Transfiguration
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| Founder | Seiji Yoshioka |
Transfiguration is a Japanese maker of moving-coil phono cartridges, designed by Seiji Yoshioka. Its cartridges use an unusual yokeless construction, in which the magnet system is arranged around the coils with the aim of creating a very focused magnetic field with fewer parts. Transfiguration cartridges are made by hand in small numbers and are known for their detail, speed and neutral tonal balance, and for tracking well on a wide range of records. Models such as the AF-1, Spirit, Temper, Orpheus, Axia and Proteus have been widely reviewed in the international hi-fi press, and the brand has been popular among vinyl enthusiasts looking for a precise, transparent cartridge. Like several other small Japanese cartridge makers, Transfiguration relies on traditional craft skills and long experience, with each cartridge assembled and tested individually. The cartridges are usually best matched with high-quality tonearms and phono stages, where their resolution can be heard most clearly, and they have a strong following among experienced analogue listeners.
Notable Transfiguration products
- AF-1
- Spirit
- Temper
- Orpheus
- Axia
- Proteus
More about Transfiguration
Temper V Utilising a ring magnet for a moving coil cartridge has enabled five unique design improvements: Coils inside the magnet No yokes No magnetic irregularities Coils at the crux of the magnetic focus Intimate coil/magnet coupling Technical details 1. Ultra tight magnet-coil coupling Are not just close but literally right inside, with coil-magnetic proximity of only a few thousandths of an inch. With the precision magnetic field focusing possible only with a ring magnet and superbly accurately wound coils, the ultra tight magnetic -coil coupling enables far greater electromagnetic efficiency. 2.
Dynamic mass minimised and coil saturation eliminated Much faster more accurate stylus response to groove formation. Rising dynamics or sharp transients never mask detail. 3. Twin coils on cantilever fulcrum Ultra low dynamic mass and mechanical impedance for instant, accurate reaction to every groove detail, including the ability to handle massive transients without overshoot or break-up.
4. Its non-sensitivity to temperature change keeps the damping coefficient stable and improves tracing accuracy. 5. Boron Cantilever Newly developed for a more natural sound.
7. Low mass tip Ogura PA (3 x 30µm) tip. Its function is to reproduce the character of the original recorded sound - not add or subtract its own deficiencies. 8.
Anti resonance cartridge body A Unique design for lower tonal colouration. Spirit MK3 Utilising a double ring magnet for a moving coil cartridge has enabled five unique design improvements: Just two coils within double ring magnets No yokes No magnetic irregularities Coils at the crux of the magnetic focus Intimate coil/magnet coupling Technical details 1. Twin coils on the cantilever fulcrum Minimises dynamic mass and mechanical impedance, enabling instant, accurate reaction to every groove detail, including the ability to handle massive transients without overshoot or break-up. 2.
Its non-sensitivity to temperature change keeps the damping coefficient stable and improves tracing accuracy. 3. Low mass tip Ogura PA (3 x 30µm) tip shares many of the advantages of the flagship MC cartridge "The Temper V". Its function is to reproduce the character of the original recorded sound - not add or subtract its own deficiencies.
5. Anti resonance cartridge body The solid cartridge body utilises both shape and material to create a totally inert environment for the electromagnetic elements. These elements are more effectively insulated from arm, turntable and tracing noises, further reducing any tonal colouration of the music and lessening the intrusion of distracting mechanical noises.