SoundSmith cartridges how good?

"The Paua mkII is a wonderful cart and it’s what gave me the upgrade bug to the Hyperion."

I'm envious.
I heard the cactus needled Hyperion demoed by Peter years ago. What stayed in my mind is the fact it was on an "average" setup-VPI HRX and thru his bookshelves.
The sound coming thru the unimpressive looking small bookshelves was huge. Only thing that topped that was hearing the amazing straingauge, which was another setup there. 

Those 2 carts are in the BADASS category to my ears.

I've mentioned this experience in the past thread. Even Peter was impressed with the sound of his gear when we  played one of my "stampers" I had with me. It was David Gilmores debut album. Peter wanted to keep the album for his demos!

Off topic sidenote:
Pink Floyd fans, if you don't already own this album, get it. You want
this version
https://www.discogs.com/David-Gilmour-David-Gilmour/release/751793
For a 70's Rock album, audiogeek/phool demo showoff worthy, IMO.

Just buy a high quality MM/MI and do not mess with the lower scale MC as most are inferior in sound and range in comparison.

@tablejockey 

To be honest the only cart I ever owned before were from the Rega line including the Apheta and their top of the line Aphelion2.  Really no comparison. 

To anyone interested, and it’s even tempting for me. Just saw this posted; an old SoundSmith VPI, or, predecessor to the Zephyr. Really good deal IMO.

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649718051-soundsmith-vpi-cartridge/

I own a Sussurro MkII and it's the best sounding cartridge I've owned. got around 3000 hrs on it. It replaced a Dynavector Karat D3. Have a Zephyr MIMC ES waiting in the wings for when I send the Sussurro to be re-tipped.