Sumiko BP Evo 3 vs Soundsmith Carmen 2

If you damage the exposed cantilever on the Sumiko, you are SOL. But if you need to replace the diamond on the SS in a few years time, it's small change.

IMO the Sumiko smokes the Soundsmith sonicly.

The thread title caught my attention.

Currently listening with different model, but similar brand experience.

Instead of replacing a nice LOMC cart($2500), I'm using the latest entry level $400 SS Othello with positive results. My entire setup is able to justify a $5K+ cart.

Owned a Blackbird years ago-a step up from the BP. Very nice cart. Im sure the BP is decent. Considered using one, but decided to try something different. Glad I did. The BP is one the level of another good cart-AT OC9, at least in price.

Based on what i'm hearing, the Carmen likely, is a nice sounding cart. In my all tube system, the SS "sound" is quite convincing as MC. Neither is "better" 

I've heard the best of SS and Sumiko carts. One "smoking" the other? Subjective, like everything else.