Lower end Soundsmith cartridges vs others in same price range?


Soundsmith seems to be a great option for the long term due to their retipping prices. I'm just curious if the performance of the Otello or Carmen is better than anything under $1000 from AT, Ortofon, Hana, etc. I'm running a Technics 1200GR-Elac PPA-2 MM/MC Phono pre. 

I'm not looking for other options as much as opinions on the Soundsmith VS other options.
aberyclark

Showing 1 response by oldschoolsound

If you go with SoundSmith, you might consider one of their preamps.  A friend has a Ortofon Black on a modded Jelco 750 arm and wanted to try different preamps.  One I brought over was a Creek OBH-2.  It sounded "best" - as in balance, clarity, soundstage, and all the other subjective stuff - to both of us vs. some higher priced units, so he bought the latest version.

When I finished rebuilding the suspension of an Oracle Alexandria and installed a rewired SME 3009 II Improved, an original (now older version) of a SoundSmith Othello was mounted.  I started with the Creek OBH-2 given how good it sounded with the Black, but it didn't prove to be a good match.

While not impressed they use a wall wart power supply, reviews from others had me try a SoundSmith MMP4.  The combination was a significant improvement.  As others have commented, clean and clear mid and high frequency, and with no fatigue, even through modded Klipsch Forte I speakers.  Bass is tight and strong, which I like; you'd have to decide if it's enough for some good old rock n' roll.  I'm pleased enough that I'm not as interested in trying the Carmen.

I'm not familiar with the Elac PPA-2 phono preamp, but it makes sense an in-house preamp "tuned" to their MI cartridges would maximize your listening experience.