Based in Kaunas, Lithuania, Aidas Cartridges offer hand-made moving coil cartridges resulting from Aidas Svaza's experience of repairing and producing cartridges for over 20 years.

Aidas Svazas knows that each and every detail makes a difference, and his line of cartridges features Alnico5 magnets (Samarium Cobalt for lightweight 'Baby' models), ultra-high permeability cores custom-made by Namiki Japan, a unique double damper suspension, Namiki boron cantilever and Micro Ridge stylus.

Starting with the Copper Series, you have a selection of bodies made from Panzerholz, Durawood and Composite, which, we are told, all sound very similar, so this is an aesthetic choice. The Copper Series utilises the same Mk2 Aidas generator custom-made by Namiki Japan as found in the cartridges further up the range. However, those feature different coils and suspension materials. That said, Aidas states that the Copper Series cartridges are “very good performers”, adding that it could be the end-game cart for many vinylistas.

Moving up to the Silver Plated Series aimed at “silver sound lovers”. The maker says that silver in coils and transformers gives a more airy top-end, making this a good option for those with 'darker sounding' systems.

Malachite Silver cartridges (above) have a beautiful, multi-shaded green Tru-Stone body. Tru-Stone consists of more than 85% actual stone. The Tru-Stone blanks are created by pulverising semi-precious stones into a powder and then combining them with other natural pigments and resins. The apparent result is a body that looks and feels very high-end and has unique damping properties.

Gold Plated Series is the alternative second-rung option and was developed to upgrade existing copper coil models by introducing gold-plated wire into the coil. This range also offers a trio of new bodies: Tru-Stone Gold Web, Black African Gabon wood and Brazilian Purpleheart wood (below). Aidas underlines these “rare materials were picked after hours of voicing”.

We are told that the AU-CU series has more resolution and sounds a bit more natural than the copper series.

The 'Baby' model was introduced for linear tracking ultra-light tonearms (air bearing). Meanwhile, the Gold Series is where you will find the Gala Tru-stone Gold (below), which is said to possess around 95% of the Mammoth's performance, presented in a stunning cartridge.

Mammoth (below) is the flagship Aidas cartridge and represents the statement piece of the company. The cartridge's body is made from 21,000-year-old Siberian woolly mammoth tusks. Mammoth is the best and most unique material Aidas could find for his top cartridges. Better than stone, better than exotic wood or metals. Moreover, he tells us that it also as very unique acoustic properties.

Aidas cartridges are available now from G-Point Audio's dealer network with prices starting at £3,840 for the Copper Series, £4,860 for the Silver Plated and Gold Plated Series (including Baby Gold Plated), with the Gala priced at £5,820 and the Mammoth Gold costing £7,800. Aidas also offers servicing and re-tipping, which costs between £250 and £500 depending on the model. This is highly competitive and proves the commitment to sustainability and recycling the cartridge bodies.

Visit Aidas Cartridges for more information