2. analog
  3. 152266-1660

Cheap cart confession

I'm in the forced audio gear buy mode, since my $2500 retail cart isn't being honored by warranty. No emergency decent cart to use. I was able to purchase it as a "once on a lifetime" dealer buy.

Meanwhile, just for kicks...

Ortofon OM5. It's been in a drawer for years. $50 plasticky,throw away replacing a $2500 machined aluminum body cartridge  that came in an equally attractive, nice smelling wooden box. My table setup/phono pre was $6-7Kish when new?

I'm being reminded by what I hear. If everything AFTER the cart is in reasonable order(synergy?) even a throw away cart will play the magic! It may be veiled,a little mushy and such, but I can still enjoy it more than my  CD deck thru a R2R DAC. It's very clean and precise, but it doesn't have the unexplainable, hold my attention for long quality.

Because my disposable play money is divided into a few thing outside of audio crap, I'm going backward with the next cartridge. I just can't wait and save for something substantial. Thank goodness my ears/brain can accept the horror!

I purchased an already marked down+ additional discount  low end model that I think will perform great(for the price) 

Under $400 Nirvana! Should have it on the table by mid week. 

tablejockey
tablejockey OP
3,920 posts
 
I’m happy to report the Soundsmith Otello is performing as expected.

I have the current, new body design. Definitely nicer looking than the previous model. Looks like a pricier cart.

Just a few album sides in, and minimal fuss, easily heard improvement over the $50 Orto. Very easy setup.

This review was helpful, and my findings are similar.
https://www.eliteaudiouk.com/single-post/2018/02/26/SoundSmith-Otello-Review-in-HiFi-Choice

I was able to compensate for the reported weak bass, with a little tube swapping in the main amp. Mids are quite nice, highs are more controlled, more convincing.

The performance gap is noticeably smaller comparing the Orto, and my personal "reference" I’m hoping for a little more improvement as it settles in, and maybe a week or so, I will revisit adjustments.

I think I like the presentation more than the similar priced AT OC9II which I think is also nice for the price. Very relaxed, but not sloppy as the Orto can be.

By all accounts, the Otello will hold my attention until I’m ready to pony up to the bar again.

As always YMMV.
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
Any issues with the s's being exaggerated on the Otello? 
tablejockey OP
3,920 posts
 
boxer12-

I don't hear any exaggerated sibalance.

A go to test track I like is off a1958 mono press of Julie Londons "Julie is her name." "Laura"is performed with only  Julie, the great Barney Kessel on guitar, and the bass player. The Otello puts Julie "in the room."

Still early, but so far i'm pleased, even though I likely don't have the cart optimized. 

R&R was tested with some busy prog-Yes and King Crimson. Having the reference sound in my head, not bad. Blasted "I've Seen All Good People" and "In the Court of the Krimson King" with no concerns. 

The mids, thru my system and ears, appear to be the Otello's strong suit.

The Otello is performing beyond expectations.

boxer12
8,656 posts
 
+1 tablejockey 
tablejockey OP
3,920 posts
 
I've been able to squeeze in some album sides, since installing the mighty Otello.

The weak areas I initially found noticeable, have improved a bit with adjustments and play time.

As  mentioned, I hear the mid band being MUCH closer to my previous reference than the humble $50 Orto. Very engaging, believable tone.

The last bit of detail to cymbal crashes is veiled, yet acceptable in R&R albums. Old recordings of straight ahead acoustic Jazz and Classical  sound very good.

Vocals, on a good recording are "there" with just a little less presence. 

The bass not does having the impact of a pricier cart. Turning the sub up a notch helps, along with tube rolling in my setup. It Just doesn't replace a finer cartridge.

Three thumbs up for the $399 Soundsmith Otello.


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