The big news in Soundsmith land, besides the fact that Peter Ledermann’s fastest top-of-the-line Hyperion cartridge with its cactus spine and diamond tip was making wonderful sound in multiple rooms at RMAF, was the introduction of the Hyperion Mk.II ($7500). Boasting great channel separation, its 10-year warranty includes retipping for the original owner.

Of equal importance, Soundsmith introduced the MCP-2 Mk.II phono preamp ($799) with built in step-ups and continuously variable loading from 10 ohms to 5k ohms; the Strain Gauge MK IV cartridge, an essential part of the complete Strain Gauge system, that includes further refinements to its RIAA compensation; and three new Strain Gauge phono systems. The new SG-200 Mk.V ($6499.95) is a smaller and less expensive version of the Strain Gauge system, and new SG-210 ($7499.95) includes a volume control with both fixed and +10dB variable outputs for driving an amplifier directly. Finally, the new SG-220 ($8499.95) offers all the features of the SG-210 plus input line switching, remote control for volume, mute, and input source selection.

For sound, in addition to the VPI HRX with JMW 12.7 arm using the Strain Gauge system, Soundsmith demmed the Hyperion cartridge with a Schröder Artemis turntable ($8000) and arm ($4000). I heard a rare vividness and warmth from the latter that were in a different class entirely than many of the other analog systems I encountered on floors 4 and 5 of the Marriott. Whether the music was Beethoven’s Violin Concerto or Diana Krall doing, for better or worse, Diana Krall, the characteristic Soundsmith glow made me wish that I could have remained in the room for a long, long time.

Also in use were the Soundsmith Counter Intuitive device for VPI arms ($49) and Vivenda Soundsmith VP anti-skating device ($299), two Soundsmith HE-150 450W power amplifiers used in mono configuration ($12,999 each), and Soundsmith Dragonfly speaker system ($1999/pair).

Source : stereophile[dot]com

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Somewhere in Budapest, something very scary is happening. Somewhere in Budapest, something very beautiful is blooming. Stereophile forum user vencel has reposted images of his rebuild of a Koetsu Rosewood cartridge starting at its grim and crud-crusted beginnings leading to its careful reconstruction and finishing with a gorgeously refurbished cartridge glowing in the light. The gruesome details of death and deconstruction are told through haunting images, and then hope is reborn through the hard work of vencel and his team’s delicate re-coiling and cleanup. The story can be seen here in our forums. I’m sure vencel would be happy to answer any questions. Congrats to you and your team!
Source : stereophile[dot]com

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