Zephyr MIMC vs Hana ML


Mounting on a Shure DME 3009 S2 improved with a Thorens TD125 Mk2.

presently using Ortofon 2M black through Musical surroundings Nova III phono stage and linear power supply. This was s major step up from the Grace F7 ruby that came with the TT/TA.

considering a step up and for various reasons I’m leaning towards one of those two cartridges.

Tonearm effective mass, compliance, resonance all check out.

Anyone with enough experience with either/both cartridges to offer sn informed opinion?  I’m all ears.

thanks.

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Showing 1 response by big_greg

I don't have those two exact cartridges, I have the Hana SL and the Soundsmith Aida II, both of which are close to the two you're considering.  I have heard the ML at Jim's house and found it to be similar to the SL, just a little more refinement.

I found the description of the Hana sound as "lush" by another poster interesting.  I find them to be very neutral "truth tellers" with little embellishment.  

The Aida II has more detail and has a wide soundstage but can sound a little "thin".  It doesn't have that fullness that most MC carts have.  Or maybe I need to work on my setup a little more. 

There are a number of threads in the Steve Hoffman forums about Soundsmith cartridges.

I would listen to @tomic601 and consider standing pat on the cartridge.  You might consider upgrading your phono stage instead of the cartridge.