One additional thing I would consider is repair/rebuild costs. Lyra has a pretty tough repair price structure as has been discussed here a while ago. That policy led me to look at Ortofon and SoundSmith. Peter has fixed his repair costs at what seems a reasonable percent of the purchase price and Ortofon's price to rebuild their cartridges is far less than what was reported Lyra's was. As I am not a detail freak, I would think sticking with either Ortofon's offerings or SS's would be the way to go. While I'm not in the pay grade to afford your choices new, I went with a pristine Ortofon Jubilee and am happy with that choice. I am hoping to purchase a mid-level SS cart in the future as he deserves to be supported and I've loved the sound of both the Strain Gauge and Hyperion cartridges through his electronics and his smallest speakers. Impressive to say the least!
Cartridge help: Ortofon Cadenza vs. Soundsmith Paua
I recently ordered a VPI Avenger with a 12" 3d arm and need help choosing between the Ortofon Cadenza (bronze or black, though I'd lean toward the bronze because it is the warmer of the two) vs the Soundsmith Paua. My preferences are for a sound that is not overly detailed, but smooth through entire range, warmer side of neutral, wonderful midrange, and not overly dynamic, lively, detailed where listening fatigue can set in.
I've previously had a VPI Prime turntable and Ortofon Quintet Black. It certainly wasn't bad but have been hearing wonderful things about Soundsmith. My phono stage is the Zesto Andros 1.2, so loading and gain should not be an issue with either.
I've previously had a VPI Prime turntable and Ortofon Quintet Black. It certainly wasn't bad but have been hearing wonderful things about Soundsmith. My phono stage is the Zesto Andros 1.2, so loading and gain should not be an issue with either.