Christmas time, old friend comes by for a visit

"The SS Moving Iron cartridges can be loaded at 100k Ohm if you want to hear something different."

chakster- yes, my phonostage has a 100K setting, which didn't make a sonic difference with the SS, in my setup. It does however make a significant difference with a MM, compared to the typical 47K setting. Really opens up the overall presentation.

The SS is a surprising performer, even its shortcomings were acceptable. The midrange is particularly engaging. I may consider an upper level-MIMC/Aida when the bug gets me.

This particular ART9 appears to sound better than I remember the first time. I must be getting better at aligning/adjusting closer to perfection with my recent cart exchanges lately. Setup was a breeze, even with my spotty eyesight!

About 5 albums old, it brought back the amazing bass, clear mids and highs that the $400 SS Otello just couldn’t compete with.

The SS Moving Iron cartridges can be loaded at 100k Ohm if you want to hear something different. But you're listening to AT's MicroLine stylus (one of the best ever) and plain Elliptical on SoundSmith cartridge.  The MicroLine stylus reproduce everything that on the record correctly while the Elliptical simply can't do that. I like the AT "stock sound", especially their old MM with MicroLine stylus.  

Not quite, guess the post may suggest that, but I state I was satisfied WITH the self imposed downgrade.

I'm declaring to be  overcome by lifelong audio mandess.
Your response is perfect for useless pissing contests.

OK? I thought it's all relative without saying ?

So you're saying a 400.00 cart isn't as good as a 1000.00 cart.

OK?