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Soundsmith Aida vs Hana sh

I would like some help in choosing the right cartridge for my set-up. I have a recently rebuilt sota sapphire series 3 with a pro-ject 10cc, Soundsmith Carmen-H into a Manley chinook se.
I really have these two in mind.

Soundsmith Aida & Hana sh

I’m looking for technical help on this, not opinions on what you think sounds better. I have heard both on different systems that were set-up for them and like both very much.The Hana being the winner for value and the Aida sounding the way a $2,000.00 cartridge should. The Hana maybe a little light at 5 grams for the stock counter weight on the 10cc & both seem to me to be a good match with the Manley.Please let me know what you think. Thank you
128x128pipetowers
oharchie's avatar
oharchie
31 posts
 
There is no Hana HL. The models are:

SH - Shibata high
EH - Eliptical high
SL - Shibata low
EL - Eliptical low


noromance's avatar
noromance
9,710 posts
 
The Hana being the winner for value and the Aida sounding the way a $2,000.00 cartridge should.
You have answered your own question.
pipetowers's avatar
pipetowers OP
13 posts
 
Noromance,This is my question:
The Hana maybe a little light at 5 grams for the stock counter weight on the 10cc & both seem to me to be a good match with the Manley.Please let me know what you think. Thank you
lewm
12,849 posts
 
The OP wrote "SH".  I guess it was my mistake to start referring to it as "HL".  Thanks for the correction, oharchie.   Happy New Year to all.
everstar's avatar
everstar
6 posts
 
Never heard a Hana. 

I own the Aida. Aida had a lot more body then cheaper MC carts I have heard. It will have a wider soundstage, a little detail but yet remain very smooth and musical. Very natural/neutral sound. 

MC I have have heard in that 500/1200 range have been more analytical, less body and less musical. They might have a little sharper highs and a bit more "air". 

Don't underestimate the value of re-tipping. 
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