Another “How to choose an arm” question

I think if you want to go with a low output cartridge you should upgrade your phono stage.

That is my upgraded phonostage 😋

The old one (currently in use) is a 42dB ARC PH2 for MM only at 47k ohms..

I no longer use the IV or the Series Five micrometre, I have a Tonearm in use that has surpassed both of these as a performer and comfortably wins my favour for how the music is engaged with during a replay.  

I am afraid to ask… ?

@holmz 

Soundsmith have a range of medium output cartridges that suit phonos with 48-54db of gain. Some are low compliance, some are medium compliance.

https://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/317/medium-output

https://www.sound-smith.com/cartridge-compliancearm-mass-chart

@dover and what are your thoughts about a SUT with MM or MI?

@holmz 

According to Soundmsith you can use a step up transformer with their low ouput MI's. A 1:10 transformer will present 470ohms to the cartridge which is about as low as you can go.

A friend of mine has the Soundsmith Paua, which I really like - better than his Koetsu Rosewood & Lyra Helikon SL - but it needs to see about 800-900 ohms.

I would personally avoid using a step up transformer because of the lack of adjustment of impedance seen by the cartridge ( you can load transformers but that has issues ).

Also I feel any gains from going to the low output can easily be lost with the addition of a step up transformer and cables.

The 2 options are if you run a low output Sounsmith MI get their matching phono - its quite reasonable and stands up to both a Lamm & Linn Uphorik with the SS MI - I've tried them.

OR

Look at their medium and high output options.

Dover, In the case of MC cartridges one can imagine an inherent advantage to low output, low internal impedance types. Did you perceive the same for the low output MIs from SoundSmith, compared to their higher output  versions?