Sonus Blue Gold: Peter Pritchard masterpiece

This is one of my extensive collection of great MM cartridges that simply doesn't get enough play time, and should go to a better home. As I continue to downsize my system and collection, I'm hopeful that this equipment will go to good homes that will enjoy them! This Sonus has to be the best overall when considering price to SQ ratio. The most fun one can have fully clothed, and about the cost of a parking ticket.

Really nice overall condition, rated 7 for age, with the unobtanium original stylus with a healthy suspension and tip showing no identifiable wear. And it sounds that way!


This is one of the justifiably famous Peter Pritchard designs. Pritchard formed Sonus after selling ADC to BSR. This cartridge is the Sonus Blue Gold Series (serial # B 100632). The Blue has the Pathimax tip, which is a Shibata variant. I had Joseph Long (Needlestein/Groovetickler) check out the cartridge, and particularly the suspension, and he sent it back with a clean bill of health.

Please note that this is a high-compliance low mass cartridge from the glory days of super light tonearms, and really needs to be mounted on an arm like the Infinity Black Widow, the Mayware or Sonus Formula 4, the Transcriptors Vestigal, or Grace G707. Maybe the SME Series 3 or the Moerch with the light arm wand. I've had it sounding awesome on my Signet XK-50, which is a rebranded AT-1100. Anyway, a light arm is an absolute must.

The specs are stunning, and are reflected in the sound.

Frequency Response Bandwidth: 5 Hz - 45 kHz
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 30kHz
Output: 4mV
Compliance: 50 cm/dyne x 10 (-6)
Tracking Force: 1 - 1.5 gr
Internal Impedance: 300 Ohms
Loads at 47 kOhms

Comes with its original box, but will be shipped in a way that better protects the stylus. I take extremely good care of my equipment, and you can be assured that this cartridge is in superb condition and will arrive safely!