2. analog
  3. 157479-10803

Lower end Soundsmith cartridges vs others in same price range?

Soundsmith seems to be a great option for the long term due to their retipping prices. I'm just curious if the performance of the Otello or Carmen is better than anything under $1000 from AT, Ortofon, Hana, etc. I'm running a Technics 1200GR-Elac PPA-2 MM/MC Phono pre. 

I'm not looking for other options as much as opinions on the Soundsmith VS other options.
aberyclark
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
SoundSmith is MI, go for it, at least you don't have to bother with re-tipping, you can get SoundSmith with user replaceable stylus or Peter will replace it for you for the lowest possible cost as the manufacturer.  

It will never happen with MC if you will not ship them to the manufacturer, the cost will be much higher. 
bukanona
174 posts
 
if you on MI look into Grado low output models or Hana  LOMC from MC.
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
I'm thinking of upgrading to a 1200G later this year. I'm now thinking the ZEPHYR may be the way to go, especially switching to a higher end TT. May be the last cartridge I would ever need
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
As you know Peter at SoundSmith likes Grace MM cartridges and you can read about it here, he’s servicing them for others and even produced his own replacement styli for them. It is safe to buy one of these, the best are F14 and LEVEL II models. If you prize his work he could always repair those vintage Grace beauties. I am a big fan of Grace (but i use only original styli with Grace pick-ups).
More to discover