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
3,901 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
3,901 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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