Audio T Verdict
The Audio Note IQ III combines the straightforward phono-stage compatibility of a moving-magnet cartridge with a titanium cantilever and removable Audio Note Type 2 stylus assembly.
Its 6.5mV output connects directly to a conventional 47kO moving-magnet phono input, avoiding the specialist gain and step-up transformer requirements of Audio Note's low-output IO moving-coil cartridges.
Correct total capacitance and accurate tonearm setup remain essential, but threaded mounting inserts and an interchangeable stylus assembly make installation and future stylus replacement more practical.
Audio Note IQ III Type 2 Moving-Magnet Cartridge
The Audio Note IQ III is a moving-magnet cartridge with a rigid Pocon body, fine copper coils, titanium cantilever and removable Audio Note Type 2 diamond stylus assembly.
It produces 6.5mV at 1kHz and 5cm/sec, allowing direct connection to a compatible moving-magnet phono stage with a 47kO input.
The cartridge weighs 6.3g and uses standard 12.7mm mounting centres with integral threaded inserts.
Current Type 2 Stylus Specification
Audio Note's current IQ III product information identifies an Audio Note Type 2 diamond stylus.
The cartridge uses the same titanium cantilever material found in the IO I, but the current manufacturer pages list different stylus designations for the two models.
Moving-Magnet Generator
In a moving-magnet cartridge, the stylus and cantilever move a small magnet in relation to fixed coils inside the cartridge body.
This arrangement produces a substantially higher output than a typical low-output moving-coil cartridge.
The IQ III can therefore connect directly to a compatible moving-magnet phono input without a step-up transformer or active MC gain stage.
Correct Phono Signal Path
The IQ III requires a phono stage providing moving-magnet gain, 47kO input resistance and suitable input capacitance.
The phono stage then applies RIAA equalisation and raises the signal to a level suitable for a conventional amplifier line input.
Correct Signal Path
- Audio Note IQ III cartridge
- Tonearm cable
- 47kO moving-magnet phono input
- RIAA equalisation and phono gain
- Amplifier line stage
- Power amplifier and loudspeakers
Not Required
- Moving-coil step-up transformer
- Active MC gain stage
- 3O or 4O cartridge loading
- External cartridge power supply
- Specialist 0.04mV gain
- Moving-coil input setting
6.5mV Output
Audio Note specifies an output sensitivity of 6.5mV, with a tolerance of ±1.5dB, measured at 1kHz and 5cm/sec.
This relatively high output is intended for a conventional moving-magnet phono stage.
The cartridge should not normally be connected to a high-gain moving-coil input, which may overload or provide inappropriate loading.
47kO Load Resistance
The recommended phono-stage input resistance is 47kO.
This is the standard load used by many moving-magnet phono inputs, including the valve phono stage fitted to the
Audio Note M3 Phono Balanced CD Input preamplifier
.
Using a substantially different resistance may alter the cartridge's electrical response.
Total Capacitance of 150pF to 200pF
Audio Note specifies a load-capacitance range of 150pF to 200pF.
This is the total capacitance seen by the cartridge, including the tonearm wiring, external phono cable and phono-stage input.
The manufacturer advises that total capacitance should not exceed 200pF. Excessive or insufficient capacitance may change the cartridge's high-frequency response.
Count the Complete Capacitive Load
The phono-stage setting is only one part of the total. Tonearm wiring and the cable between the turntable and phono stage also contribute capacitance.
If those figures are unavailable, Audio T can help assess the complete connection and recommend a suitable low-capacitance cable where required.
Fine Copper Internal Coils
The IQ III's fixed generator coils are wound with extremely fine copper wire.
Audio Note specifies an internal resistance of 660O and an internal inductance of 570mH.
These electrical characteristics interact with the 47kO resistance and total system capacitance, making correct MM loading important.
Rigid Pocon Body
The cartridge body is manufactured from Pocon, a rigid and comparatively lightweight engineering material.
The body is intended to provide firm mechanical support while limiting unwanted energy storage and resonance.
Its flat surfaces also provide useful visual references when setting cartridge alignment, azimuth and initial arm height.
Integral Threaded Mounting Inserts
Threaded inserts are built into the top of the cartridge body, removing the need to hold separate nuts beneath the head shell.
Two bolts pass through the tonearm head shell and screw directly into the cartridge body at the standard 12.7mm fixing centres.
This arrangement makes installation more straightforward and provides direct mechanical contact between the cartridge and head shell.
Do Not Overtighten the Mounting Bolts
Tighten the supplied bolts gradually and evenly. They should hold the cartridge securely without excessive force.
