Otello vs Carmen mkII
The Carmen mkII's tracking force is 1.4 g against the Otello's 1.5 g and its channel separation 26 dB against 24 dB. Both share output (2.1 mV) and compliance (22 cu).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
Otello
SoundsmithAnalogCartridges
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$400 - $600
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the Otello
The Soundsmith Otello cartridge is an entry-level yet high-performance phono cartridge. It is built by hand and provides a balance of resolution and tone, making it suitable for any type of music. The cartridge features an elliptical titanium bonded stylus with a radius of curvature of 6 x 17 µm and an aluminum alloy cantilever. It has a medium compliance of 22 µm/mN, with options for high compliance available by special order. The recommended tracking force is between 1.3 and 1.6 grams for medium compliance and 1.0 to 1.2 grams for high compliance. The cartridge outputs a high voltage of over 2.12 mV at 5 cm/sec, making it suitable for use with most MM phono preamps. It requires a suggested preamp gain of 38 to 44 dB and a load resistance of at least 47 kΩ. The Otello ES series weighs 9.20 grams.
Specifications
Cartridge
Phono cartridge specifications
- Cartridge Type
- HOMC
- Output Voltage
- 2.1 mV
- Tracking Force
- 1.5 g
- Stylus Type
- elliptical
- Stylus Size
- 0.2 µm
- Compliance
- 22 cu
- Channel Separation
- 24 dB
- Impedance
- 680Ω
- Inductance
- 190 mH
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions