Van den Hul The COLIBRI

Van den Hul The COLIBRI Phono Cartridge

A Concentration of Technology and Craftsmanship

The COLIBRI is the flagship model of phono cartridges designed and handcrafted by the Dutch master A.J. van den Hul. It represents the culmination of his ongoing research to enhance cartridge designs and achieve the very essence of phono transduction.

Each unit of The COLIBRI is meticulously assembled, tested, and personally tuned by A.J. van den Hul. The materials used are of exceptional quality, often sourced from cutting-edge industries. The result is a rare and unique product, intended for the most discerning enthusiasts.

A Sleek and Innovative Design

Compared to Van den Hul’s previous high-end Grasshopper cartridges, The COLIBRI stands out with an even more streamlined and minimalist design. Many elements have been removed or adapted to return to the essentials of phono transduction:

• The total magnetic circuit has been minimized, significantly reducing distortion and noise. This allows for the revelation of subtle sound details previously inaudible, particularly the reverberation of instruments.

• The cartridge’s mass has been reduced through the optimization of the magnetic circuit. Combined with the ability to adjust static compliance on request, this allows for the use of very lightweight tonearms while maintaining excellent groove tracking.

• The removal of the front pole has enabled the use of an even shorter cantilever, enhancing the precision and responsiveness of the transduction.

The design of The COLIBRI is inspired by the elegance, speed, and beauty of the tropical bird of the same name. Like the bird, this cartridge aims to be agile and precise in its reading of microgrooves.

Three Versions to Suit Every System

The COLIBRI is offered in three main versions to meet the needs of every hi-fi system:

• XC Version: pure crystalline copper wire coils, output voltage of 0.30 mV/channel
• XC-HO Version: pure crystalline copper wire coils, output voltage of 0.38 mV/channel
• XG Version: pure crystalline gold wire coils, output voltage of 0.65 mV/channel

Each version is available with a carbon-nylon plastic body (suffix P, total weight 6 g) or a metal body (suffix M, total weight 7 g) to match the effective mass of the tonearm.

Upon special request, Van den Hul can also create custom cartridges taking into account the characteristics of the hi-fi system (tonearm, phono preamp, load impedance), musical preferences (jazz dynamics, space and details of classical music), and other client wishes.

Pure and Detailed Sound

When listening, The COLIBRI offers an incredibly pure, clear, and open sound in all aspects. It reproduces the finest details etched in the grooves, without any coloration or distortion.

Its dynamics, speed, and precision allow it to convey all the energy and nuances of recordings, whether on audiophile pressings or standard market records. The soundstage is vast and deep, with a beautiful sense of presence from the performers.

The COLIBRI particularly excels in the high register, with great extension and finesse, which may seem a bit bright or aggressive in close listening. However, this actually corresponds to the acoustic pressure level of a near-field recording.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

• Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 65 kHz
• Stylus Tip Angle: 22°
• Weight:
  • P Version: 6 g
  • M Version: 7 g

Stylus

• Dimensions: VDH-IS, 2 × 85 µm
• Tracking Force: 13.5 to 15 mN
• Compliance: 35 µm / mN
• Tracking Ability: 70 µm (at 315 Hz under 15 mN)
• Dynamic Mass: 0.24 mg

Electrical Characteristics

• Output Voltage (1 kHz at 5.7 cm / s):
  • 0.4 mV
  • 0.5 mV
  • 0.65 mV
• Channel Separation:
  • 1 kHz: > 35 dB
  • 10 kHz: > 30 dB
• Channel Balance: < 0.5 dB
• Moving Coil Resistance per Channel:
  • 21 Ω
  • 96 Ω
  • 36 Ω
• Recommended Load Impedance:
  • 500 to 1,000 Ω
  • 2.5 kΩ to 47 kΩ
  • 500 to 1,000 Ω

Compatibility

• Recommended Arm Mass:
  • P Version: 8 to 14 g
  • M Version: 10 to 14 g