2. analog
  3. 132941-46

Thing of upgrading the Soundsmith Carmen II

I love the way this cart sounds on VPI Prime, but it really pronounces the sibalence more than my Dynavector 2x20L and Denon 103R. But it trumps the other 2 for big live sound, presence, and sound stage. So what I think I'm looking for is a great tracking MC cart. 

I have a Parasound JC3+, a Decware integrated amp, an do Zu Omen Def Mk II's with the Radian tweeter upgrade. 

The carts im thinking about (but I'm open to others):

Ortofon Quintet Black S
AT ART 7
AT ART 9
another Soundsmith?

id like to keep the price at $1k or less

i really like the Carmen, except for the dang sibalence; as for set up I've been through it at least 10 times using the Mint Protrctor, a digital Tracking Force gauge, and a fozgometer. I'm I'm dead nuts on azimuth according to the Soundsmith website. 

Thought?
last_lemming
last_lemming OP
407 posts
 
My dynavector  2x20xL cart never seemed to emphasize the SSS's to such a degree that the pop out to me like the Carmen does. I love the tone and dynamics of the Carmen, so I don't want to give up on it yet, but it may not be a great fit to the 3D tone arm. If this SMARTractor alignment protractor doesn't yield better results I may move the Carmen to my other TT and get the ART9.
analogluvr
800 posts
 
 Keep in mind that some of these records have sibilance on them. Some cartridges are much more revealing and show up what's on the record more clearly. I have a van den hul  that is like that.
 I had a lira Deloz for about five years before I really started getting a lot of different cartridges and comparing. It's a great cartridge but it does have a slight bump in the lower mids  which makes it a touch warm sounding. That annoyed me after a while in comparison to other  cartridges. I now run a lira helicon instead as I find it to be more neutral sounding.  Keep in mind I am splitting hairs here.  
tablejockey
743 posts
 
"it may not be a great fit to the 3D tone arm. If this SMARTractor alignment protractor doesn't yield better results I may move the Carmen to my other TT and get the ART9."

lastlemming-
Isn't the SS cart available M/H compliance, so one of the 2 should be fine for the 3D arm? There seems to be many threads with users of SS on the VPI's?

I doubt another jig is the answer, but if it solves the excessive SSS, great. The Mint is an old standby with seasoned turntable users,so that's why I question it being suspect.

My confirmation was playing the offending record on a nice dealer rig. Perfect vocals, I'm too lazy to lug a 50lbs+ turntable to a shop. It is your adjustment-cart/table or combination of both that may be the culprit.
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