420STR

About the 420STR

The Acutex 420STR is a high-quality moving magnet phono cartridge from Acutex, a brand known for audiophile-grade cartridges. It features a low-mass tri-radial stylus design and is praised for its detailed yet smooth sound reproduction, with a deeper bass response and less harsh treble compared to similar cartridges like the Audio Technica AT90E. The 420STR is considered a top-tier model in the Acutex LPM series and is no longer manufactured, making it a sought-after vintage cartridge. It is noted for a sound quality that some describe as akin to a 4th or 5th generation copy of a master tape, with some loss of very small nuances but overall vivid clarity. Replacement styli are rare and the cartridge is typically found on the used market. It has a reputation for being in the top 15 cartridges by some enthusiasts and is valued for its musicality and resolution.