My Sonic Labs cartridges

rsf507 I am hoping to have a Platinum Signature in a few weeks, if you can hold on I will give you an honest opinion.

I have a Platinum Signature. Great sounding cartridge. Definition without bright or harsh sound. The bass is also excellent.

@mijostyn thanks looking forward to your thoughts. What are you currently using?

If you have not read the linked review, it provides a very good description of the MSL Platinum Signature (better than I could write).

I compared the MSL to my Benz Micro LPS, Shelter 901. EMT JSD s75, Sumile, Koetsu Coralstone, and a few others. I preferred the MSL, your taste may vary.

Thanks @jperry for the link, very helpful. Since I mainly listen to jazz and 70-80's music how would the MSL Gold Sig compare to the platinum? 

Mijostyn, I thought you were waiting for a Lyra Atlas or other high end Lyra, not a MSL. What gives?

@rsf507 , I am currently using a Soundsmith Voice through an Audio Research PH3-SE. I have a Channel D Seta L Plus coming which opens the door for very low impedance cartridge's like the MSL PS and the Lyra Atlas SL the two cartridges I am interested in most. It looks like I am going to get the MSL first. It seems these cartridges are hard to get right now. ? Covid delays. I also got a Lynx Hilo and will be trying digital RIAA correction. The Seta L has a RIAA board in it just in case:-)

I'm in an upgrade mode right now. A DEQX Pre 8 is in the works when they get released and I just put a down payment on Atma-Sphere MA 2s. Then I am making a new set of Subwoofers. After that I will be done for a while.....I think:-)

@lewm , I think the MSL will be available first. I hope to do both. Lyra Atlas SLs are hard to get right now. They are always special order and there must be a long line.

@jperry , I take that review with a grain of salt. He is an MSL fan boy. There is some bias there but others have said it was a great cartridge which is why I am getting it. Plus Yoshio San is going to have more pride in his own product. He has a long list of highly thought of cartridges like the Air Tights. The new Ortofons are also great cartridges but with a slightly higher Impedance. If there is a third cartridge It might be a Verismo or Anna Diamond.

@mijostyn can I ask what dealer you might be getting the MSL cartridge from?

@rsf507  Sure, David Michael Audio. I got my Schroder from him also. He is also a Dohmann dealer which is how I got started with him. 

I have the MSL Gold Signature. I replaced my Lyra Titan i with you about two years ago. At that time, I was considering the Lyra Etna SL. The MSL was described as between the Lyra and Koetsu. That is "analytical" vs. "lush", respectively,  if on a continuum. 

I'm super happy with my MSL Gold Sig. It is super supple, digs deep, renders vocals beautifully, has tons of body, etc. 

It was a huge leap up from my older Lyra. Of course, the Titan was an older model so I expected an improvement and this resulted in a very big one. Of course, I can't, truly, say how different it is to an Atlas or Etna. 

But, it has not left me wanting more or questioning anything--other than what else can I do to extract even more info out of it and the rest of my turntable/arm.

I have the other gold body MSL, the model below the Gold Sig....the Hyper Eminent. If you go to the Mo-Fi site, I believe they give a sonic analysis (opinion) of the Hyper, Gold, and the 3 silver body models. I've always avoided the real detail kings like Lyra, because body is important to me. I'm really enjoying mine... It hits a sweet spot for me. I'm running it with a Dave Slagle copper Low impedance step up in to a Shindo VR. 

I just found out that the MSL is at least 4 weeks away. I love it when the story keeps changing.

Delays in supply chain are the new normal in 2022, sadly

I heard a signature platinum on a Dohmann Helix 2 at Ana Mighty Sound in Paris, they even made a video of it playing a track from my copy of Roy Harper’s Stormcock. I heard quite a few combinations that day including a Koetsu Azure on a Schröder 2, various phasemations and another MSL (eminent gold I think) on CSPort and a PTP Lenco and I forget what else. The MSL on the Dohmann was the standout.

There is a metallic colouration in their demo room which I thought was the Thrax speakers and it was at its least intrusive with the Dohmann. I’ve since heard Stenheim speakers in the same room with Thrax and Dartzeel amps and it’s still there so now I think it’s something in the room. I doubt they can hear it themselves, you get used to things after a while and tune them out. I came very close to buying a MSL on the spot, despite the room’s colouration, but as I was there to get a Transfiguration retipped managed to hold back.

@yeti42 

I'm glad you posted this -

There is a metallic colouration in their demo room which I thought was the Thrax speakers and it was at its least intrusive with the Dohmann. I’ve since heard Stenheim speakers in the same room with Thrax and Dartzeel amps and it’s still there so now I think it’s something in the room. I doubt they can hear it themselves, 

I have listened to all their videos posted on u tube and they all sound bright, tinny, no flesh and bones - horrible - no matter what turntable/arm/cartridge.  I couldn't figure out is this the sound they like ?

Quite honestly it puts me off dealing with them.

French orchestras tend to have a lighter balance than other Euro or US orchestras - seems to be a preference. Don't know if this is part of the equation.