89%
AnalogRelax EX2000 Phono Cartridge
The finest spruce harvested from the same forest as "Stradivarius"
We are pleased to announce the release of our flagship model which features a diamond cantilever. The model uses the finest 'spruce' from the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy, where the material for the 'Stradivarius' is said to have been harvested. Its surface is coated with an ultra-fine powder allowing it to reproduce the natural sound.
We use the finest "spruce" for the body shell that is harvested in the northern Italian South Tyrol region and used as the top wood for violins.
The northern Italian South Tyrol region is said to be the forest area where materials for the renowned "Stradivarius" were harvested. We carefully select and cultivate the highest quality spruce from this area, and it undergoes rigorous management during the drying process.
Proprietary developed an ultra-fine 'powder coating' has been applied to the surface of the body to give it a subtle roughness, resulting in a sound that has a more natural quality.
A precision-machined "diamond" cantilever
A precision-machined "diamond" cantilever is used to seamlessly transmit the movement of the record's grooves to the power generator, bringing out high-resolution sound. In addition, compared to diamond cantilever models of other manufacturers, by cutting out the diamond cantilever slightly thicker, we have achieved a more solid sound and improved traceability at a higher level.
Evolved version of custom-developed SC stylus Ver.3
The stylus is the 'Ver. 3' model, which is a further evolution of the well-received 'SC stylus' used for the EX1000. Of course, the stylus is custom-developed by Analog Relax. Although it basically has a line contact shape, a number of multi-faceted cuts are applied vertically, allowing it to reproduce sound with almost no 'inner distortion'. In addition, the front and back of the stylus tip are cut with different curvatures, making it difficult to pick up the "crackling noise" peculiar to original records and old pressed records, enabling playback with a very high signal to noise ratio.
Cartridges with a diamond cantilever typically 'pick up lots of information but with a tense and edgy sound' which prevents the listener to enjoy the record. The model was completed by utilizing advanced assembly techniques to achieve a sound that has depth, range, and substance, while remaining the full amount of the groove information.
- All products are made by artisans within Japan.
- The solid wood body is made with natural materials, there will be differences in color, grain, weight, etc. between products.
- The body color of the grains will change with age.
Dealers selling AnalogRelax near you
Authorized dealers for AnalogRelax EX2000 Phono Cartridge
- The ASOC Gallery of Fine Audio — in-store — Stratford, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Absolute Hi End — in-store — Ormond, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Absolute Sounds — in-store — London, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audio Venue — online and in-store — London, England, United Kingdom (website)
- House of Stereo — online and in-store — Jacksonville, Florida, United States (website)
- Imacustica — online and in-store — Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal (website)
- Jaguar Audio — in-store — Bellevue, Washington, United States (website)
- Loud & Clear — in-store — Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (website)
- Martins Hi-fi — in-store — Norwich, England, United Kingdom (website)
- The AUDIOBARN — in-store — Harlow, England, United Kingdom (website)
With lively transient speed and a lush, layered presentation, the EX2000 marries analog ease with real high-end precision. Tracking Angle and Audiophilia both praise its dimensional imaging, superb tracking, and rich timbre, while its diamond cantilever and spruce body help it sound refined rather than clinical.
Pros
- Combines relaxed musical flow with excellent detail retrieval, speed, and timbral accuracy.
- Imaging and layering are outstanding, with a wide, solid soundstage and strong separation.
- Tracks superbly at the recommended 2.1g and handles difficult test records with confidence.
- High-end materials and execution help it avoid the tense, edgy character some diamond-cantilever cartridges can have.
&
Cons
- Its premium price puts it firmly in elite territory, making it a serious investment rather than a mainstream option.
- It rewards careful arm and phono-stage matching, so it is not the most forgiving plug-and-play cartridge.
Sound Quality
95/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below. Reviewers consistently describe the EX2000 as lush, detailed, highly musical, and unusually revealing, with phrases like "one of the finest cartridges on the market" and "among the most musical yet detailed and revealing cartridges I've heard." The sound is praised for combining relaxed flow with speed, transparency, and strong tonal honesty rather than sounding analytical or strained.
Overall Sound
96/100
The consensus is strongly superlative: Michael Fremer calls it "among the most musical yet detailed and revealing cartridges I've heard," while Audiophilia describes it as "one of the finest cartridges on the market" with lushness, detailed retrieval, excellent timbral control, and tactile translucence. It is also praised for being rich and sensuous without becoming chesty or hooded, which suggests excellent tonal balance and musicality.
Tracking Retrieval
94/100
Tracking and retrieval are repeatedly praised at a very high level. Fremer reports that it "perfectly tracked" the Ortofon test record's 80µm peak track and barely buzzed on the 90µm track, calling it a "superb tracker" at the recommended 2.1g VTF; Audiophilia adds that the stylus design improves traceability and reduces inner distortion and crackling noise. The only reason this is not even higher is that the praise, while strong and specific, stops short of truly unique category-defining language.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
Imaging and layering are a clear strength, with descriptions such as "full and solid images," "loading the room with air," "remarkable layering," and improved separation of instruments and textures. The cartridge is credited with stronger dimensionality and more precise placement than its predecessor, suggesting a vivid and spacious presentation with excellent focus and depth.
Show Less
Build Quality
89/100
Build quality is viewed very positively, with the cartridge described as "well built" and benefiting from a diamond cantilever and carefully executed stylus architecture. Reviewers also note the premium materials and the solid execution of the design, though the evidence supports excellent craftsmanship rather than an extreme, universally cited benchmark of construction.
Features Usability
71/100
Tonearm compatibility / system fit. The EX2000 appears somewhat specialized rather than broadly plug-and-play: its 0.65mV output, 2.1g tracking force, and low compliance imply that it will reward proper arm mass, alignment, and phono-stage matching. Review language suggests it is manageable, but not as forgiving or universally easy to place as a more mainstream MM cartridge.
Reviewers imply a cartridge that rewards careful setup and matching rather than one designed for maximum universal flexibility. Its low compliance and MC nature mean tonearm and phono-stage synergy matter, so the usability score reflects a competent but specialized fit rather than broad convenience.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $15,000-$22,500, this is an unapologetically expensive cartridge, but reviewers still frame the cost as justified by performance. Comments like "Worth a 4K premium? Well, of course it is" and "expensive but if you can drop $20K you won't regret it" indicate premium pricing with acknowledged but accepted value in the context of its class, not bargain pricing.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
No reviews found yet
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
All Dealers
Zoom out the map to see more dealers
Featured Partners
