SoundSmith cartridges how good?

I couldn't resist and bought this cartridge as a backup for my Zephyr MK III for when I need to send it in for re-tipping. Thanks for the heads up bkeske.


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/ 
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@rickd1235

I couldn’t resist and bought this cartridge as a backup for my Zephyr MK III for when I need to send it in for re-tipping. Thanks for the heads up bkeske.

Good for you! Yes, a great back-up when your Zephyr needs re-tipped. Wish that would have been availiable when I bought the Goldring for the same purpose 👍🏼

Not sure if you asked him how many hours the actual stylus has (he stated approx. hours on the cart itself, and was unclear whether that was before or after he sent it to SoundSmith to be checked out) but even sending it in to be retipped would be a great deal for the overall investment. For about $575 (total) you will have a practically new 1st generation Zephyr. Not bad.

Please see my review of the SG elsewhere in this forum.
The SG is NOT bright once past about 25- 50 hours. Indeed, it is extremely "neutral" and extremely revealing, articulate, dynamic, and honest. ( The last attribute is a "killer" for poorly recorded LPs! ) The tonal characteristics of instruments is very accurate provided your system per se does not add "color".  
Also, don't forget that the stylus/cantilever are user replaceable without even the need to take the cart off the tonearm or realign!  A simple 5 minute process for a fraction of the cost of other brands.
The included "phono amp" eliminates the need for a traditional phono amp and saves thousands easily offsetting a large part of the cost of the SG. If you have a specific question, please contact me.

Would I like a Soundsmith cart?  Currently use Denon DL103R on Linn Basik tonearm.  Like it a lot.   Non nonsense, just rock solid top to bottom. 

Hello,
I am happy to hear about Peter and his company’s problem was a one off. In the future it would be great if we could keep the negative comments to ourselves until we know for sure it is a pattern. This is people’s lively hood in a one year time frame that crippled the entire world. The average age of an Axpona attendee is 61 years old. Thank god some of the younger generations are helping the resurgence of turn tables. My one main issue is you did not call them back and talk to someone about your issue hopefully on another day.  He might have just dropped and stepped on a very expensive cart. Everyone has bad days. Explaining to them what happened might have helped you out in the long run. It sounds like Peter runs a great company and does care about his work and his customers. Please get the facts first. Just a thought.