Audio Note Cartridges
Audio Note Cartridges: IQ1, IQ2 & IQ3.
The Audio Note IQ cartridges are
the finest Moving Magnet designs currently available. A refinement of
the established Moving Magnet principle, they offer an excellent
combination of exceptional tracking ability, dynamic range and
longevity, thanks to the extremely high quality components used for
their construction.
Each model employs a highly rigid Pocan™ body shell, equipped with integral threaded inserts for easy installation in the tonearm head-shell. This mounting system greatly improves mechanical coupling between the cartridge body and head-shell in comparison to the traditional nut & bolt fixing.
A detachable stylus assembly was chosen to facilitate easy replacement or upgrade. In fact, All three models in the IQ range use the same body shell, so it is a very simple and cost effective procedure to upgrade from an IQ I to an IQ II or IQ III, merely by changing the stylus assembly.
The coils in all of the IQ cartridges are made from high purity, 'four nines' copper wire that is of an incredibly small diameter. We have often been asked why we do not produce a silver coil version in the IQ range; the reason, quite simply, is that it is not possible to produce silver in such a minuscule, fine gauge!
Each model employs a highly rigid Pocan™ body shell, equipped with integral threaded inserts for easy installation in the tonearm head-shell. This mounting system greatly improves mechanical coupling between the cartridge body and head-shell in comparison to the traditional nut & bolt fixing.
A detachable stylus assembly was chosen to facilitate easy replacement or upgrade. In fact, All three models in the IQ range use the same body shell, so it is a very simple and cost effective procedure to upgrade from an IQ I to an IQ II or IQ III, merely by changing the stylus assembly.
The coils in all of the IQ cartridges are made from high purity, 'four nines' copper wire that is of an incredibly small diameter. We have often been asked why we do not produce a silver coil version in the IQ range; the reason, quite simply, is that it is not possible to produce silver in such a minuscule, fine gauge!
Audio Note Cartridge IQ-1
The suspension of the IQI is stiffer than usually
found in a Moving Magnet cartridge, and uses a cantilever formed from a
specially hardened aluminium tube. Careful attention is paid to the
mechanical assembly of the generator, and for the stylus diamond, we
chose the highly regarded Gyger Type II.
Audio Note Cartridge IQ-2
The IQII is similar to the IQI, employing the
same precision aluminium cantilever. However, its performance is
significantly improved by the addition of the superior AN Type 2
diamond, used in the IQIII and IO I cartridges.
Audio Note Cartridge IQ-3
The IQ III uses the same cantilever and diamond
found in the legendary Audio Note IO I moving coil cartridge. Made from
titanium tube rather than aluminium, the cantilever is unique, and in
combination with the AN Type 2 diamond, offers a level of performance
that was often though impossible to achieve with a Moving Magnet design.
Audio Note IoI Cartridge