Final tightening should only be completed after overhang and offset-angle alignment have been set.
Titanium Cantilever
The IQ III uses a titanium-tube cantilever rather than the aluminium cantilever fitted to lower models in the IQ range.
Audio Note also uses titanium as the cantilever material in the IO I moving-coil cartridge, although the complete cartridge assemblies and electrical requirements are very different.
The cantilever is delicate and must not be touched or subjected to sideways pressure.
Audio Note Type 2 Diamond
The current IQ III specification identifies an Audio Note Type 2 diamond.
The diamond and cantilever form part of a complete removable stylus assembly attached to the front of the cartridge body.
This differs from the fixed stylus, cantilever and moving-coil assembly used by the
Audio Note IO I
.
Removable Stylus Assembly
The complete IQ III stylus and cantilever assembly can be removed from the cartridge body.
This allows a worn or damaged stylus assembly to be replaced without replacing the complete moving-magnet generator.
The stylus assembly may also be removed during initial cartridge installation to protect the cantilever while the body is mounted and the tonearm leads are connected.
Handle the Stylus Assembly with Extreme Care
Hold the assembly by its body and never touch the diamond or cantilever.
When removed, store it securely with the cantilever facing upwards and ensure that no object can press against it.
Interchangeable Audio Note IQ Styli
Audio Note states that the stylus assemblies across the IQ cartridge range are interchangeable.
An owner of an IQ I or IQ II can therefore fit the IQ III stylus assembly as a future upgrade while retaining the existing cartridge body.
The correct replacement should be sourced through Audio T or another authorised Audio Note dealer.
1.75g Nominal Tracking Force
Audio Note specifies a tracking-force range of 1.5g to 2.5g and identifies 1.75g as the nominal setting.
Tracking force should be measured at record height with the stylus guard removed, using an accurate stylus-force gauge.
The force should be checked again after final cartridge alignment because moving the cartridge in the head shell can alter the measured value.
Use 1.75g as the Setup Target
The published 1.5g to 2.5g range defines the permitted adjustment range. Audio Note identifies 1.75g as the normal setup value.
Do not increase tracking force simply to compensate for a worn stylus, damaged record or incorrectly aligned tonearm.
Cartridge Alignment
Correct overhang and offset angle reduce tracking error as the stylus travels across the record.
Use the alignment protractor and mounting-distance information appropriate for the tonearm.
The stylus assembly can be removed while the cartridge body is initially mounted, but it must be refitted for final alignment and tracking-force checks.
Azimuth and Arm Height
Audio Note recommends that the top surface of the cartridge body is parallel with the record surface when viewed from the front and side as the initial setup position.
The front view establishes the initial azimuth, while the side view provides a starting point for tonearm height and stylus-rake alignment.
The published vertical tracking angle is 24 degrees, although the final arm setting depends on the complete tonearm, turntable and record geometry.
Anti-Skating
Anti-skating should be set in accordance with the tonearm manufacturer's instructions and checked after the final tracking force has been established.
Excessive or insufficient compensation can affect tracking, stylus wear and channel behaviour.
Tracking force, alignment, azimuth, arm height and anti-skating should be treated as one complete setup process.
6.3g Cartridge Weight
The cartridge body and stylus assembly weigh 6.3g before mounting bolts are added.
This falls within the balancing range of many tonearms, but counterweight capacity and arm compatibility should still be confirmed.
Cartridge weight and compliance also influence the low-frequency tonearm and cartridge resonance.
Static Compliance
Audio Note specifies static compliance of 24mm/N laterally and 16mm/N vertically.
These values are equivalent to 24µm/mN lateral and 16µm/mN vertical compliance.
Static compliance should not be treated as directly interchangeable with every manufacturer's dynamic-compliance figure when calculating arm resonance.
Channel and Frequency Specifications
The published frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz within ±2dB.
Channel separation is specified at 25dB at 1kHz, with channel balance stated as 2dB at 1kHz.
Correct azimuth, alignment and phono-stage loading all contribute to achieving the intended stereo performance.
Equivalent Tip Mass
Audio Note specifies an equivalent tip mass of 0.45mg.
Tip mass is one element of the moving assembly's ability to follow groove modulation, but it should be considered alongside cantilever rigidity, suspension, tracking force and stylus profile.
Connecting the Tonearm Leads
The rear connection pins follow the standard cartridge colour code:
- White: Left channel positive
- Blue: Left channel negative
- Red: Right channel positive
- Green: Right channel negative
The tonearm tags should be pushed gently onto the pins using appropriate fine tools. Do not pull directly on the wires.
