Soundsmith Paua Mk II

[miner]

Originally Posted by Maks

Just pulled the trigger on the Paua, the output is a tad lower than is recommended for my C2300's MC stage, but based on what I've read there should be no issues.

Maks,
How is the Paua II working out with your C2300 phono stage? I have mine mounted on an extra arm but have not tried it since selling my Chinook SE. I am interested in your thoughts please.

Kevin

[Maks]

As bad as this sounds, I still have not mounted it....my 2M black's stylus is at the end of its lifespan so I haven't been playing vinyl for over a month. I did just order mounting screws for the Paua the other day though. I will be sure to update once I get off my butt and finally mount the cart. I also have new tubes to put into the line stage at the same time.

I think I'm also going to make an attempt at tracking hours on the Paua, prior carts I've gone by ear. There are so many opinions on this from "I change the cart/retip every 800 hours" to "2,000 hours is doable." All my records are cleaned in a KLaudio, stored in mofi sleeves and always get a carbon fiber brushing before play.

[miner]

Thank you

[Maks]

Originally Posted by miner

Maks,
How is the Paua II working out with your C2300 phono stage? I have mine mounted on an extra arm but have not tried it since selling my Chinook SE. I am interested in your thoughts please.

Kevin

Two year bump! The Paua works well with my C2300 and I'm still using whatever stock OEM tubes Mc used at the time. I'm sure if I cranked the volume up and put my ear to the tweeter I'd hear some noise, but instead I just sit back and enjoy. I can't compare the Paua (there's now a newer version) to a MC cart, but it was one heck of an upgrade to my 2M Black which is of course a very excellent MM cart. I have no itch to upgrade, unless Soundsmith does another 50% off sale when releasing new models again

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by Maks

Two year bump! The Paua works well with my C2300 and I'm still using whatever stock OEM tubes Mc used at the time. I'm sure if I cranked the volume up and put my ear to the tweeter I'd hear some noise, but instead I just sit back and enjoy. I can't compare the Paua (there's now a newer version) to a MC cart, but it was one heck of an upgrade to my 2M Black which is of course a very excellent MM cart. I have no itch to upgrade, unless Soundsmith does another 50% off sale when releasing new models again

Same here. The Soundsmith is an outstanding cartridge. I've been in love with it from the very first day.

I'm glad Peter Lederman has recovered from his 2 bouts of COVID. The man is so dedicated to his craft and we would be much worse off without him being around.