Name: EMT HSD 006 MC cartridge
Brand: EMT
Price: 1719.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

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EMT HSD 006 MC cartridge

€1.719,00 EUR

We think

We believe the EMT HSD 006 is far more than just a cartridge. It bridges the decades-long tradition of professional studio technology and the passion of audiophile music reproduction in the private listening room. What was originally developed for uncompromising use in broadcasting is now a tool that allows music lovers to experience the magic of vinyl in a quality that is both precise, emotional, and timeless. The HSD 006 reveals that music is more than mere information—it's an experience that can be felt, grasped, and rediscovered in every detail.

Product presentation

The EMT HSD 006 is a moving coil (MC) cartridge that carries the DNA of the legendary EMT TSD 15—one of the most well-known and durable cartridge systems in the world. While the TSD 15 has dominated broadcast studios since 1965, the HSD 006, with its modernized details and finely tuned technology, is aimed at discerning audiophiles who want to not just hear their records, but experience them in all their musical depth.

The HSD 006's housing is made of aluminum and anodized red—a tribute to the classic EMT color scheme, which has enjoyed global recognition for decades. With its robust construction, precise manufacturing in Switzerland, and careful material selection, the HSD 006 is designed for a long service life. It belongs to the current EMT generation, manufactured by HiFiction in Winterthur—a company that combines Swiss precision, craftsmanship, and musicality like no other.

The HSD 006 is therefore not just any high-end product, but a well-thought-out tool with a clear origin: from the world of professionals – for the world of music lovers .

Special features

What makes the HSD 006 special? Several features clearly distinguish it from competing products:

EMT Studio DNA
The generator is derived directly from the legendary TSD series. Proven in broadcast studios for decades, it still delivers an unparalleled balance of reliability, robustness, and musical authenticity.

Super Fine Line (SFL) needle
With the SFL stylus, the HSD 006 penetrates deep into the groove and extracts even the finest information. This translates to more precise highs, better resolution of details, and greater clarity in vocals and instruments.

Aluminum cantilever
The aluminum cantilever offers a perfect balance between rigidity and musicality. It contributes significantly to the HSD 006's extremely controlled, natural sound.

Solid aluminum housing, red anodized
Not just a visual statement, but above all functional: The housing offers low resonance, protects the generator and, with its weight of 12 grams, ensures stability on the tonearm.

AlNiCo magnet
The heart of the generator. Nickel-plated AlNiCo ensures linear magnetic fields, enabling extremely clean signal conversion.

High output voltage
At 1.05 mV at 5 cm/s, the HSD 006 is comparatively powerful for an MC system. This makes it compatible with a wide range of phono preamplifiers—even those not specifically designed for low-output MCs.

Easy installation thanks to threaded holes
Practical and typical of EMT: The pickup features integrated threaded holes. This eliminates the need for tedious handling of nuts, making installation particularly secure and straightforward.

Technology & Materials

The HSD 006 is a prime example of EMT's philosophy: technical excellence in the service of music .

generator
Based on the TSD generator, which has been renowned for its linear, musical reproduction for decades, the engineers have adapted it in the HSD 006 to ensure perfect harmony even in demanding home setups.

Needle & Cut
The Super Fine Line (SFL) stylus is a modern cut that enables particularly deep and precise tracking. Compared to elliptical styluses, it achieves a larger contact area with the groove, reducing distortion and prolonging the life of records.

Cantilever
Aluminum is an ideal material: stiff enough to transmit precise movements, but not so brittle that it becomes unnaturally hard. The cantilever transfers the needle's energy to the coils with high precision.

Coils & Magnet
The HSD 006 utilizes AlNiCo magnets, which have been valued for their musicality for decades. They provide stable, clean magnet guidance, which is crucial for the natural sound.

Housing
CNC-machined aluminum, red anodized—low-resonance, dimensionally stable, and visually iconic. Its 12-gram weight ensures compatibility with a wide range of medium- to high-mass tonearms.

Sustainability & Manufacturing

EMT has always stood for products that are durable and repairable. Unlike many other manufacturers, EMT consciously focuses on:

Manufactured in Switzerland – handcrafted by trained specialists.

Sustainable repairability – EMT offers factory service for needle replacement, generator repairs, and maintenance. This makes the HSD 006 not a disposable item, but a long-lasting investment.

Use of high-quality materials – aluminum, AlNiCo, precision-ground needles – all designed for durability and sustainability.

Short distances – production in Europe eliminates long transport routes from Asia, which reduces the ecological footprint.

This makes the HSD 006 a product that is exemplary in terms of ecological responsibility and sustainability .

