AESTHETIX ABCD-2 MC CARTRIDGE DEMAGNETIZER (Not for use with Moving Magnet Cartridges)
Based on the legendary ABCD-1, the ABCD-2 is fitted into a smaller, lighter and more attractive package. Equally attractibe is its new lower retail price. Now using a pair of easily accessible AA batteries instead of the larger heavier and more expensive 9V batteries. The ABCD-1 used 2 buttons & 2 LED's (1 for power and the other to activate the demagnetizing process) whereas the ABCD-2 handles both functions with a single button press and needs only one LED. Reducing complexity has greatly improved manufacturing efficiency and thus the ABCD-2 delivers more performance at a substantially lower price than its predecessor.
"Plugging your turntable leads into the ABCD-2 every two-to-four weeks and pressing the on-button restores the clarity, dynamics, and detail your (likely pricey) MC is capable of."
—The Absolute Sound, 2026 Golden Ear Award
Why De-magntize your MC cartridge?
Over time, even the most meticulously designed moving coil cartridges accumulate a magnetic field that dulls their musical nuance. This buildup occurs as the coil’s copper impurities gradually absorb charge from the powerful magnets used in modern cartridges—reducing the coil’s freedom of movement. The result is a growing reduction in clarity, sound which is murky and less defined that you might not notice until it is removed. A quick, periodic demagnetization is all it takes to hear the difference in transparency and liveliness.
Effortless Performance Restoration
The ABCD-2 remains as simple as ever to use. About once a month, depending on usage, connect the ABCD-2 to your turntable leads, press the front panel button, and allow its unique algorithm to neutralize the residual magnetism in your cartridge. Within minutes, you’ll hear the return of the crisp detail, dynamic energy, and immersive realism you remember from your vinyl collection.
Future-Proof Design
We’ve preserved the core DNA of the ABCD-1 while making innovative enhancements. We now have the ability to update the ABCD-2’s demagnetization algorithm when we develop new refinements in the future. We’ve also made battery replacement more accessible and streamlined the overall build process, which helps us keep costs down without compromising performance.
Crafted in America
Designed and manufactured at our headquarters in Moorpark, California, the ABCD-2 embodies our commitment to precision, quality, and innovation.
"I used the Aesthetix [ABCD-1] MC Demagnetizer throughout the listening session. Like other well-designed cartridge demagnetizing devices, it ramps up, holds, and then ramps down a low-distortion, high-energy sinewave. It's very reasonably priced and works as well as more expensive models!"
- Michael Fremer, Stereophile, Vol. 25 No. 7
