{"product_id":"ikeda-kai","title":"Ikeda KAI - MC cartridge","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"231\" data-start=\"215\"\u003e We think\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-end=\"924\" data-start=\"233\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-end=\"262\" data-start=\"249\"\u003eIkeda Kai\u003c\/strong\u003e represents a milestone in Isamu Ikeda's analog designs—a truly top-of-the-line cartridge considered the masterpiece of his career. Combining over four decades of expertise in an elegant, handcrafted housing, it offers a breathtaking blend of \u003cstrong data-end=\"569\" data-start=\"543\"\u003etechnical perfection\u003c\/strong\u003e , \u003cstrong data-end=\"598\" data-start=\"571\"\u003esonic transparency\u003c\/strong\u003e , and \u003cstrong data-end=\"626\" data-start=\"603\"\u003emusical soul\u003c\/strong\u003e . With \u003cstrong data-end=\"660\" data-start=\"632\"\u003ean output voltage of 0.19 mV\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-end=\"683\" data-start=\"665\"\u003ean impedance of 2.5 Ω,\u003c\/strong\u003e it's technically at the level of a low-output MC—but its performance is anything but classic. The \u003cstrong data-end=\"820\" data-start=\"813\"\u003eKai\u003c\/strong\u003e is passionately detailed, dynamically captivating, and a true expression of analog sound art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-end=\"929\" data-start=\"926\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"955\" data-start=\"931\"\u003e Product presentation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-end=\"1734\" data-start=\"957\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-end=\"974\" data-start=\"961\"\u003eIkeda Kai\u003c\/strong\u003e is a high-precision, handcrafted \u003cstrong data-end=\"1028\" data-start=\"996\"\u003emoving-coil (MC) cartridge\u003c\/strong\u003e . Its striking \u003cstrong data-end=\"1099\" data-start=\"1079\"\u003ealuminum housing\u003c\/strong\u003e features a protective, deep-blue Alumite coating. Both the top and base are made of robust \u003cstrong data-end=\"1222\" data-start=\"1213\"\u003etitanium\u003c\/strong\u003e to minimize resonance and ensure mechanical stability. The \u003cstrong data-end=\"1315\" data-start=\"1295\"\u003eboron cantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e transmits signals extremely stiffly and quickly—combined with a \u003cstrong data-end=\"1412\" data-start=\"1382\"\u003emicro-ridge solid diamond\u003c\/strong\u003e to provide the highest sampling resolution. The generator utilizes a low-resistance \u003cstrong data-end=\"1498\" data-start=\"1475\"\u003epermalloy core coil\u003c\/strong\u003e , optimized for combination with a precisely formed \u003cstrong data-end=\"1614\" data-start=\"1579\"\u003esamarium-cobalt magnet yoke\u003c\/strong\u003e . The interplay of these components makes the Kai both an analytical ingenuity and an emotional master of sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-end=\"1739\" data-start=\"1736\"\u003e\n\n \u003ch3 data-end=\"1772\" data-start=\"1741\"\u003eSpecial features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"1928\" data-start=\"1827\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"1892\" data-start=\"1827\"\u003eAlumite-coated aluminum housing with titanium top and base\u003c\/strong\u003e offers maximum resonance control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"2040\" data-start=\"1931\"\u003e The particularly fixed \u003cstrong data-end=\"1971\" data-start=\"1951\"\u003eboron cantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e combined with an extremely detailed \u003cstrong data-end=\"2026\" data-start=\"2003\"\u003emicro-ridge diamond\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"2144\" data-start=\"2043\"\u003e An \u003cstrong data-end=\"2097\" data-start=\"2048\"\u003eultra-low impedance coil construction (2.5 Ω)\u003c\/strong\u003e is used – sonically transparent and dynamic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-end=\"2265\" data-start=\"2262\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2294\" data-start=\"2267\"\u003e Technology \u0026amp; Materials\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-end=\"2916\" data-start=\"2296\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-end=\"2319\" data-start=\"2312\"\u003eKai\u003c\/strong\u003e 's technology is a masterpiece: The combination of \u003cstrong data-end=\"2393\" data-start=\"2361\"\u003ehigh-quality cabinet material\u003c\/strong\u003e , extremely precise mechanics, and a highly efficient generator ensures minimal distortion and maximum detail. The \u003cstrong data-end=\"2542\" data-start=\"2522\"\u003eboron cantilever\u003c\/strong\u003e is stiffer and lighter than conventional materials, for a noticeably responsive sound. The \u003cstrong data-end=\"2671\" data-start=\"2648\"\u003emicro-ridge diamond\u003c\/strong\u003e precisely follows even the finest grooves. The \u003cstrong data-end=\"2729\" data-start=\"2710\"\u003epermalloy coil\u003c\/strong\u003e operates in a strong, linearly guided magnetic field – for clean and dynamic signal conversion. Such technical integration is a prime example of analog