Top 5 favorite MM cartridges currently available

Slightly OT: Has anyone here compared the Soundsmith MI to the Clearaudio MM offerings in the $750-$1000 price range? I really like what I hear and hear about the Soundsmiths, but no local dealers sell them, and I would really prefer to pay for professional mounting. There is, however, an excellent Clearaudio dealer near me. Hence, the question. If you have compared these carts, please share your impressions. Thanks!

I've never heard the Clearaudio but I run the Soundsmith Zephyr on my Amadeus now and it's pretty incredible. I'm thinking about picking up an AT 150MLX or Nagaoka MP-500 to compare with what I have.

Im a big Shure fan as well...m97 is insanely good for the money...however...it is much more nuetral than what many claim...at least in my system...

Halcro - An inanimate object such as a MM cartridge cannot be euphoric, are you telling us they have feelings of happiness and elation, get hurt if you try a moving coil or moving iron. Do you put them in the naughty seat if they misbehave ? Do you have long philosophical debates with your MM's ?
I think Nandric's interpretation of your unusual use of the english language is quite understandable.

Dover,
I disagree......
A cartridge can sound 'happy' in a particular headshell or arm?
It can sound 'soulful' and 'wilful'.......'unhappy' and 'sickly'.
'Sprightly' and 'aggressive'.
Sometimes.....if you have the right headshell and tonearm......a really good cartridge can sound 'euphoric'.
Perhaps Kiwi schooling is overly restrictive?