MC cartridge Soltear II

[Alxxx]

Soltear is a Japanese company mostly known by its product line Entré (Entre) - an underrated Japanese brand of MC needles for vinyl record players from the late 70s - 80s. Information on Entre cartridges is scant, but nevertheless foundable, the tech specs of EC-1, EC-15, EC-10, EC-20, EC-30, EC-15WX, EC-25LP, EC-25ST, EC-35, EC-45 and the Entre step-up transformers for MC cartridges can be seen here (archived copy).

Some of the aforementioned EC cartridges were sold as “Soltear Acoustic, Inc. Entré” (e.g, EC-45 of 1985-1988), some went simply as “Entré” (e.g., EC-15 of 1979-1985).

There was however at least one cartridge labeled simply as Soltear without “Entré”: “Soltear II”. I failed to google any info on Soltear II, an enigmatic cartridge. Fortunately I found two owners of that cartridge who provided us with the tech specs and pics.

Soltear II has the same body as the top-of-the-line Entre cartridge EC-30 (1980-1987) and the Soltear II shell bears “Entré” on its top. The cantilevers and tips look quite different however, thanks to Delta667 from VinylEngine forum who made comparative pics of Soltear II and EC-30.

Since the bodies are identical, Soltear II is expected to fall into the range 1980-1987.

Main specs of Soltear II (thanks to the Russian owner who has the full package including the paper form):

Tracking Force 1.7 - 2.3 g (probably optimum is 1.8 g, at least the given needle was factory tested with VTF 1.8 g)
Dynamic Compliance 8 x 10-6cm/Dyne
Output Voltage 0.25 mV

These characteristics are somewhat different for EC-30:

Tracking Force 1.5 - 2.1 g (optimum 1.8 g)
Dynamic Compliance 10 x 10-6cm/Dyne
Output Voltage 0.25 mV

Hope it will be useful. Here are some pics of Soltear II.

P.S. I wonder if there is anyone outside Japan who has compared the real sound of Soltear II and Entre EC-30…

 

[absolon]

Looks like the auction ended at about 55000 yen.
I'm wondering if the ec20 with sapphire cantilever, the ec30 with boron and the Soltear 2 with diamond aren't all based on the same motor. Specs on the first two are the same and non-existent for the Soltear.

 

[zwuttoo]

Entre´cartridges ; Originally manufactured by Soltear Acoustics Inc. Japan. This phono cartridge was designed by Mr. Matsudaira who started his career as a designer at Tokyo Sound Co. in 1959 and went on to design various vinyl playback hardware including MC step transformers. He worked for NHK (Japanese National Broadcast) for ten years where he designed tone arms and cartridges and in 1967 he moved to SUPEX as their leading chief designer. From 1970 to the late 90’s he worked as the leading designer for many famous brands to include; Entré, Miyabi, Kouetsu, Audio Craft and Air Tight. In 2003 he founded his own company My Sonic Lab, where he continues to design and manufacture high end moving coil cartridges in the Signature and the Eminent series.

 

[theophile]

I suppose one could always attempt to contact someone at My Sonic lab and ask them about the relationship between the EC-30 and the Soltear II. It would be one way to determine the facts.