2. analog
  3. 132941-46

Thing of upgrading the Soundsmith Carmen II

I love the way this cart sounds on VPI Prime, but it really pronounces the sibalence more than my Dynavector 2x20L and Denon 103R. But it trumps the other 2 for big live sound, presence, and sound stage. So what I think I'm looking for is a great tracking MC cart. 

I have a Parasound JC3+, a Decware integrated amp, an do Zu Omen Def Mk II's with the Radian tweeter upgrade. 

The carts im thinking about (but I'm open to others):

Ortofon Quintet Black S
AT ART 7
AT ART 9
another Soundsmith?

id like to keep the price at $1k or less

i really like the Carmen, except for the dang sibalence; as for set up I've been through it at least 10 times using the Mint Protrctor, a digital Tracking Force gauge, and a fozgometer. I'm I'm dead nuts on azimuth according to the Soundsmith website. 

Thought?
last_lemming

Showing 3 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
last_lemming-
Have you consulted  w/SS?

You can contact Peter directly. He will dial you in.

Into 3rd year with my ART9. When I do upgrade,an upper level SS will be in my lineup. Great cart for the price point.


tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
"just today I rechecked my alignment with my Mint Protractor and it was dead on. Out of curiosity I slipped in the VPI alignment jig to check where the Mint null point would fall relative to the VPI jig. The stylus was about 1mm further out than the VPI jigs null point. This has me a bit confused/concerned. I know there are different null points for different alignments, but i don’t know how much 1mm would or would not affect sibilance."

I believe the VPI jig alignment is their own "correct" setting.I line my VPI with a Fiekert using Baerwald. It is evenfurther out. Guess it proves no alignment is spot on. I get just a hint if SSS on some recordings, otherwise it isn't a deal breaker.

I've have only heard near perfect "SSSS" on REALLY expensive setups, so I don't bother fussing with trying to optimize to the nth degree on my rig.

Others have reported zero sibalance  issues with the ART9. So, I suppose it confirms my setup isn't perfect.
tablejockey
3,772 posts
 
"it may not be a great fit to the 3D tone arm. If this SMARTractor alignment protractor doesn't yield better results I may move the Carmen to my other TT and get the ART9."

lastlemming-
Isn't the SS cart available M/H compliance, so one of the 2 should be fine for the 3D arm? There seems to be many threads with users of SS on the VPI's?

I doubt another jig is the answer, but if it solves the excessive SSS, great. The Mint is an old standby with seasoned turntable users,so that's why I question it being suspect.

My confirmation was playing the offending record on a nice dealer rig. Perfect vocals, I'm too lazy to lug a 50lbs+ turntable to a shop. It is your adjustment-cart/table or combination of both that may be the culprit.
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