IO-XP
Kondo Audio Note Japan’s reference low-output moving-coil cartridge, developed from more than four decades of experience dating back to the original IO of 1979. Pure-silver coils, an Alnico magnet and carefully controlled damping uncover vinyl with scale, precision and natural tonal expression.
Key Features
- Low-output moving-coil phono cartridge
- Sixth-generation Kondo IO cartridge
- Developed from the original IO introduced in 1979
- Pure-silver coil windings
- High-capacity Alnico magnetic circuit
- Specially optimized magnetization method
- Low internal impedance of 1 ohm
- 0.12 mV output at 1 kHz
- Carefully tuned suspension damping
- Body shape engineered to control structural resonance
- Channel separation greater than 25 dB
- Channel balance within 1 dB
- Recommended tracking force of 1.7–2.0 grams
- 12-gram cartridge body
Design & Build
The IO-XP continues Kondo’s use of an Alnico magnet, selected for the low magnetic resistance of its magnetic circuit. The cartridge’s assembly method and magnetization process are optimized to obtain the maximum practical magnetic capacity from this material.
Its moving coils are wound with pure-silver wire, continuing one of Kondo’s defining material choices. With an internal impedance of only 1 ohm and an output of 0.12 mV, the IO-XP is designed as a low-output cartridge for use with a suitably matched moving-coil transformer or high-gain phono stage.
The suspension damping is carefully adjusted to improve tracing accuracy. Kondo also developed the cartridge body shape and internal structure to control resonances generated within the assembly, supporting a stable and naturally proportioned soundstage.
System Pairing
The IO-XP should be paired with a step-up transformer or moving-coil phono input designed for cartridges with very low internal impedance and output voltage. Kondo’s SFz and SFz-E transformers are the natural system partners, feeding a conventional 47-kohm moving-magnet phono input.
With a compliance of 6 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne and a body weight of 12 grams, tonearm compatibility and resonance behaviour should be checked during system setup. Accurate alignment, vertical tracking force and anti-skating adjustment are important to obtain the cartridge’s intended tracking performance.
Kondo specifies a tracking-force range of 1.7–2.0 grams. Final adjustment should be made within this range according to the tonearm, record condition and measured tracking behaviour.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Low-output moving-coil cartridge |
| Model | IO-XP |
| Coil material | Pure-silver wire |
| Magnet material | Alnico |
| Output level | 0.12 mV at 1 kHz, 5 cm/s |
| Internal impedance | 1 ohm |
| Channel balance | Less than 1 dB at 1 kHz |
| Channel separation | Greater than 25 dB at 1 kHz |
| Compliance | 6.0 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne |
| Recommended tracking force | 1.7–2.0 g |
| Weight | 12 g |
