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Soundsmith cartridge, opinions appreciated

Does anyone have any experience or feedback on the Soundsmith SMMC4-ST
cartridge? I am looking for a high compliance cartridge to match with my Pro-ject XpressionIII turntable which has a low effective mass arm. I am running a Denon DL-110 right now and have loved the sound for many years but I think the low mass carbon fiber tone arm may not be the ideal match for the lower compliance Denon. Sounds a little thin on top and doesn't have the bass drive it used to have. Any suggestions, comments, observations are appreciated
mmt
sbrownnw
700 posts
 
The Ortofons and Benzs match up well. The black is very good. I am using the MC-3 turbo on my Xpression III and like it a lot. The Benz Ace is a great performer.

I am thinking of upgrading to the Traveler and the Soundsmiths work great with the VPIs.
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
Before you run out and get a new cart, have you tried adding mass to your tonearm to better match the cartridge compliance? That's a much easier and less expensive alternative to a new cart.
mmt OP
60 posts
 
Bpoletti, thanks for the reply. Question though, I suppose I can add mass with a spacer or weight at the headshell, which might require VTA adjustment which is OK but is it the best solution to add mass in just one spot (headshell) instead of across the entire arm? I added a 1 gram spacer initially but still with same results. I might be over thinking this though.

Sbrownnw- Ortofon is a little higher compliance than the Denon. Was the Benz an upgrade from the Ortofon?
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