Analog Relax EX700 – MC Cartridge Made from Tyrolean Spruce

The new EX700 moving-coil (MC) cartridge from Japanese company Analog Relax is, according to the manufacturer, inspired by some of the most iconic and expensive classical musical instruments. The cartridge body is carved from spruce sourced in the South Tyrol region in northern Italy. It is the same type of wood that the great Antonio Stradivari used for his violins. The manufacturer promises a sound that “sings like the finest stringed instruments.”

Special attention in this model has been paid not only to the body material itself, but also to its finish. The surface of the cartridge is coated with a special varnish that the company describes as “violin varnish.” According to the manufacturer, the finish consists of thin layers of traditional oil varnish whose composition refers back to the mixtures used in the making of violins in the 16th and 17th centuries. In this way, the Analog Relax EX700 combines the acoustic properties of natural wood, the aesthetics of old-world craftsmanship, and the requirements of a modern audiophile approach.

One of the most important elements of the design is a specially made stylus with a line-contact profile. The company emphasizes that this stylus shape provides more precise interaction with the walls of the record groove, making it possible to achieve more accurate signal retrieval and reduced distortion.

The Analog Relax EX700 also uses a boron cantilever, providing high speed of response, good compliance, and sonic clarity. High-purity copper wire has been chosen for the coil windings, which is intended to contribute to tonal richness, better reproduction of nuances, and preservation of the dynamic integrity of the musical presentation.

The cartridge’s magnetic system is built around several neodymium magnets. According to the company, this solution helps improve operational stability and allows more precise control over the movement of the generator system. As a whole, the Analog Relax EX700 is presented as a combination of expressive musicality, premium materials, and engineering precision, aimed at discerning vinyl enthusiasts.

The model’s status is also underscored by its price: the Analog Relax EX700 cartridge is offered at $13,500 USD.