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Soundsmith Aida vs Hana sh

I would like some help in choosing the right cartridge for my set-up. I have a recently rebuilt sota sapphire series 3 with a pro-ject 10cc, Soundsmith Carmen-H into a Manley chinook se.
I really have these two in mind.

Soundsmith Aida & Hana sh

I’m looking for technical help on this, not opinions on what you think sounds better. I have heard both on different systems that were set-up for them and like both very much.The Hana being the winner for value and the Aida sounding the way a $2,000.00 cartridge should. The Hana maybe a little light at 5 grams for the stock counter weight on the 10cc & both seem to me to be a good match with the Manley.Please let me know what you think. Thank you
128x128pipetowers

Showing 7 responses by tzh21y

tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
everstar

MC I have have heard in that 500/1200 range have been more analytical, less body and less musical. They might have a little sharper highs and a bit more "air".

I have heard of nightmare scenarios with retips.  that odes not mean that retipping is bad.  Benz is retipping again.  get an old Glider and be happy.  Now thats a lot of cartridge for the money.  Better yet, get a ruby and be set for life. 
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
lewn, I agree with you, but the glider is probably closer to the LOMC than many cartridges.  If one can swing the better LOMC carts, all the more power to them. 
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
The glider is an honest cartridge.  Pretty neutral for a Benz.  Not warm.  The thing it does well is the subtle delicacies.  for the price of one, I have not heard anything in the price range doing what it does.  However, imo, lewm is right that it will not give you those special moments as often when listening as LOMC will do.  No doubt about it.  But I like mine.  I listen to it a lot.  It tracks very well and does many things very well.
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
well,  I would have to disagree with that as I have never heard a moving magnet that sounded remotely close to a glider.  warmer sounding, maybe.  On the other hand, I have only heard 1 moving iron cartridge and it did sound good, but I would rather have the glider.  that a personal preference.  ymmv.
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
I am talking about the original glider, not the newer one.  there is a difference
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
That may be true as I have not heard older MM carts in a long time.  I heard a grado not too long ago.  not sure which one.  It may have been the top of the line grado.
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
very true
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