Author Topic: FS: Soundsmith Zephyr MkIII phono cartridge -- CHEAP!! (***SOLD***)  (Read 3121 times)

Offline toobluvr

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Retip candidate, cleaning accident ==> snapped off cantilever.  My clumsiness is your gain.

Asking $250, shipped.  PP friends/family accepted, otherwise add 3%.  Includes the original wooden shipping box and mounting screws.  Remember, I'm paying shipping so please don't low-ball.

Send it to Soundsmith for a complete $300 rebuild and own a great brand new cartridge for less than $600.  Or use one of the other reliable retip services for possibly even less.  If you like I can ship directly to retipper.

https://sound-smith.com/cartridges/fixed-coil/zephyr-mk-iii

Review:

"I was completely blown away when the new Soundsmith Zephyr Mk III ($1500 USD) humbled my favored Ortofon & Intact Audio SUT combo so significantly, both musically & sonically, and at about one-third their combined price, to deliver the most alluring live-like musical presentation I've ever heard from my Westminster Royal SE loudspeakers.
I love the way that Peter has voiced the new Zephyr Mk III phonograph cartridge. The Zephyr Mk III is naturally warm, remarkably musical, sonically excellent, exhibits a vivid musical presence, is dynamically superb, is tonally beautiful, resolve lots of meaningful musical & sonic nuance, exudes a high quality of construction, and is very affordable to rebuild so you can enjoy their charms for the long haul."


https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/new-soundsmith-zephyr-mk-iii-phonograph-cartridge/

Actual cart I bought:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649482551-soundsmith-zephir-mk-iii-less-than-30-hours/
« Last Edit: March 26, 2022, 02:25:15 PM by toobluvr »
Spkrs: Sunny Cable Tech, Reynaud, Zu, Klipsch, Gallo subs, Wharfedale
TT1: Townshend Rock 3/OL Silver Mk3A
TT2: OL Aurora/OL Encounter Mk3C
Carts: Soundsmith Zephyr,  Music Maker 3, Dynavector xx2-Mk2, Shelter 501
complete: see Sunnydaze system on AC

Offline tmazz

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Re: FS: Soundsmith Zephyr MkIII phono cartridge -- CHEAP!!
« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2022, 10:15:19 AM »
You're killing me. I just bought that Carmen a few months ago or I would have been all over this like ants at a picnic.  #-o

What are you replacing it with?
Remember, it's all about the music........

• Nola Boxers
• Sunfire True SW Super Jr (2)
• McIntosh MC 275
• ARC SP-9
• VPI HW-19 Mk IV/SDS/SME IV/Soundsmith Carmen Mk II ES
• Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 DAC/Rasp Pi Roon Endpoint
• DigiBuss/TWL PC&USB/MIT Cables

Offline toobluvr

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Re: FS: Soundsmith Zephyr MkIII phono cartridge -- CHEAP!!
« Reply #2 on: March 25, 2022, 11:14:35 AM »
You're killing me. I just bought that Carmen a few months ago or I would have been all over this like ants at a picnic.  #-o

What are you replacing it with?

Time for an upgrade?    :lol:   :thumb:

I have a few carts I rotate thru -- Cartridge Man Music Maker 3 (SS re-tip), Dynavector XX2-Mk2, Shelter 501 mk2 (SS retip) --  so I don't feel compelled to rush out and buy a replacement.  Unless there's another cleaning accident!    :duh

IMO, the Music Maker is a way under-appreciated cart that flies under the radar in these parts.  It always draws me into the music.

« Last Edit: March 25, 2022, 12:22:41 PM by toobluvr »
Spkrs: Sunny Cable Tech, Reynaud, Zu, Klipsch, Gallo subs, Wharfedale
TT1: Townshend Rock 3/OL Silver Mk3A
TT2: OL Aurora/OL Encounter Mk3C
Carts: Soundsmith Zephyr,  Music Maker 3, Dynavector xx2-Mk2, Shelter 501
complete: see Sunnydaze system on AC

Offline tmazz

  • Out Of My Speaker Cabinet
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  • Posts: 12088
  • Just basking in the glow of my tubes.....
Re: FS: Soundsmith Zephyr MkIII phono cartridge -- CHEAP!!
« Reply #3 on: March 25, 2022, 12:48:29 PM »
No need to buy anything with what you have on hand. Looks like you have a few nice ones to choose from.
Remember, it's all about the music........

• Nola Boxers
• Sunfire True SW Super Jr (2)
• McIntosh MC 275
• ARC SP-9
• VPI HW-19 Mk IV/SDS/SME IV/Soundsmith Carmen Mk II ES
• Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 DAC/Rasp Pi Roon Endpoint
• DigiBuss/TWL PC&USB/MIT Cables

Offline toobluvr

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Re: FS: Soundsmith Zephyr MkIII phono cartridge -- CHEAP!! (***SOLD***)
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2022, 02:25:43 PM »
Sold.
Spkrs: Sunny Cable Tech, Reynaud, Zu, Klipsch, Gallo subs, Wharfedale
TT1: Townshend Rock 3/OL Silver Mk3A
TT2: OL Aurora/OL Encounter Mk3C
Carts: Soundsmith Zephyr,  Music Maker 3, Dynavector xx2-Mk2, Shelter 501
complete: see Sunnydaze system on AC

Offline S Clark

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Re: FS: Soundsmith Zephyr MkIII phono cartridge -- CHEAP!! (***SOLD***)
« Reply #5 on: March 26, 2022, 03:50:34 PM »
Sold.
Thank goodness.  It was calling to me and I don't need another cartridge... but I could have bought another one anyway.   :thumb:
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