Current Cancellation). A debut feature in the LS10 MKII, the ECC represents a leap forward in cartridge technology.
EFFORTLESS INSTALLATION
We understand that setting up your audio equipment should be as straightforward as possible. This is why the LS10 MKII features a pre-threaded cartridge body, simplifying installation to a quick, two-bolt process without the need for additional nuts.
The cartridge’s design, with its straight sides, further aids in hassle-free alignment, ensuring a perfect fit on your turntable.
This user-friendly approach means you spend less time setting up and more time immersed in the sound of your record collection.
EXPERT SUPPORT INCLUDED
We believe that exceptional audio experiences go beyond just the product; they include the support you receive. This is why, with every LS10 MKII cartridge, we offer dedicated online support to ensure seamless integration into your audio system. Our customer support covers:
Guided Installation: Step-by-step assistance in installing and aligning the cartridge on your headshell.
Personalized Setup Recommendations: Expert advice on setting the optimal Vertical Tracking Force (VTF), Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA), and Antiskating for your tonearm.
Phono Preamplifier Configuration: Guidance in configuring your phono preamplifier loading for optimal performance.
With these support offerings, you can rest assured that your LS10 MKII will be perfectly attuned to your system, delivering the best possible sound experience right from the start.
RISK-FREE TRIAL
We are committed to ensuring that you are completely satisfied with your LS10 MKII cartridge. This is why we offer a 60 days money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to experience the cartridge in your own system.
This period allows you to fully appreciate the difference the LS10 MKII makes and ensures it is the perfect fit for your system. For more information on the return process, please refer to section 5 of our General Terms & Conditions.
Our goal is to provide you with peace of mind and the assurance of a risk-free trial.
LS10 MKII SPECIFICATIONS
PHYSICAL
- Cartridge Type: Moving Coil (Stereo)
- Body: Aluminum & Carbon Fiber Socket, Ebony Wood Casing
- Stylus: Diamond, Shibata V Shape
- Cantilever: Boron Nitride Ceramic Rod
- Coils: 6N Copper
- Weight: 7.9 grams
ELECTRICAL
- Output Voltage: 0.40mV at 5cm/s
- Internal Impedance: 6.8 ohms
- Frequency Response: 15 – 45,000 Hz
- Channel Separation: Better than 30dB at 1kHz
- Channel Balance: Better than 0.5dB
DYNAMIC
- Tracking ability: 80μm at 315Hz with 2g Tracking Force
- Dynamic Compliance: 15μm/mN at 10 Hz
SETUP
- Recommended Loading: 75 ohms minimum
- Recommended Vertical Tracking Force (VTF): 1.7 – 2.1 grams
- Reference Vertical Tracking Force (VTF): 1.9 grams
- Recommended Tone Arm Mass: Medium
- Run-in Period: 30 hours
ACCESSORIES
- 1 x Stylus Brush
- 1 x Hexagonal Screwdriver
- 1 x Stylus Guard
- 2 x Short Mounting Screws & Washers
- 2 x Medium Mounting Screws & Washers
- 2 x Long Mounting Screws & Washers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Where can I read reviews of the LS10 MKII Cartridge?
- Is there a warranty for the LS10 MKII MC Cartridge?
- With which turntables or tonearms can I use the LS10 MKII MC Cartridge?
- What is the stylus lifespan of the LS10 MKII MC Cartridge?
- Can the LS10 MKII Cartridge be retipped?
- What is the recommended phono preamplifier gain for the LS10 MKII MC Cartridge?
- Can I purchase a demo LS10 MKII Cartridge at a discount?
You can explore reviews of the LS10 MKII Cartridge through several sources.
M.L. Gneier’s insights are available on TNT-Audio HERE, while Nels Ferre has shared his thoughts on Needles & Grooves HERE.
Marek Dyba also performed a full review of the cartridge on HiFi Knights HERE.
Additionally, customer feedback can be found on the Trustpilot page dedicated to the LS10 MKII HERE.
These reviews provide diverse perspectives on its performance and quality.
We stand behind the quality and performance of the LS10 MKII, and to demonstrate our commitment, we offer a comprehensive 2-year warranty. This warranty begins from the moment you receive your package, ensuring you are covered from the very start.
For complete details and conditions of the warranty, we invite you to review our General Terms & Conditions. Our aim is to provide you with not just an exceptional product, but also the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investment is protected.
Every turntable setup has its unique characteristics, and understanding these is crucial for achieving the best sound. The interaction between the cartridge and tonearm creates a specific resonance frequency, shaped by two main factors: the ‘springiness’ of the cartridge, known as compliance, and the effective weight of the tonearm.
In an ideal setup, this resonant frequency should fall between 8Hz and 11Hz to ensure optimal performance. The LS10 MKII MC Cartridge, with its compliance of 15μm/mN, is designed to pair seamlessly with medium mass tonearms, which are commonly found in most turntables. Not sure if your turntable fits this category? Don’t worry. Our team is here to assist you. Contact us, and we’ll help verify the compatibility of your setup, ensuring that the LS10 MKII integrates flawlessly with your system.
As the most celebrated member of the ‘line contact’ stylus family, the nude Shibata V stylus of the LS10 MKII stands out for its superior design and durability. Unlike the more common stylus shapes like spherical, conical, or elliptical, the Shibata’s vertical tracking force (VTF) is distributed over a wider area, reducing wear and prolonging its lifespan.
Furthermore, the LS10 MKII MC Cartridge is engineered with a low VTF of just 1.9g. This gentle approach minimizes the pressure exerted on both the record and the stylus, enhancing the longevity of your record collection and the stylus itself. On average, the stylus of the LS10 MKII MC Cartridge offers a lifespan ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 hours of playback. To put it into perspective, if you enjoy your records for about two hours every day, the LS10 MKII stylus can serve you well for approximately two years.
We understand that over time, even the highest quality stylus may require retipping. That’s why we offer a retipping service for the LS10 MKII, ensuring your cartridge continues to deliver exceptional audio quality.
When you feel it’s time for a retipping, simply reach out to us. We will provide you with all the necessary information and guide you through the process, making it as smooth and straightforward as possible. Our goal is to ensure your LS10 MKII remains a vital part of your audio setup for years to come.
The LS10 MKII standard retipping service, priced at 390USD including shipping and customs duties, provides a new cantilever and stylus assembly, with a commitment to complete the work within 7 business days from receiving the cartridge.
Achieving the best signal-to-noise ratio in your audio system is key for pristine sound quality. To ensure this, it’s important to match the gain of your phono preamplifier with the output level of your phono cartridge.
The LS10 MKII, with its output of 0.4mV at 5cm/s, pairs best with a phono preamplifier set between 56dB and 65dB gain. Adjusting your preamplifier to these settings will optimize the performance of the LS10 MKII, allowing you to enjoy your music with the clarity and depth it deserves.
Absolutely!
We frequently have cartridges with minimal usage that are available for purchase at a discounted rate.
Please reach out to us through the CONTACT page, and we will be happy to discuss the options available to you.
If there is anything else you would like to know or if you need further assistance, feel free to CONTACT US.
Our team is dedicated to providing you with timely and helpful responses, usually within 24 hours.
