»The_BLACK_BEAUTY_-_The_Abs_Sound_Apr-May_2001.pdf
»The_BLACK_BEAUTY_SP-X_-_Hifi_News_Jul_2000.pdf
»The_BLACK_BEAUTY_-_Stereophile_May_1999.pdf
»The_BLACK_BEAUTY_-_Image_HiFi_Jan_1998.pdf
»The_BLACK_BEAUTY_-_Audio_10_1997.pdf
»The_BLACK_BEAUTY_-_Ultimate_Aud_Jul-Aug_1997.pdf
»The BLACK_+_WHITE_BEAUTY_-_Hoererlebnis_25.pdf
Our top model custom handbuilt phono cartridge, featuring matched crystal gold coils and 0.50 mV/channel output.
On special request medium and high output versions are available; (Their variations in other parameters are minor to those described here for the 0.50 mV/channel standard version).
The BLACK BEAUTY Special-X is a resolution improved version of the GRASSHOPPER IV GLA, which refinements were only possible to be created after having switched to the entirely metal free and extremely revealing The THIRD ® loudspeaker cable in Mr. van den Hul’s audio system.
The BLACK BEAUTY Special-X’s refined body is made of black PolyCarbonate with about the same construction as the GRASSHOPPER IV GLA.
The BLACK BEAUTY Special-X sets new sonic standards in analog reproduction.
Listening impressions are like being in the concert hall with a very precise projection of the instruments, the acoustics and even the conductor in space. The music as a whole sounds extremely realistic and very convincing with a lot of authority, especially in the bass and lower midrange; the high frequencies are very pure and extremely nice structured.
The differences with the GRASSHOPPER IV GLA are:
Body-headshell mount options:
All “BEAUTY” versions are available in a body with either two or four headshell screw mounting holes. For mounting in Graham arms choosing our 4 screw version is highly recommended!
Special customer demands/specifications:
Thanks to the many variations in materials available, it is always possible to build a unit to match the personal demands of the customer.
With these personalized cartridges the wooden container can mention the name of the customer it has been specially built for.
This option is exclusively available for The GRASSHOPPER III series, The GRASSHOPPER IV, The GRASSHOPPER “BEAUTY”, The CONDOR and The COLIBRI versions.
The customer demands/specifications that can be taken into account when building a personalized GRASSHOPPER III, IV, GRASSHOPPER “BEAUTY”, CONDOR or COLIBRI for instance are:
The tone-arm used, the preamp and load impedance used, a particular brand of records to be played, the type of music generally played (jazz being more dynamic and classical more spacious and detailed) and other personal/sound preferences.
Production time:
The production time for a BLACK BEAUTY Special-X cartridge after ordering is about two weeks. Please call your authorized distributor for delivery time.
Version: | a) Standard b) Medium Output c) High Output |
Stylus Replacement Available: | see (*1) |
Stylus Shape: | VDH - IS |
Stylus Radii: | 2 x 85 Micron |
Frequency Range: | 5 - 65.000 Hz |
Tracking Force: | 12 - 14 mN see (*3) |
Static Compliance: | 35 Micron/mN |
Tracking Ability at 15mN at 315Hz: | 70 Micron |
Output Voltage at 1 kHz at 5.7 cm/s eff.: | a) see (*4) b) 1.0 mV RMS c) 2.0 mV RMS |
Channel Unbalance: | < 0.5 dB |
Channel Separation at 1kHz / 10kHz: | a) > 33 / > 28 dB b) > 32 / > 28 dB c) > 32 / > 28 dB |
Equivalent Stylus Tip Mass: | 0.32 Milligram |
System Weight: | 8.5 Gram |
Vertical Tracking Angle : | 22 Degrees |
Optimum Load Capacitance: | see (*2) |
Recommended Load Impedance: | a) > 500 Ohm b) 47 kOhm c) 47 kOhm |
Recommended Eff Tone arm Mass: | 6 - 10 Gram |
Moving Coil Resistance per channel: | a) 16 Ohm b) 41 Ohm c) 96 Ohm |
Extra Info: | (*1): Stylus replacement and other services available on request (*2): Non critical (*3): Items produced before October '98: 13.5 - 16 mN (*4): Available in two varieties: - A more spatial sounding version with 0.50 mV/channel output for those who mostly play classical music. - A more dynamic sounding version with 0.65 mV/channel output for those who mostly play jazz and pop music. |