- The world’s first and only “Tunable” and "Customizable" phono cartridge -

This Audio MusiKraft coated magnesium shell is specifically designed for Denon DL-103 or 103R phono cartridges. It can be purchased nude as a starting point and customized to one's preference or as a complete kit with a preinstalled modified cartridge and wood inserts.
 

As the lightest structural metal available, magnesium’s combination of low density and good mechanical strength results in a high strength-to-weight ratio. Because of their low modulus of elasticity, magnesium alloys can absorb energy elastically and are well known to have high damping capacity compared with various metallic materials. Diverse uses including aircraft fuselage, automotive parts, and speaker cones all benefit from this light weight alloy. In fact, magnesium is 33% lighter than conventional Aluminum.

Magnesium is easy to machine but nonetheless capricious. Very few machine shops will or can work this material as its dust is highly flammable, insurance companies refuse to cover these shops. Also known since long ago, magnesium lacks sufficient corrosion resistance. Particular care must be taken as soon as it is machined. The treatment we have chosen was primarily for corrosion inhibition and retain its electrical conductivity. The common practice to properly finish metal surfaces is to add an additional coating for aesthetics. For our use, we decided it was a nonsense to add layers, it was rather important to preserve the metal surface as natural as possible without losing the advantages of its properties in the raw state and the reason why we opted for a passivated micro-coating conform to aerospace NAVAIR specs.

This shell can be fully customized to your musical and/or visual preference.

Shell specifications:

• Material: Magnesium alloy
  
• Protective treatment: Chromate conversion coating to MIL spec
  
• Finish: matte (may vary)
• Color: Dark brown (may vary)
• Size (LxWxH): 24 x 18 x 4.9mm
• Shell weight (nude): 2.79g
• Kit weight (with cart and wood inserts): 10.3g (min.) - 10.8g (max.)
• Headshell mount: 1/2"
• Headshell thread: 10 - M2.5 x 0.45
• Cover depth clearance: 2.2mm (max.) (cover thickness is 2.4mm)
• Screw Material: 304 stainless steel (all)

Includes:

The MusiKraft shell comes with its customized jewel box and:

(2) M2.5x3mm Stainless Steel 304 Pan Head Phillips screws for setting on headshell

(1) miniature Phillips screwdriver

(1) 0.7mm Allen hex key

(1) wooden pushrod tool for wood insert retrieval

Options: Wood inserts, wood finishes, extra screws, Denon cartridge or other accessories.

Note:

Depending on your tonearm setup, this shell system may require heavier counterweight and a slight modification as of height or VTA compensation.

The wood inserts

Following are the various species of our wood inserts. Our system renders them interchangeable within all the Audio MusiKraft shell models. Each set contains (3) three pieces; one (1) piece for the cover and two (2) for the sides.

For tonality and/or aesthetics we offer twenty four (24) species in the web shop, but seventy (70) more exotic types are available upon request. Download this list or Contact us.

Wood Species Selection Chart (name/density/hardness):

*Take in consideration:

1. Due to the natural variations in wood grain, its aspect and overall colors may vary depending on your screen settings.
2. For best fitment, we suggest buying your extra wood sets at the cartridge date of purchase or to send us in your shell if you are looking to upgrade.

For complete details, download the First Series Phono Cartridge Owner's Manual (PDF - 15 pages).

Product warranty:

Refer to the Terms & Conditions page.