TRANSFIGURATION PROTEUS D CARTRIDGE
Japanese phono cartridge manufacturer Transfiguration has released a ‘D’ version of its top-line Proteus cartridge, which has a diamond cantilever. Each D version is handmade in Japan by Seiji Yoshioka, of Immutable Music. ‘ Like the other models in the Proteus range, the new Proteus D uses Yoshioka’s patented yokeless double-ring-magnet design in which coils wound from exceptionally pure silver wire are positioned right at the focal point of the magnetic flux field created by two neodymium magnets to provide an extremely accurate coil-magnet interface,’ says David Eleftheriadis of Reference Audio Visual, which distributes Transfiguration cartridges in Australia. ‘ This ground-breaking construction removes the variations in flux introduced by traditional moving-coil designs and is the key to the range’s stunningly lifelike musicality.’ The Transfiguration Proteus D has an output voltage of 0.2mV (@ 3.54cm/sec.), an impedance of 1 and a rated frequency response of 10Hz–20kHz +1.5dB.
Eleftheriadis told Australian Hi-Fi Magazine that it was Yoshioka’s quest for ever-more natural musical detail that led to the development of the Proteus D, which will be available only in a limited edition. ‘ Transfiguration moving-coil phono cartridges have been hailed as being among the world’s most musically honest,’ he said. ‘ The Proteus D has an advanced ability to resolve musical detail, with excellent air and a finelytuned capacity to deliver superior handling of soft passages, inter-transient silences and subtle, low-level harmonics. It allows the midrange to breathe more freely while liberating the highs.’
One reason for the limited production is the cost of the diamond cantilever. ‘ The production of a diamond cantilever is a unique challenge,’ Yoshioka told Australian Hi-Fi Magazine. ‘ Of course it’s expensive, but the Proteus D also features specially re-designed multi-layered double dampers made from a specifically-developed stabilising compound comprising different types of elastomer that are insensitive to temperature changes, and provide excellent stylus/coil alignment and control, and highly precise tracking ability.’ Available now via special order, the Transfiguration Proteus D sells for $11,490 (RRP). For further information, please contact Reference Audio Visual on 1800 133 135 or visit www.referenceav.com.au