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	Technologies behind Transfiguration cartridges
	Transfiguration > Cartridges

Rings around the music:
Why ring-magnet construction helps Transfiguration cartridges to run circles around their yoked competition.

What is it that makes the yokeless ring-magnet construction of Transfiguration cartridges so superior to traditional yoked cartridges? Timing and focus. Traditional moving-coil cartridges have a large, box-shaped magnet that is positioned above the coil, with a U-shaped yoke at the front in order to help draw the focus of the magnetic field downward toward the coil.

Even with the help of the yoke, the magnetic field in which the coil moves to generate the minute electrical signals is not balanced between the top and bottom of the coil. This results in minute variances in output and phase in the coils of the cartridge, which can affect not only the ever-so-delicate temporal integrity of low-level hall and reverb details, but also the timbral balance of the primary signal.

(Single Ring-Magnet construction - Orpheus, Temper)

The intimate positioning of coil and magnet creates an unprecedented focus of the magnetic field, resulting in a coherence of the musical presentation that is just different from all the others. Those who place timing high on their list of priorities will recognize the importance of the ring-magnet construction.

Any time there occurs a timing (phase) shift in the complex field of sinewaves that combine to re-create the sounds of harmonically rich instruments, voices, echoes (hall sounds), the possibility arises that not only will the temporal puzzle that is music not be quite put back together properly, but also, due to phase-shift that varies with frequency (often the case with an inductor -- one reason why Transfiguration cartridges constantly strive for as low an impedance coil as possible), this can lead to actual tonal inaccuracies, which everyone should consider a priority.

(Detail construction of Double-Ring-Magnet -- Phoenix, Axia)

These are the benefits that Mr. Yoshioka's steadfast adherence to and radical refinement of the use of the ring-magnet in moving-coil cartridges has brought to the audio world: a true gift of life. Numerous other companies have now begun to follow suit, producing their best efforts yet, but one listen to the Orpheus lets you know that they lag far behind...

(Traditional yoke construction)

Transfiguration has developed two different ring-magnet constructions. The Phoenix and Axia (as well as previous models of Spirit, Esprit and Aria) place a ring magnet both in front of and behind the coil, allowing the coil to move in a balanced and focused magnetic field.

The Orpheus (and Temper-series cartridges) has a single ring-magnet and actually locates the coil inside the center of the magnet. This requires extremely tight construction tolerances and exceptional skill on the part of the master cartridge-builder, who produces and adjusts each Orpheus by hand, one-at-a-time.

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