In nearly all systems it's the phono preamp that provides RIAA EQ, not the cartridge.
RIAA eq standards - a deal breaker?
Have a VPI Classic 3 with a Benz Glider that I just dropped last evening and now need to replace. The Soundsmith Zephyr mkII is on my short list; but now I hear that it does not adhere to the RIAA eq standards. Should I remove it from my list of cartridge contenders (which include the Lyra Delos and Clearaudio Maestro v2 )?