Archon

The Acoustical Systems Archon moving coil cartridge provides a sonic picture that is live-like and tantalizing in its openness, vital detail, and rich harmonic structure. A very natural, colorful sound – with an outstanding reproduction of human voices and the most realistic timbre. Opening a soundstage that is wide and recreating the excellent recording venue – with organic placement and wide inner dynamics.

The Archon is a very easy-to-mate-with partner for all modern tonearms and an easy match for phono stages. It is an individual numbered limited edition low-output moving coil cartridge assembled and fine-tuned by hand.

Exceptionally high levels of execution mark all Acoustical Systems products; manufacturing and finish are of the highest order, with considerable thought being devoted to materials and design. The attention to detail shows in performance, where if there is a “company sound,” it is of a natural, non-fatiguing, well-integrated, highly musical presentation, yet rich with the sort of musical detail that makes listening to great audio, such a memorable experience.

“When it comes to musical genres, the Archon does it all. It’s kind to recordings and cuts right to the heart of the performance. Its natural tonality, unforced presentation and sense of inner balance made for a musically versatile and convincing performer. If you are looking for a cartridge upgrade but you’re not yet ready to open your wallet and say “Help yourself,” the Archon should be right at the top of your shopping list. In that strange area of the market that sits above starter ‘coils but below the true exotics, the Archon sets a solid marker against which others can be judged. If you want bigger and bolder with greater drive and energy (particularly at the bottom end), then the Kuzma cartridges set the standard, but for a more balanced and less obviously demonstrative delivery, insight rather than impact, the Archon is hard to beat.” by Roy Gregory

“I am truly amazed and gobsmacked by its performance and realism so I bought the review sample for comparison to future MC offerings at any price. Obviously, I recommend you consider the Acoustical Systems Archon MC Improved if the price is within your budget.” By Robert H. Levi

The Archon cartridge is designed in Bavaria / Germany.