engineering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-end=\"2921\" data-start=\"2918\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2955\" data-start=\"2923\"\u003e Sustainability \u0026amp; Manufacturing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-end=\"3350\" data-start=\"2957\"\u003eLike all top-of-the-line Ikeda models, the \u003cstrong data-end=\"3012\" data-start=\"3005\"\u003eKai\u003c\/strong\u003e is entirely \u003cstrong data-end=\"3069\" data-start=\"3025\"\u003ehandcrafted and tuned in Japan\u003c\/strong\u003e . Each individual pickup undergoes extensive quality controls to ensure it meets the highest sonic and technical standards. Ikeda also offers a traditional repair and maintenance service – a guarantee of longevity, sustainability, and lasting musical enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-end=\"3355\" data-start=\"3352\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3387\" data-start=\"3357\"\u003e Technical data (specs)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"3756\" data-start=\"3389\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"3400\" data-start=\"3389\"\u003eSystem:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moving Coil (MC)\u003cbr data-end=\"3420\" data-start=\"3417\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"3441\" data-start=\"3420\"\u003eOutput voltage:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.19 mV rms\u003cbr data-end=\"3456\" data-start=\"3453\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"3469\" data-start=\"3456\"\u003eImpedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.5 Ω\u003cbr data-end=\"3478\" data-start=\"3475\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"3506\" data-start=\"3478\"\u003eRecommended tracking force:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.8 g ± 0.2 g\u003cbr data-end=\"3523\" data-start=\"3520\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"3540\" data-start=\"3523\"\u003eFrequency response:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 Hz – 45 kHz\u003cbr data-end=\"3558\" data-start=\"3555\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"3576\" data-start=\"3558\"\u003eChannel separation:\u003c\/strong\u003e over 27 dB (1 kHz) \u003cbr data-end=\"3598\" data-start=\"3595\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3615\" data-start=\"3598\"\u003eChannel balance:\u003c\/strong\u003e ± 1 dB (1 kHz)\u003cbr data-end=\"3633\" data-start=\"3630\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"3644\" data-start=\"3633\"\u003eStylus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Micro-Ridge full diamond\u003cbr data-end=\"3672\" data-start=\"3669\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"3687\" data-start=\"3672\"\u003eCantilever:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boron\u003cbr data-end=\"3696\" data-start=\"3693\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"3708\" data-start=\"3696\"\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 11.5 g\u003cbr data-end=\"3722\" data-start=\"3719\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"3737\" data-start=\"3722\"\u003eCompliance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 × 10⁻⁶ cm\/dyne\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-end=\"3761\" data-start=\"3758\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3798\" data-start=\"3763\"\u003e Test reports \/ press reviews\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"4196\" data-start=\"3800\"\u003e Internationally, the \u003cstrong data-end=\"3817\" data-start=\"3804\"\u003eIkeda Kai\u003c\/strong\u003e is considered an absolute reference cartridge. US reviewer Anthony Kershaw on Audiophilia described the Kai as a \"world-class moving coil system,\" emphasizing its tremendous dynamics, expansive soundstage, and electrostatic-like transparency. He concluded that Ikeda-san rightly considered the Kai his masterpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-end=\"4440\" data-start=\"4198\"\u003eStereophile magazine also praised the Kai's bass reproduction as \"deep, fast, dynamic, and controlled—powerful, but not over-damped.\" Overall, the sound was described as \"clear, expansive, and rhythmically captivating.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-end=\"4445\" data-start=\"4442\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"4489\" data-start=\"4447\"\u003e Background \/ History \/ Development\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"4920\" data-start=\"4491\"\u003e The \u003cstrong data-end=\"4508\" data-start=\"4495\"\u003eIkeda Kai\u003c\/strong\u003e builds on decades of pioneering work by Isamu Ikeda – one of the founders of high-quality MC cartridges in Japan. It is considered the \"masterpiece\" of his era. It is manufactured in the Ikeda Sound Labs factory, where each cartridge is meticulously crafted and tested – an analog statement par excellence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ikeda","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55513505988983,"sku":null,"price":7790.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0916\/3567\/9607\/files\/Ikeda_KAI_Tonabnehmer.png?v=1775236260","url":"https:\/\/klang-maschine.de\/en\/products\/ikeda-kai","provider":"Klang Maschine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}