Thoughts on a cartridge

Thanks for the info - do you think the sound smith would mount relatively easily with the RP3?

I have pro Ac super tablette speakers which are naturally bright with a frontal soundstage so a warmer cartridge would in my opinion be helpful 

Yes, it should mount fine. The Otello comes in both a medium and high compliance, so you should check with your arm mass specs to make the correct choice if that is a consideration. I think most being sold are medium compliance. 22 IIRC. The high compliance is 28.

Here is a link to the various Soundsmiths cart compatibility with various arm mass:

https://sound-smith.com/cartridge-compliancearm-mass-chart

But to be honest, I purchased a new 1042 for less than a new Otello, about $350 (from a gentleman locally on US Audio Mart, but he sells here too, and eBay.... Jazzfan67 IIRC. I believe he has one left). And that would be still be my choice for overall value.

Audio-Technica AT150SA may also worth a consideration at slightly lower price.

I really appreciate all the valuable insight and information 

thank you