Interesting. I haven't heard the Axel, but I have a Soundsmith SMMC20CL+, and I have to agree that there is a stridency to the sound, even at this level of quality.

A stridency that surprised me, to the point where I've been thinking of returning it. Ended up putting in the original stylus ...

EDIT: However, I don't want to knock Soundsmith on the basis of this one experience. I did buy a stylus that cost more than what I gave for the Beogram 4000 it was intended for (about twice as much, in fact), and it could be that my reaction is due to having become accustomed to the smoother sound of the cartridge I had.

He seems reasonably articulate - it's a shame he doesn't post here more often!

soundproof wrote:

Interesting. I haven't heard the Axel, but I have a Soundsmith SMMC20CL+, and I have to agree that there is a stridency to the sound, even at this level of quality.

A stridency that surprised me, to the point where I've been thinking of returning it. Ended up putting in the original stylus ...

 

If you would like to try out the MMC5000, I can send it to you once it returns from its review!

Ah, very interesting read. Thank you!

I hope Soundproof will accept Peter's offer, it would be very interesting to read his comments (I value his opinion highly).

I have a similar situation: an MMC1 and a SMMC1.  I find the SMMC to be rather edgy and harsh in comparison.  I thought it was my imagination.  

There are other opinions.

http://www.stereophile.com/phonocartridges/408sound/

also in the states, benny @ modular electronics in atlanta is now doing mmc rebuilds...

worth adding a review?

btw, a really great guy, and highly recommended for regional service!

@Linder - aware of the Stereophile review.

This is how the cartridge was mounted for the review.

On my Beogram 4000, the SMMC20CL+, highly recommended for that deck, left me unmoved. I convinced myself that I'd made a significant upgrade when I first used the cartridge, not that unusual given the cost. But after a week's play it was replaced with the older one.
I wondered if something could be wrong with the cartridge. As I said above, a stridency, and as this was also mentioned in the review, it could be that it's simply Soundsmith's signature sound, and that the perceived stridency is a result of my having listened to a smoother cartridge.

Looking forward to being able to compare more cartridges, and will be as objective as I can in my evaluation. Was very satisfied with the service from Soundsmith.

My favourite cartridge was the MMC6000 which I preferred to my collection of MMC20CLs. Slightly sweeter in top end performance - I believe it actually has a slight lift at the top end which might explain that. I doubt I could hear it now! Unfortunately it was lost when I lent my 4004 to a relative.

I like the SMMC20EN - interestingly I use it to record my LPs to my Mac - so maybe the reviewer has highlighted its strength. I don't want this to turn into a knock SoundSmith who are the only people who have actually made new cartridges for the B&O range. They have been friendly when contacted and offer a very good product. The SMMC4 is a superb entry level product which comes highly recommended. The SMMC20 range seem to be a slight compromise but to be fair , that is exactly what they are since they are effectively modified MMC1-5s. Also remember that you get a new cartridge with a warranty compared to an old cartridge retipped. The MMC20 range seem rather more robust than the MMC1-5 range with the loose pins though.

I will be sending Soundproof the cartridges as soon as they come back!