When Volker Bohlmeier met Leif Joannsen, the Chief Designer of Ortofon, the plan for a perfect cartridge began to take shape. And when Christen Nielsen, the CEO of Ortofon, agreed to support this project, the idea became a reality. This allowed EINSTEIN’s “The Pickup” to be manufactured with the consistency and precision that Volker envisioned, enabling the cartridge to be tailored specifically for EINSTEIN.
“the pick up”
The little Giant of audio
THE ORIGIN
Volker Bohlmeier had the idea of developing his own cartridge over 30 years ago, drawing inspiration from modifying classic cartridges from Denon, Audio Technica, Decca, and EMT. In the mid-1980s, EMT finally produced a cartridge for him based on the original ”TSD15“. With the founding of EINSTEIN Audio Components GmbH in 1988, the production of the widely renowned and highly regarded “TU-2“ cartridge began, followed by the even more famous “TU-3“ model with a modified body, various stylus profiles, modified coils for a lower output voltage, and lower coil mass. Numerous analog specialists tested this cartridge, and it received several awards for its exceptional dynamic range, well-balanced tonality, and lively reproduction, delivering a full and rich sound. It remains an outstanding cartridge to this day.
“Tiny wonder,
mighty impact”
SETTING A NEW STANDARD
In his pursuit of the perfect sound, Volker Bohlmeier was always aware of the minor shortcomings of this cartridge. To achieve the high standards that all EINSTEIN Audio products are known for, he aimed to create a better, nearly perfect cartridge system.
The inner values
A NEW CREATION: THE PICK UP
It took many prototypes to achieve the perfect balance between the mechanically stable housing and the newly developed generator. However, the final listening test with multiple tonearms and turntables justified the tremendous effort. Finally, the long-awaited and sought-after cartridge that Volker Bohlmeier had always dreamed of became a reality: EINSTEIN ”The Pick Up“.
THE PHENOMENON OF TONAL BALANCE
”The Pick Up“ cartridge boasts an unparalleled tonal balance with absolute stability and authority. Its sound is not thin or analytical, but rather powerful and rich with incredible amounts of information and emotion. The midrange is velvety smooth and filled with natural atmosphere and character, while the vocals are warm and crystal clear. The high frequencies are also smooth and packed with endless amounts of detail, bringing the recording location to life in the listener’s mind, almost allowing them to feel and see where the record was made. Every subtle reverb is audible, and the distinct tonal characteristics of each instrument are perceived with complete naturalness. The bass is expansive with plenty of punch and dynamics, but always in perfect time. Every note, every nuance, even the breathing of the musicians, is audible.
THE PICK UP = ENSTEIN
”The Pick Up“ cartridge is a true embodiment of the qualities that have made EINSTEIN Audio Components a highly respected audio brand worldwide. From its exceptional tonal balance to its unparalleled clarity and precision, every aspect of this cartridge reflects the uncompromising standards of EINSTEIN Audio Components. It is a product that has been meticulously crafted and perfected through countless hours of prototyping and testing to achieve the highest level of performance and musicality. With ”The Pick Up“, EINSTEIN Audio Components has once again set the benchmark for what is possible in high-end audio and reaffirmed its position as a leading innovator in the field.
TechNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
“The Pick Up”
Ideal for medium to heavy mass tonearms
Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.
0,4 mV
Channel balance at 1 kHz
< =1dB
Channel Separation at 1 kHz
> = 21 dB
Channel Separation at 15 kHz
> =15 dB
Frecuency range at – 3dB
20-30000 Hz
FM Distortion at recommended tracking force, DIN 45.542
> 70 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral
3 um/mN
Stylus type
Nude Shibata (On Baron cantilever)
Stylus tip radius
r/R 6/50 µm
Tracking force range
2,0 – 3,0 g
Tracking force, recommended
2,4 g
Tracking angle
20°
Internal impedance, DC resistance
12 Ω
Recommended load impedance
150-300 Ω
Body material
Dur-Aluminium
Color
Black
Weight
13 g