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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
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
I'm thinking of upgrading to a 1200G later this year. I'm now thinking the ZEPHYR may be the way to go, especially switching to a higher end TT. May be the last cartridge I would ever need
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
As you know Peter at SoundSmith likes Grace MM cartridges and you can read about it here, he’s servicing them for others and even produced his own replacement styli for them. It is safe to buy one of these, the best are F14 and LEVEL II models. If you prize his work he could always repair those vintage Grace beauties. I am a big fan of Grace (but i use only original styli with Grace pick-ups).
oldears
385 posts
 
Some bad info here. Yes Soundsmith is MI, but the replacement is factory not user. Grado is also MI, but different.Also, for low cost, I would advise to use Soundsmith high output and spend less money on the phono preamp. Soundsmith HO is like getting a free SUT without the penalty of increased moving mass as for a HOMC.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Some bad info here. Yes Soundsmith is MI, but the replacement is factory not user.

You're right, B&O cartridges manufactured by SoundSmith and some SoundSmith cartridges looks like the stylus is user replaceable, but they are not. ANYWAY it's factory replaced for very low cost by the manufacturer, this is a clear benefit compared to MC cartridges from some other brands.

I just checked the SoundSmith site and quickly realized all old models are gone and replaced with new design (that looks a bit weird, sorry). 

An old design is better to my eyes (just my personal preferences), especially this one made for OMA.  

But there are many more great MM or MI cartridges in this world (or even LOMC) new or old.  

tablejockey
3,769 posts
 
I have a SS Otello for  an emergency backup cart.

It's a great $400 cart. In my system, I hear it as described by SS. Fantastic mids/highs but light on the low end. System dependent I would imagine. 

The Otello in my system is excellent for Classical, but under-performs with bass heavy R&R. YMMV. 

I would go Carmen or better if SS were the primary cart. 





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