Technical data (specs)

System: Moving Coil (MC)

Needle: Super Fine Line (SFL)

Cantilever: aluminum

Magnet: AlNiCo, nickel-plated

Housing: aluminum, red anodized

Weight: 12 g

Frequency response: 20 – 25,000 Hz

Output voltage: 1.05 mV @ 5 cm/s

Internal resistance: 2×24 Ω

Recommended load: 200 – 300 Ω

Tracking force: 2.4 g

Vertical scanning angle (VTA): 23°

Compliance: 12 µm/mN

Test reports / press reviews

LP Magazine : "The EMT HSD 006 is a pickup that impresses not only with its technical precision, but above all with its emotional response. Voices have a full body, and instruments are portrayed with a naturalness that immediately captivates."

image hifi : "The HSD 006 proves to be a worthy successor to EMT's studio legends. It delivers colorful, rhythmically gripping, yet controlled performance—one of those rare combinations rarely found in this price range."

Stereoplay : "With the HSD 006, EMT succeeds in combining traditional studio DNA with modern detail resolution. The enormous soundstage and the clarity of complex passages are particularly noteworthy."

Mint Magazine : "A pickup that continues the EMT tradition yet has been audibly refined. The HSD 006 is not a sober analyst, but a musical storyteller—and that's precisely what makes it so desirable."

8. Background / History / Development

The history of EMT is the story of a brand that has always been closely associated with professional broadcasting.

1940 : Founded in Berlin, initially with measurement and sound technology.

1950s/60s : EMT becomes world-famous for studio turntables such as the EMT 927 and EMT 930. These machines shaped broadcast studios worldwide.

1965 : Introduction of the TSD 15 pickup – still a benchmark in analog technology today.

2018 : Cartridge production relocated to HiFiction in Switzerland. Since then, all EMT models have been manufactured there with uncompromising quality.

The HSD 006 is part of this tradition – it carries the legacy of the TSD 15 into the present, complemented by modern materials, more precise manufacturing and a design that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

9. Basic knowledge (optional) – MC vs. MM

The EMT HSD 006 is an MC cartridge . Unlike MM (moving magnet) cartridges, MC cartridges have moving coils and a stationary magnet. This results in less moving mass—and thus more precise, detailed pickup. The downside: MC cartridges are more complex and usually cannot be replaced by the user. EMT addresses this with professional service, ensuring the cartridge's long-term usability.

Electronic devices:
1. General Use: • Electronic devices are designed for use in enclosed, dry rooms only. Direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures may impair function. • Avoid proximity to water sources or other liquids. 2. Electrical Safety: • Use only with the specified power source (e.g., 220-240 V AC). An incorrect power source may damage the device or be hazardous. • Never connect the device to overloaded outlets or extension cords. • If there is any visible damage to the power cord or other components, do not operate the device. 3. Operation and Ventilation: • Place the device on a stable, flat surface. Do not block any ventilation slots to prevent overheating. • Ensure sufficient distance from other devices or walls (at least 10 cm) to ensure optimal ventilation. 4. Children and Pets: • Keep the device away from children and pets, especially small parts that could be swallowed.
Speakers:
1. Setup: • Place speakers on a stable and secure surface or use suitable speaker stands. Tipping over may cause injury or damage. • Position speakers so they are not obstructed and optimal sound dispersion is ensured. 2. Environmental Conditions: • Speakers are intended for use in dry, enclosed spaces. Avoid moisture and direct sunlight, which could damage materials or electronics. 3. Connections: • Use only compatible amplifiers and cables that meet the speaker's technical specifications. • Avoid incorrect polarity connections to prevent damage to the speaker or amplifier. 4. Children and Pets: • Speakers are not toys. Make sure they are placed out of reach of children and pets. 5. Care: • Clean the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemical cleaners or water.
Cable:
1. Use: • Cables are for their intended use only. Use them only with devices that meet the cable's technical specifications. • Ensure that all connections are secure and tight for optimum performance. 2. Handling: • Never pull on the cable to remove it from a device. Always hold the plug firmly. • Do not bend, overstretch, or place excessive strain on the cable. Cables should not run under heavy objects. 3. Children and Pets: • Keep cables away from children and pets as they can be a strangulation or injury hazard. 4. Inspection: • Check cables regularly for visible damage such as breaks, cracks, or frayed ends. Damaged cables must be replaced immediately.
Accesories:
1. Use: • Accessories such as adapters, mounts or cleaning utensils must only be used for their intended purpose. Incorrect use can cause damage. 2. Care: • Clean accessories only according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid harsh cleaning agents or use in damp environments. 3. Safety: • Ensure accessories are correctly fitted or connected to prevent accidents or malfunctions. 4. Children and pets: • Accessories, especially small parts, pose a choking hazard and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Common instructions for all categories: • Operating instructions: Read the operating instructions carefully before using the product. • Repairs: Do not open or repair the product yourself. Contact an authorized service partner or the manufacturer. • Contact us if you have any questions: We are always available to answer any questions you may have about the safe use of our products.