Definitely go to SoundSmith. My very best of way too many cartridges is a SoundSmith. They are a very reputable company. Put yourself in their hands. You can't do better.
Upgrading My Cart
I've happily enjoyed my 2-channel system since 2017: McIntosh 275 power amp, C2600 preamp & MT-5 turntable, which came equipped with a Sumiko Blue Point #2 cartridge. Synergistic Research speaker cables running to Golden Ear T1-Reference speakers. I'd like to upgrade the Sumiko BP#2. I live near Soundsmith and thought I'd try something of theirs in the $2K range, or perhaps a Dynavector from my neighborhood audio shop. I appreciate any and all suggestions in advance. Thanks!
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The Sumiko BP2 is an excellent high output mc cartridge. I owned the BP1 and enjoyed it. Like speakers phono cartridges are transducers - convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. Beyond basic measurements like output voltage, frequency response and channel separation perception of sound quality is subjective. Spending more on a cartridge does not necessarily mean you will enjoy the sound more. Soundsmith vs. BP2 is apples vs. oranges. |
I have only had two turntables in my 63 years of living. The first was a Thorens TD320. A good turntable and I cannot remember the stock cartridge. I was about 23 years old. Went through the digital age and hadn’t had a TT for about 35+ years. Then I got a VPI Prime X turntable and a fellow audiophile recommended a SoundSmith cartridge that cost 1/2 the price of the VPI. Now the sound is spectacular. Most of my albums sound truly great. If I rated the Thorens a 4 out of 10, the VPI (with that cart. ) is a 9 without question. I also have a $5K streamer and a $1200 DAC. Most days the sound quality is on equal ground between the TT and digital setup. Many days the TT sounds better. |
@2psyop Interesting choice of plinth color. I like it. I also enjoy my Prime X it’s a great table! @rickisme I’m running a Hana ML cartridge which is a good amount under $2,000 price range but it’s excellent. I’ve heard great things about the next model up Hana Umami Blue and am considering it for my next cartridge, together with Lyra Delos, Audio Technica ART9 and a couple of Dynavector models.
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