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Cartridge Recommendations

I have a Linn/Ekos with Rhea phono stage, feeding Maggies and Manley Mono blocks.  My Shelter 90X has served me well but is nearing retirement............so looking to hear from the community regarding cartridges.  I must confess having had Shure, Benz Micro, Audio Technica, and now what was the top of the line Shelter, I am increasingly intrigued with the Soundmith line, but any feedback/opinion would be appreciated............thank for taking the time to post.
xagwell
johnto
980 posts
 
Some of the Soundsmith line is currently on sale as the line has been redesigned. I have the Carmen mk2 which is a great sounding cartridge. I am using a moon lp3 phono pre and Maggie 3.7i speakers 
xagwell OP
131 posts
 
Appreciate your feedback.........what are the sonic
characteristics of this cartridge in  your system?
johnto
980 posts
 
Very nice well rounded plenty of detail and separation. Its on sale for $699 from online sites.
jperry
2,433 posts
 
You should listen to an EMT. Mid level output will allow you to listen with less gain from your Rhea and keep you out of the noise floor
joegator81
108 posts
 
Not sure if it’s a good much for your arm but the Soundsmith zephyr Star is very nice. It took the dynamic capabilities of my system up a notch without being in your face. Never seems to work to hard, no etch in the treble. I’m sure there are carts that sound more effortless than this one but effortless is an apt description. It likes to be tail up on my Nottingham ace space 294. Very non fatiguing, I can listen for hours. 
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