JE-1D CUTTING HEAD

Overview

The JE-1D moving iron cutting head has been in design and testing since 2020, with its official release in 2025. Over this period iterative changes were made—testing various dimensions, materials, and calibrations—to produce a cutting head capable of reproducing frequencies up to 14 kHz.

Performance

When paired with the provided cutting EQ, the JE-1D delivers a flat response curve, with the ability to produce a 5cm per sec 1000 Hz tone at 0.45V AC at 45 RPM. The JE-1D takes inspiration from the mono cutting heads of the 1940s, building on their design with modern machining techniques and high-performance materials to provide substantial improvements in durability, frequency response, and overall stability.

Design & Compatibility

Designed to be a direct replacement for any record lathe that supports "Tombstone" style cutting heads, the physical dimensions of the JE-1D make it an easy upgrade for existing systems.

Technical Design

The springs in the JE-1D precisely center the armature between two pole pieces, which direct the magnetic flux from the magnet. These springs are specifically chosen to set the resonant frequency of the cutting head at 4-5 kHz. The resonance is dampened by the urethane damper, which extends the high-frequency response of the device.

The armature is held in place by the springs pressing it into a radiused socket, ensuring durability and smooth movement. The cutting head features laminated pole pieces made from silicone steel, which reduce eddy current losses.

Materials & Construction

Modern N35 Neodymium magnets provide strong and stable magnetic flux, ensuring long-term reliability, unlike older permanent magnets that are prone to flux degradation over time. The coils driving the cutting head are wound to 8 ohms for compatibility with modern amplifiers and are rated to safely operate with up to 1A of current without degradation.

The JE-1D armature is carefully designed to reduce mass, which improves frequency response, and features a machined knife-edge radius to minimize friction and wear. The urethane damper (40D) has an expected lifespan of 10-20 years.

The case of the JE-1D, as well as its internal plates, are machined from aluminum and anodised, providing a durable and high-quality finish. Key internal components, such as the springs, are made from nickel-plated spring steel to prevent corrosion, while the magnet yokes and armature are crafted from high-iron content steel with nickel plating, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

The JE-1D Follows the mounting pattern used with Presto and RCA cutting heads. It is supplied with 2x M4 12mm Long Screws.