Judged in isolation, the sound of the Beta S is solid, quite detailed and nicely unfussed at climaxes. Compared with the Alpha (as fitted on the Clearaudio turntable in this test), it offers noticeably better levels of detail and particularly better stereo imaging. The tonal quality is much the same, which is no bad thing because it's generally neutral, perhaps a little laid back in the treble and just occasionally hinting at over-full bass, but neither of those is a problem and may be welcome in many systems. It's an honest and capable cartridge and despite its apparently high price deserves Recommendation.
"The Beta-S retains all the strengths of the Beta, but the transparency and resolution of detail are turned up a notch without losing that deliciously neutral tonal balance...Can you find higher quality per dollar in a moving magnet cartridge today than that of the new Clearaudio Aurum Beta S? I don't think so."
Aurum Beta S Specifications:
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20Hz
Output Voltage: ~3,5 mV
Channel Separation: > 28 dB
Channel Balance: 1 dB
Tracking Angle: 80 um
Tracking Force: 2.0 grams
Coil Impedance: 0,67 k ohms
Coil Inductance: 0,41 H
Load Resistance: 47 k
Load Capacitance: 100 pF
Cantilever: Aluminium
Weight: Stainless Steel 10 grams / Wood Body 6 grams
Aurum cartridges are available in either stainless steel (10g) or wood body (6g) style. They feature high efficiency magnets, output of 3.3 mill Volts and aluminium cantilevers.
Exerts from Sterophile April 2000 by Robert J Reina
Immediately after a short break in period, the Aurum Beta was exhibiting characteristics I'd never heard from any cartridge costing less that $1000
The most natural midrange of any cartridge i've auditioned...
Articulation and resolution of transients and microdynamics in the league of the best moving-coils....Moreover, the Aurum Beta's resolution and ambience retrieval capabilities yielded a convincingly wide and deep soundstage presentation on well recorded classical works.
Timbrel accurate extension of high frequencies. Coupled with the Aurum Beta's startlingly neutral timbrel reproduction from the midbass up, the high frequencies kept going and going in perfect harmonic balance with traces of neither edge nor roll off.
The bass was deep and powerful regardless of which ‘table the Aurum Beta S was on. This is one area where this cartridge absolutely shines. This truly is a dynamic cartridge; its sense of snap in the midrange, and especially down low, made it a natural choice for both jazz and rock, yet this didn’t hurt its performance with classical or chamber recordings.
The Clearaudio Aurum Beta S is in the high price range for a moving-magnet cartridge, and it faces stiff competition from comparably priced high-output moving-coils. However, its dynamics, bass response and precise nature might well float your boat. Check it out, especially if you plan on upgrading the cartridge on a Rega turntable.