Never Solder Leads to the Cartridge Pins
Tonearm leads must not be soldered directly to the IQ III connection pins.
Heat applied to the pins can cause permanent internal cartridge damage.
Stylus Cleaning
Audio Note advises against applying liquid or solvent-based cleaning solutions to the diamond or cantilever.
Loose dust can be gently blown away. If brushing is necessary, use a small, very soft brush and move it slowly from the rear of the cartridge towards the stylus tip.
Never brush from front to back or from side to side.
Stylus Working Life
Audio Note estimates an approximate working life of 1,000 to 3,000 hours for the IQ III stylus.
Actual life depends on record cleanliness, alignment, tracking force, frequency of use, temperature, humidity and handling.
A stylus should be inspected if tracking changes, distortion increases or its operating history is uncertain. It should not automatically be used to the upper estimate without inspection.
Professional Installation Recommended
The integral threaded inserts make mounting easier, but precise alignment and electrical loading remain important.
Professional installation can confirm tonearm compatibility, fixing security, overhang, offset angle, tracking force, azimuth, arm height, anti-skating and total capacitance.
Audio T can also check the stylus condition and verify the cartridge's left and right channel connections.
Black Finish
Audio Note currently lists the IQ III in a black finish.
The black Pocon body includes the removable front stylus assembly and integral threaded mounting inserts.
Replacement-stylus availability should be confirmed when ordering.
Key Features
- Moving-magnet cartridge
- 6.5mV output at 1kHz and 5cm/sec
- Designed for a 47kO phono input
- Specified total load capacitance of 150pF to 200pF
- Fine copper internal coils
- 570mH internal inductance
- 660O internal resistance
- Rigid lightweight Pocon body
- Integral threaded mounting inserts
- Standard 12.7mm fixing centres
- Titanium-tube cantilever
- Audio Note Type 2 diamond stylus
- Removable and replaceable stylus assembly
- Interchangeable with other Audio Note IQ stylus assemblies
- 1.75g nominal tracking force
- 6.3g cartridge weight
- 0.45mg equivalent tip mass
- 24-degree vertical tracking angle
- Black finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IQ III a moving-magnet cartridge?
Yes. It produces 6.5mV and is designed for a conventional 47kO moving-magnet phono input.
Does it require a step-up transformer?
No. A step-up transformer is intended for a compatible low-output moving-coil cartridge and should not be used with the IQ III.
What stylus does the current IQ III use?
Audio Note's current product information identifies an Audio Note Type 2 diamond stylus.
Does it use the same stylus as the IO I?
The current manufacturer pages list different stylus designations. The IQ III uses a Type 2 diamond, while the current IO I specification lists a Type 1 diamond.
Is the stylus replaceable?
Yes. The complete stylus and cantilever assembly can be removed and replaced without changing the cartridge body.
Can another IQ stylus be fitted?
Yes. Audio Note states that stylus assemblies across the IQ cartridge range are interchangeable.
What is the recommended tracking force?
The permitted range is 1.5g to 2.5g, with 1.75g identified as the nominal setting.
Why is capacitance important?
The cartridge's inductance interacts with the total capacitance of the arm wiring, cable and phono input. Incorrect capacitance can change the frequency response.
Does 150pF to 200pF include the tonearm cable?
Yes. The figure describes the total parallel capacitance, including tonearm wiring, external cable and phono-stage input.
Will it fit any tonearm?
Not necessarily. The tonearm must accommodate its 6.3g weight, 12.7mm fixing centres, compliance and required alignment geometry.
Should the stylus guard remain fitted while setting tracking force?
No. The guard must be removed before tracking force is measured because its weight would produce an incorrect reading.
Can liquid stylus cleaner be used?
Audio Note advises that liquid and solvent-based cleaning products should not be applied to the diamond or cantilever.
How long should the stylus last?
Audio Note gives an approximate range of 1,000 to 3,000 hours, depending on setup, record condition, cleanliness, use and handling.
Is professional installation recommended?
Yes. Professional installation can confirm alignment, tracking force, arm compatibility, anti-skating and total phono capacitance.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Experienced Audio Note vinyl-system specialists
- Tonearm and cartridge compatibility checks
- Total phono-capacitance assessment
- Professional cartridge mounting and alignment
- Tracking force, azimuth and arm-height adjustment
- Stylus inspection and replacement support
- Moving-magnet phono-stage matching
- Ongoing turntable and cartridge servicing
Contact your nearest Audio T store
to discuss tonearm compatibility, phono-stage loading, installation and replacement-stylus availability.