@mre28m5 It’s not because the SoundSmith cartridge is more expensive, it’s because the cartridge is MI with Sapphire cantilever and Selected Contact Line stylus.
You’re comparing this MI cartridge to the entry level Denon 103 MC desidned in the late ’60s with the cheapest ever Spherical stylus on alluminum cantilever. The Hanna is nothing special, but the Shibata stylus.
If you like what low output MI can do then you can discover some amazing MI like Grado Signature XTZ, or low impedance (low output) MM designed by Stanton/Pickering in the 70/80’s such as Stanton XLZ 980 or Pickering XLZ 4500s - they are both works only with MC phono stage or with headamp, but both cartridges are MM
You’re comparing this MI cartridge to the entry level Denon 103 MC desidned in the late ’60s with the cheapest ever Spherical stylus on alluminum cantilever. The Hanna is nothing special, but the Shibata stylus.
If you like what low output MI can do then you can discover some amazing MI like Grado Signature XTZ, or low impedance (low output) MM designed by Stanton/Pickering in the 70/80’s such as Stanton XLZ 980 or Pickering XLZ 4500s - they are both works only with MC phono stage or with headamp, but both cartridges are MM