Advice needed on MC cartridges

@safebelayer , here we are with ears again. In reality what something sounds like is unrelated to how something performs. Just because the moving coil market is different than the high output market means you are going to spend much more for similar PERFORMANCE. You can get a Gyger S stylus in  $600 GOLDRING, a $2000 Clearaudio Charisma, a $5000 VDH and a  $17K Goldfinger. There is a lot more to a cartridge's performance than the stylus but still.

If you believe what any one individual says a piece of equipment sounds like is an indication of it's performance...well, good luck to you. Most people, audiophiles included have absolutely, incontrovertibly no idea what they are listening to which means their opinion of what something sounds like should be suspect. It only applies to the individual. Usually, whatever they just bought sounds best. 

Let me post another and different question than one on unipivots, that may be less controversial. At the worst I can probably solve that issue with the VPI dual pivot mod mulveling suggested.

Mijostyn mentioned early on this thread, and above, there is a substantial monetary premium to pay for selecting a MC type cartridge, due to the popularity of MC’s. So today I began researching MI cartridges as suggested. With a budget in mind of three to four thousand dollars, do you think I should categorically be able to purchase a substantially better cartridge going the MI route? Or might it rather be more a matter of preference due to how each sounds.

The Soundsmith site lists a well reviewed MI cartridge called the PAUA MK II ES at $4000. Do any of you know how might compare with similarlly priced MC cartidges such the Hana Umani Red, Lyra Kleos, Van den Hull Frog, Charisma Audio Signature, Koetsu Rosewood Standard, Benz Micro Ebony. or others similarly priced. If MI cartridges are relatively speaking a much better value without a built in markup, it appears you could get much better cartridge at the same price with an MI. What do you think? Is that overly obvious or too simplistic? Any advice and guidance would be appreciated. Thanks all,

Mike

@skyscraper , of all the cartridges you just mentioned the only one I personally would consider over a Soundsmith Voice is the Lyra Kleos. Lyra really makes measurably better cartridges than most MC companies. The only other two that I care for are Ortofon and My Sonic. These cartridges are fabulous but require expensive arms and phono stages to perform a their best. The monetary commitment is much greater. If you can afford them by all means go for it. I myself am hanging out with the Voice until I am ready to go for broke again. Pick a direction and head there. I always know way in advance what my next move is going to be. I have to go in baby steps to not piss off the wife. My last move cost me $20K in furnisher. 

Thank myjostin. Is there anything particularly identifiable in the sound of MI’s you know of that might distinguish them from MC’s, or make some folks prefer MC’s for some reason? I’ll study up on the ones you mention tomorrow. Appreciate your assistance,

I know what you mean about your wife’s input. My late wife would have killed me by now if she knew of all my spending on stereo equipment since she passed away four or so years ago. Appreciate yours while you’ve got her. Thanks,

Mike

I'm very sorry to hear that. I do not know what I would do without my wife. If buying stereo equipment keeps you from drinking yourself do death I am sure your wife would tell you to buy away. 

The Soundsmith is one of the best tracking cartridges you can buy. Very few MC cartridges can track at their level given the same type of stylus and cantilever. Sound wise the Soundsmiths are very balanced. Their amplitude performance across the frequency spectrum is dead flat and their resonance point is way up above the audio spectrum. Because of their very low moving mass their resonance point is much higher than any MC cartridge I know of except perhaps the low output Lyras and My Sonics. They have no sonic character which for some people is their downfall. Many people prefer a cartridge with character, more bass or more treble. Some distortions can give a cartridge a euphonic character. IMHO these distortions, in most cases interfere with proper imaging.