Soundsmith Phono-Pre, Any comments?

I have not heard any phono pre-amp better than a Herron, but they are in a different price range. You might be able to find a used Herron VTPH-1 in the market. If it is a MC unit, Herron could convert it to MM/high output. Then you wouldn't have to worry about getting a different phono stage, in the future, to improve your system.

The SoundSmith phono stage can probably get the cartridge to sound as good as it can. There are likely better phono staqes available, but not voiced for the SoundSmith carts.

IMO, the advantage of a Herron VTPH-2 is that there is no need for future upgrades. It is a top performer and can handle input from either low or high output cartridges without modification or front-end SUTs.

I was relating back to your previous post where you said "However, it also points out the big dilemma, $3650 for a great pre and future flexibility vs $650 for a pre that is probably well voiced for my current cart." I read that as saying that you are considering higher priced alternatives.

Quoted the wrong text. It should have been "I'm still contemplating the the plus and minus of going the Soundsmith route or spending a lot extra for something with more flexibility that might suit some future cartridge whim."

Look it up, chack. Plenty of posts by me and others making comparisons.

Good for you. Please let us know your impressions and how well it mates up with your cartridge.

Congrats Adeep42. Sounds like you found a winner for your system.