MoFi UltraDeck / StudioDeck Owners and those interested

Mnpctech said:
Thanks for the feedback! I followed development of the table. It never entered my mind to consider creating an ISO foot for the Mofi tables. I may play around with a custom foot option in my spare time.
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I used GAIA series isolation feet under my Castle Chester Speakers which are on short stands and I heard an immediate difference so this type of isolation worked for me on some equipment .
 
New here, registered and posting to this thread to specifically get MoFi users' take on the following:

Ultradeck w/ MasterTracker vs Orbit Theory w/ Grado Gold

Own the latter and potentially have the opportunity to acquire the former (to replace, not augment).

Those who've had experience with both, what say you?
 
spydrwebb44 said:
New here, registered and posting to this thread to specifically get MoFi users' take on the following:

Ultradeck w/ MasterTracker vs Orbit Theory w/ Grado Gold

Own the latter and potentially have the opportunity to acquire the former (to replace, not augment).

Those who've had experience with both, what say you?
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I mean, they are tables at VERY different price points. My first question is probably: how much will the UltraDeck cost you?
 
kvetcha said:
I love my UltraDeck, but I'm not so sure it represents a $1600 improvement on the Orbit Theory. And the MasterTracker, while a very good cart, gets spendy once you start dealing with replacement cost.
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This helps because long-term care cost is my main concern. Considering holding onto the Theory and investing in a Soundsmith Zephyr for more attainable cart path. Hurts initially but 20% re-tips make the long game a better return on investment.

The UD looks fit to the task and easy on the eyes, just don't know a thing about Master Tracker.
 
spydrwebb44 said:
This helps because long-term care cost is my main concern. Considering holding onto the Theory and investing in a Soundsmith Zephyr for more attainable cart part. Hurts initially but 20% re-tips make the long game a better return on investment.
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I have run a Zephyr MIMC Star ES, it's a great cart. I think I'll be happy alternating and rebuilding/retipping it and my SAE 1000LT indefinitely.

The Theory's tonearm is quite light, so you're going to want something in Soundsmith's mid- or high-compliance series (the Carmen or Aida). The Zephyr is likely to be too stiff to pair well with the Theory.

I recommend buying from HiFi Heaven if you decide to go that direction: Search - soundsmith
 
kvetcha said:
I have run a Zephyr MIMC Star ES, it's a great cart. I think I'll be happy alternating and rebuilding/retipping it and my SAE 1000LT indefinitely.

The Theory's tonearm is quite light, so you're going to want something in Soundsmith's mid- or high-compliance series (the Carmen or Aida). The Zephyr is likely to be too stiff to pair well with the Theory.
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That's great to know and somewhat disappointing at the same time. Always wanted a Zephyr after hearing a few on different tables.

Which do you recommend between the Carmen and Aida? I know it comes to personal choice but since I'm actively soliciting opinions I'll take what I receive with a grain of salt.
 
spydrwebb44 said:
That's great to know and somewhat disappointing at the same time. Always wanted a Zephyr after hearing a few on different tables.

Which do you recommend between the Carmen and Aida? I know it comes to personal choice but since I'm actively soliciting opinions I'll take what I receive with a grain of salt.
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I haven't heard either in person, but as far as I'm aware there's not a single clunker in the Soundsmith lineup. I know @AnthonyI owned and enjoyed an Otello. If you wanted to spend Zephyr money, Hifi Heaven has an open box Aida for $1399, which is a steep discount. In their lineup I believe it's considered a step up from the Zephyr and priced similarly to the Zephyr MIMC Star.

The Carmen is also really nice by all accounts. A little warmer than the Aida, not quite as big and open, but very pleasant tonally. For $849 open-box from HiFi Heaven and with cheaper rebuilds than the Aida, it might be the goldilocks choice.
 
kvetcha said:
@spydrwebb44 I should mention that Soundsmith's site says the low-compliance carts will work with tonearm masses of 7g to 29g, so by their own specification your Theory should be fine for the Zephyr/Zephyr MIMC Star.
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I thought so but thank you for the clarification. Provided it's not exactly the best technical fit, any other SS cart you personally recommend? I emailed Peter but he's a busy man and I don't expect my inquiry to hold top priority.
 
kvetcha said:
I haven't heard either in person, but as far as I'm aware there's not a single clunker in the Soundsmith lineup. I know @AnthonyI owned and enjoyed an Otello. If you wanted to spend Zephyr money, Hifi Heaven has an open box Aida for $1399, which is a steep discount. In their lineup I believe it's considered a step up from the Zephyr and priced similarly to the Zephyr MIMC Star.

The Carmen is also really nice by all accounts. A little warmer than the Aida, not quite as big and open, but very pleasant tonally. For $849 open-box from HiFi Heaven and with cheaper rebuilds than the Aida, it might be the goldilocks choice.
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Based on this account, I'd be a fool not to consider the Carmen for < 1k. That's wonderful insight. I greatly appreciate the tip.
 
spydrwebb44 said:
Based on this account, I'd be a fool not to consider the Carmen for < 1k. That's wonderful insight. I greatly appreciate the tip.
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Let us know what you decide! Welcome to N&G.

While I’m here, I’ll also say you should look into an SAE 1000E or 1000LT. @Joe Mac is selling one out of Ireland for 150 Euros and it is a startlingly good cart for that money. I installed mine while my Soundsmith was being rebuilt and have been enjoying it so much that I haven’t bothered switching back.
 
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