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RIAA eq standards - a deal breaker?

Have a VPI Classic 3 with a Benz Glider that I just dropped last evening and now need to replace. The Soundsmith Zephyr mkII is on my short list; but now I hear that it does not adhere to the RIAA eq standards. Should I remove it from my list of cartridge contenders (which include the Lyra Delos and Clearaudio Maestro v2 )?
rockyboy
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,248 posts
 
In nearly all systems it's the phono preamp that provides RIAA EQ, not the cartridge.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I see no indication that the Zephyr was not designed with the standard RIAA equalization curve in mind. What you have heard most likely is due to confusion with the Soundsmith Strain gauge cartridge that requires a dedicated phono stage due to its non-standard response curve. The Zephyr is a moving iron design that was designed specifically to match with VPI arms and the reviews I see were based on standard phono stages with no mention of anything with an unusual RIAA.
bill_k
918 posts
 
I believe Swampwalker is absolutely correct on this.
rockyboy OP
335 posts
 
Thanks for the info. Zephyr is within my limited budget and VPI owners tend to really like it..
Suspension shot on the Glider. Is it repairable? I sent an email to Soundsmith this weekend asking this question?
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