Nagaoka MP500 or AT VM750SH (I use as a back up) / VM760SLC
Otello vs. Carmen mkII.........help me choose.
Hello,
I wanted to upgrade my turntable cartridge in a small second system. I came upon these two carts for 3 reasons: great reviews, excellent quality of manufacturing, and the rebuild option. Plus, Soundsmith is a stones throw from where I live.
The system is as follows:
Vintage Sony PS-X7 direct drive turntable. DC servo-controlled brushless and slotless motor. Statically balanced, universal pivot tonearm. Arm (shell) weight, 10.5g. Cartridge weight range, 2.5-9.5g range (8-14.5g with extra weight). The deck was made in the mid-70's and cost around $400 back then. I am currently using a 15 year old Grado Prestige Gold cart, very low hours.
Phono pre-amp, QHW (Quality Hi-Fi Works Audio). Made in Spain (Michael Fremer highly recommended the unit about a year ago in Stereophile Magazine).
Pre-amp specs- accepts both MM and MC via toggle switch. Gain, fixed at 43db in MM mode, switchable from 63db to 69db in MC mode.
MM load dipswitch options: 47P, 220P, 150P, 100P
MC load dipswich options: 47K, 1K, 560R, 470R, 100R, 47R
PRIMA LUNA ProLogue 2 integrated amplifier (no sub out, no remote, bare bones and gorgeous sounding).
Speakers: Von Schweikert VR1, stand-mounted bookshelf/monitor.
In terms of the music I like: electric and acoustic jazz, funk, R and B, and classical.
I'm not looking to use a cart as an equalizer. I want all playback gear to be true to source, and not impart any sort of color. That said, I do like tightness and control in bass and percussion, but also like "air" and "space" in orchestral music. I sway towards instrumentals, with few vocal artists in my LP stash.
I realize that the Carmen is a few hundred more than the Otello, but wanted to get an opinion if it would be worth the extra bucks. If you have another suggestion that is bursting from within, please feel free to share any recommendations, under $1,000.
Thanks for looking. Happy listening.
judsauce
10 responses Add your response
@bkeske Wow, interesting experience. Thanks for sharing it. I'll keep that in mind if I deal with them. |
I have bought a couple carts from HIFI Heaven, good company, you can trust them, but…. They have a fairly typical ‘bait and switch’ approach. You might see a ‘demo’ listed for a very good price, you decide to buy, and they come back stating that all the demo’s are sold out, sorry, but they have a new one at a discount. If you tell them no thanks, and return your money, chances are very good the salesman will come back saying they talked to their boss, and they will sell a new one at the demo cost. How do I know? It’s happened to me twice. And the response were identified both times, like clockwork. Now, that said, they are trustworthy and will stand by the final sale. I know some who simply call them and get the sale sorted out by phone instead of emailing back and forth. Seems like this practice is common with them. I got my new Zephyr from them for $1,000, that was originally listed as a ‘demo’. Just be warned of their tactics. |
thanks, @antinn, Great suggestion. Appreciate the info. |
The Otello has a simple elliptical Titanium stylus - Otello | Soundsmith (sound-smith.com). The Carmen has a hyper elliptical diamond stylus - Carmen mk II | Soundsmith (sound-smith.com). Otherwise, I have the Carmen (and the Boheme & Paua) and the various reviews such as Soundsmith Carmen Mk II phonograph cartridge (positive-feedback.com) are accurate - it has a smoother presentation. There is a Carmen MKII available at a good price Soundsmith Carmen mk II Phono Cartridge (hifiheaven.net) and Soundsmith only charges $200 to 'rebuild'. |
Thanks, @bkeske . I'll take your suggestion and keep on eye out for the Zephyr. |
I have both the Soundsmith Zephyr and the lo output MIMC Star. I can tell you, the MIMC is better than the Zephyr. More refined overall. Is it worth the extra $$? To me it is. I would imagine the Otello is a very nice cart for the money, but there is little doubt in my mind that the Carmen is better. And I have heard neither. However subtle it may be for some, I’m sure the difference exists. Your other option is to keep yours eyes out for a Zephyr, as I’ve seen them for close to $1,000 both new and used, and IMO the Zephyr is a great cart for the money. |