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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
racedoc
80 posts
 
Maybe it is worth to look over your owns shoulder and thinking
about the new DS Audio DS-E1?
soundwatts
221 posts
 
+1 on the Soundsmith. I am using the Paua mkii and it was a revelation after using Koetsu’s, Dynavectors, Sumikos, Grado’s and Shure. There is a 50 percent off sale going on at Elusive Disc on some models including the Zephyr. you will be surprised how good these sound.
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Dear @xagwell  You can't go wrong with either of this alternatives. I own your 90X and these two better cartridges quality performance than the 90X:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9aee1-lyra-kleos-mc-phono-cartridge-like-new-cartridges

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9c350-van-den-hul-colibri-xgp-gold-lw-new-latest-version-cartridges


Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
Post removed 
xagwell OP
135 posts
 

Hey gang an update for you.  I did not get the SoundSmith but surprisingly I ditched my Linn instead and moved up to Basis/Vector 4 Tonearm around January last year.  Initially I went with a Clear Audio Stradivari because I auditioned it but snagged that sucker upon install.  For no good reason I ignored or forgot your feedback and went for the Hana Umami Red to replace it.  Basis tech support advised that this cart should be no problem however a lot of Basis owners were using Dynavector cartridges with good results. In addition my Rhea now has the Eclipse upgrade but only 35 hours of burn in.  Aesthetix recommends approximately 280 hours=80% of upgrade results. The Hana has 93 hours on it now but I know the sonics will continue to evolve because of the Rhea.  However I currently find the Hana to be very open and detailed which I like.  I find the mids to be wonderful with a nice touch of air!.  Would I buy another Hana, well I don't know because I've since fallen in love with MySonicLabs.......but just as in January of 2019 I remain curious about Soundsmith!

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