Cartridge suggestions to go with a Soundsmith MMP3 Phono Stage

StereoNut · December 28, 2014, 07:51:49 PM

This is an obvious off-shoot from my recent Grado thread. I own a Soundsmith MMP3 phono stage. What cartridge would match up the best to the MMP3 without having to use a step-up transformer?

I've pretty much eliminated Grado (discount or not) from the mix.

I'm now thinking of...

- Ortofon
- Clearaudio
- Soundsmith

and would really like to keep things under $1,000.00.

Suggestions?

Thanks!
Bill

sleepyguy24 · December 28, 2014, 08:50:40 PM

Did a quick check of my usual haunts on the net regarding vinyl and couldn't find much from the get go regarding carts and the Soundsmith MMP3 phono stage.

I found 2 forum posts by owners of a Soundsmith MMP3 phono and they used the Soundsmith Aida cartridge with it. Both owners had VPI tables though.

http://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/aida.html

BobM · December 29, 2014, 05:36:09 AM

Well, your MMP3 is a moving magnet phono stage with the following stat's

Input Load: 47k 100pF
Gain: 43dB standard

so LOMC's (low output) are out unless you want to also look for a step up. HOMC's (high output) are totally on the table though. I would suggest something with a 1.5mv output or higher.

The Dynavector 20XH is 2.5Mv, and should definitely be added to your list.

You can find a lot of good information here on most any cartridge:

http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_database.php

rollo · December 29, 2014, 06:41:20 AM

Soundsmith phono stage Soundsmith cart !!!

charles

tmazz · December 29, 2014, 06:51:51 AM

Quote from: rollo on December 29, 2014, 06:41:20 AM
Soundsmith phono stage Soundsmith cart !!!

charles

That is certainly what Peter would tell you!

Putz · December 29, 2014, 04:25:25 PM

Compatibility with your tonearm also needs to be considered. Plenty of threads out there that go into details. I know VPI arms work well with Dynavectors and I use the DV20XL with my Southerland phono stage/ VPI Aries setup, so I second Bob's recommendation.

jbtrio · December 29, 2014, 06:12:24 PM

Hi Bill,
I have a Soundsmith Carmen cartridge I'm not using anymore, if you want to try it let me know.
I use to run it with your same phono stage. The pairing was very nice.
If it works out for you I'll give it to you for a good price.

Joe

StereoNut · December 29, 2014, 06:57:13 PM

Quote from: jbtrio on December 29, 2014, 06:12:24 PM
Hi Bill,
I have a Soundsmith Carmen cartridge I'm not using anymore, if you want to try it let me know.
I use to run it with your same phono stage. The pairing was very nice.
If it works out for you I'll give it to you for a good price.

Joe

Thanks, Joe. I may take you up on that offer somewhere down the line. I'm still in the "holy cr@p, what the hell am I doing stage" of all of this!

Bill

StereoNut · December 29, 2014, 07:13:07 PM

Thanks, everyone! As I just posted to Joe, I'm still in the "holy cr@p, what the hell am I doing stage" of all of this!

I'm still trying to sort things out and now have got myself wondering whether to not overextend myself $$$ right now and approach this differently economically.

Do I buy a $800 - $1,000 cartridge now and be done with it. Or do I buy a real good "bang for the buck" $300 - $500 cartridge for now and in a couple of years go full tilt (at least for me) and buy a $1,000 - $2,000 cartridge?

Decisions, decisions...???

Bill

rollo · December 30, 2014, 07:40:07 AM

Whatever you decide make sure the character of the cart does not conflict with the sonics you now have. If its bright no bright cart and visa versa.

charles

tmazz · December 30, 2014, 08:35:21 AM

Quote from: jbtrio on December 29, 2014, 06:12:24 PM
Hi Bill,
I have a Soundsmith Carmen cartridge I'm not using anymore, if you want to try it let me know.
I use to run it with your same phono stage. The pairing was very nice.
If it works out for you I'll give it to you for a good price.

Joe

FYI - Soundsmith make a special version of the Zepher cart that is specifically designed to go with the VPI unipivot arms. I believe the body id somewhat different in weight and maybe weight distribution to alleviate some of the problems that other carts have with being mounted on a VPI arm.

sleepyguy24 · December 30, 2014, 08:40:06 AM

Morning

I say go with this option.

"Do I buy a $800 - $1,000 cartridge now and be done with it."

One seasoned audio buff told me this when buying expensive gear:

"Buy once. Cry once."

If you buy a $300-$500 cartridge you may be thinking what if I got that other cart. Then in a couple of years when you are looking at the $1000 to $2000 cartridge this selection process will begin again except there will be more scrutiny as you will be spending a lot more than $300-$500.

richidoo · December 30, 2014, 06:20:57 PM

Quote from: sleepyguy24 on December 30, 2014, 08:40:06 AM
"Buy once. Cry once."

Awesome!

StereoNut · January 09, 2015, 05:57:02 AM

Just when I make up my mind on something... (I wanted to go with the Ortofon Quintet Black MC cartridge) I find out it's back to the drawing board!

I need a minimum 1.0mV output from a cartridge to work with my Soundsmith MMP3 (MM) phono stage. I don't want to have to use an SUT.

Suggestions as close to or under $1,000 that will work well with the new VPI 3D printed tonearm...???

Thanks!
SN

topround · January 09, 2015, 07:04:50 AM

Bill,
what TT you putting that arm on? I imagine a VPI.
Great arm and you SHOULD take Joe up on his offer. Great combo that cart with that phono pre. Ask Joe he had that combo and it sounded great on his previous TT.
The arm and table you are going to use are even better so it should sound wondrful.

MC is truly fantastic but requires a bit more work, using a step up transformer is the best way to step up a MC, I think the only way it should be done rather than the compromises utilized in the design to offer high gain in a phono pre. But that is just me....and about every other high end cart user.....
Stepping up would require a step up transformer (2) and interconnects.
It adds up quickly when you want good quality

Take Joe up on his offer