Sussurro MkII and surface noise?


I know there are a bunch of folks here using the SoundSmith Susurro MkII. I just finished setting mine up on my VPI Avenger and really the first thing I noticed is how much more surface noise it picks up off my records. I mean, by a lot. My previous go to cart has been a Benz Wood SL, one of the later ones with the MR stylus. I found that to be relatively quiet. The SS uses a O.C. Line Contact type stylus - not quite the same as a MR, but if anything I'd have thought it would be contacting areas of the groove not as heavily traveled as with the MR stylus, thinking it might be either the same or quieter. Not the case by a long shot. Anyone else experience higher surface noise with the Sussurro MkII?
tonyptony
@tonyptony,

If you do a search for Sussaro MKII in this forum, you will find my impressions of the Sussaro MKII compared to the Benz LPS and Ruby Z. 


What I enjoy with the BenzLP, LPS, and Ruby Z are the beautiful, natural, and organic sound each present. The one thing that I felt that the top tier Benz could have I improved on was the mid range. It seemed as if the midrange lacked just a tad too much warmth, giving me the impression of a slight recessed vocal range. Otherwise, the bass and upper frequencies were excellent. My recollection of The Sussaro MKII out of the box seemed that it was a pretty even keel cartridge with great frequency response and not lacking anything. The sound is great with a very noticeable wide stereo image. The Sussaro MKII is an outstanding cartridge for its price class and is very pleasing. 


Don’t misconstrue what I stated about the Benz LP, LPS, or Ruby Z, as a fault, they are also excellent cartridges, it just seemed to me that on my system, the vocals were just a tad, hint, smidgen laid back. The Sussaro is more fleshed out in this regard and after listening to the Benzs for a few years, this main difference I described is noticeable to me. I would not toss the Benz out based on what I say…I have happily lived with the Benz LP and Ruby Z series since the mid 2000s and they ride shotgun in my other tonearm. 
Have been listening to the Sussurro MKII for about 3 months and is dynamic and quiet as any other cartridge I've ever owned. Just love it!

(Dealer disclaimer)