I liked the cartridge, but I had an unfortunate experience with the blackbird. It developed a bit of fuzzy noise that I thought might be dust. I tried to gently clean it with a “controlled” puff of compressed air. Really bad idea. The exposed conductor wires are as thin or thinner than a human hair and one of the channels immediately stopped working. Sent it to SoundSmith but Peter could not/would not repair it. I found Andy and he did repair it, but no longer stock. It is now a backup.
I’m not a fan of the bare design.
I’m not a fan of the bare design.