Zephyr MIMC vs Hana ML

@normb

interested in Soundsmith’s ctges, just that they’re all so low compliance.

Yes and no. Many of Soundsmith carts are available in low, medium, and high compliance. But, you are correct, and for those that are available with three compliance options, the highest end cart is The Voice. Most all their highest end carts are low compliance only (including the Zephyr and Zephyr MIMC Star). Works for me as I have a Jelco 850 arm with about 13.5g effective mass. Lower mass arms of 5-8 or similar may not be a good match. That said, if you call Peter, I’m sure he could guide you further. The chart does state you can use their low compliance carts with arms that have an effective mass of 7-29....so...

Soundsmith has a complete table of all their carts (on their web site) which provides all the info of their carts on one chart.

Sharing some thread relevant cartridge experiences-

Had an original ART9, loved it to death.  huge value. 

Ortofon Cadenza Blue was a significant upgrade in most, but not all areas.  Bigger sound and dynamics but the ART9 was more colorful and refined. 

Recently tried the ART9XA (ultra low output).  Loved the sound but it really needs a SUT to shine dynamically.  

Also tried a Zephyr MIMC star ES.  Dynamics were very good but a letdown considering the low mass of the fixed coil deign.  Not very refined or a big soundstage.  The value comes with the rebuild cost but the sound is not competitive at its price as it had the least appealing sound of the bunch.  

Bought a Lyra Delos and was underwhelmed at first but after ~ 120 hrs. holy toledo what a big dynamic sound!  Smooth and refined with instant speed and dynamics, huge sound stage, detailed with no edge.  

By far the best cartridge in my stable.  I have tried to swap others back in but they do not last long.  

Recommendation would be the Delos, then the Ortofon Cadenza Blue followed closely by the high value AudioTechnica ART9XI.  .  

Thanks again one and all.

still considering the Delos vs. Zephyr.

several YouTube channels demoing those give me some sense of the sound I’m looking for. It’s the price and rebuild cost I’m vacillating on at this point.

here’s a twist.

Had Covid19 last December- January. Worst illness ever  and I’ve had Dengue and Malaria (Fun, Travel, Adventure with the Army). There were days I slept upwards of 16-18 hours, much of it opioid-induced for the headache and body pain, then pneumonia.  My wife had it to , hospitalized briefly for dehydration. Kids (24,27) had it for 3-4 days, all done. We found Christmas (which we slept through) presents from them far into the  spring, not remembering what was given or where we’d put them.

which brings me to my current situation.

Apparently just before I got sick I’d bought a Benz Micro Glider SL and put it somewhere I wouldn’t forget. Which I did.

well, until yesterday.

Heh-heh.

so far, since getting the Thorens TT I’ve used a Grace F9 ( not 7) ruby that came with the TT, ortofon om40 (now used for mono records with a different stylus ona Reloop TT), Ortofon 2M, and I was looking for a line-contact stylus when I came across a reference to Benz Micro cartridges’ micro-ridge styli and a little light went off.

so I’m going to play with that a little and still consider one of the other two aforementioned cartridges.

So I can remember it a year from now.

 Thanks again.

Wonderful! Benz is an excellent cartridge, you can see pictures of the Ebony on my Rega / Basis in my vintage system page. Glad you made it thru Covid ! 

happy new year

Jim

@normb 

Fantastic you found the Benz Micro Glider SL. Just to try out more carts, Benz has recently been high on my ‘interest list’. I’m constantly looking for a good deal for a used one on-line. Would love one in my collection, just to have and check-out.

Heck, enjoy the Glider before making another decision. From a cart builder at Soundsmith I chat with occasionally, he is quite high on the Glider, and thinks it is a great deal for the money. He is not easily impressed, as he has built and repaired so many carts (including Soundsmith Strain Gauge carts), but Benz does impress him for their quality.

Enjoy