Cartridge Reviews

Soundsmith SMMC1 moving-iron phono cartridge Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Moving-iron phono cartridge with ruby cantilever. Stylus: nude line-contact, 0.12mm2. Recommended tracking force: 1gm. Effective tip mass: 0.32mg. Compliance: 28µm/millinewton. Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±2.5dB. Channel separation: >25dB at 1kHz; >20dB, 50Hz–15kHz. Channel balance: <1.6dB. Output voltage: 2.12mV, 5cm/s lateral modulation. Recommended load resistance: 47k ohms. Recommended load capacitance: 400pF or greater.
Dimensions: Weight: Cartridge alone, 1.6gm; with universal mounting adapter, 6.8gm.
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: Michael Fremer–built Signature Edition.
Price: $749.95 with polycarbonate ½" adaptor. A selected version of the SMMC1 in ebony the Aida, sells for $899.95. Approximate number of dealers: 1 (sold direct). Warranty: "All cartridges are warranted against defect in workmanship for a period of not less than one year."
Manufacturer: The Soundsmith, 8 John Walsh Blvd., Suite 417, Peekskill, NY 10566. Tel: (800) 942-8009, (914) 739-2885. Fax: (914) 739-5204. Web: www.sound-smith.com.

COMPANY INFO
The Soundsmith
8 John Walsh Blvd., Suite 417
Peekskill, NY 10566
(800) 942-8009
www.sound-smith.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
jgossman's picture
Submitted by jgossman on Fri, 2012-07-27 06:08

I've wanted to try a SS cartridge for a while but right now the audio budget is on the back burner.  I currently used and love my Grado wood body Reference Platinum and am excited to one day move up to the Sonata.  

I'm interested in your comment that the Grado's sound polite in your system.  I've found mine to sound really wonderful and in no way "polite", although very tube dependant, more so than the line stage in my preamp.  I've found a really good match to EH 12ax7's.  It's a just the facts ma'am sound, although very smooth and big and involving.  Analog.

I wonder given thier mechanical similarities if the Grado could be improved by swaping out the loading caps at the input of my preamp.  Would you recommend measuring the cable capacitance from tip to tail of my leads first.

Kent T's picture
Submitted by Kent T on Sun, 2015-10-04 19:51

This cartridge is on my list of cartridges I wish to hear while I am alive and have sound hearing. I am a lover of Moving Iron due to that lovely midrange. Appreciate your review here.

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