Some help...maybe.

...My arm (a Grace 707) doesn't let the TRX-2 really shine...

I also own the TRX-2. In addition, I own a Grace G727 tonearm which is essentially the last incarnation of the Grace G707.

Your tonearm is the reason the cartridge doesn't shine, in my opinion. I realize that you don't want to drop a lot of money into another tonearm, but you might keep an eye out for an ADC tonearm. I managed to find an LMF-1 for $50, although I use my TRX-2 with a Magnepan tonearm. Still, I believe that you might see improvement with an ADC tonearm.
EDIT: See below where Ray-O-Stat mentions that the cartridge does well with a medium mass tonearm, and my response. He is correct, so the ADC tonearm is not a viable alternative to the Grace. Sorry.
I wasn't impressed with the cartridge's performance on a Grace arm, either. It was a bit bright to me.

...If I spring for the $250 rebuild, I'll have as much in this TRX-2 as I would have if I bought a Grado Sonata which I've been curious about for a long time. Then I still might not like the TRX-2 as much as the ZLM...

I believe, but cannot say for certain, that a Soundsmith rebuild will basically restore the TRX-2 to its former self without adding or subtracting much from its stock sound. Then again, I could be wrong. It makes sense that the change would be apples to apples, considering the materials involved.

Having owned a Sonata in the past, I can say that it is certainly no match for the TRX-2, or the TRX-1 for that matter. The Signature XTC is a superior Grado, but I honestly believe that the Sonata is not. In fact, my ears prefer the Platinum Reference to the Sonata. Again, your mileage may vary.

...I realize only a few folks have experience with these ADCs, but any experience with how Sound Smith rebuilds compared to the originals would be helpful...

This I don't know firsthand, but...
I have heard nothing, but praise for Soundsmith's work.

-mosin

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Sound Smith repair for ADC TRX-2 ? (Any Sound Smith experiences welcome.) - Wilson 16:10:44 05/14/07 (13)

Re: Sound Smith Repair - jaynemo 03:11:31 05/15/07 (0)

Some help...maybe. - mosin 21:32:18 05/14/07 (2)

Re: Some help...maybe. - Wilson 05:07:32 05/15/07 (1)

Not answering for Mosin..... - tubesforever 12:28:16 05/15/07 (0)

Re: Sound Smith repair for ADC TRX-2 ? (Any Sound Smith experiences welcome.) - manfred88 19:10:05 05/14/07 (0)

Sound Smith repair for ADC TRX-2 - Interstage Tranny 18:53:18 05/14/07 (0)

i am sure the 707 is just FINE - hifitommy 16:40:38 05/14/07 (6)

I think they are a good match. - Wilson 17:56:05 05/14/07 (5)

I have the TRX-1, 2, and 3 and they have quite a bit in common,,, - Ray-o-Stat 20:47:36 05/14/07 (4)

Re: I have the TRX-1, 2, and 3 and they have quite a bit in common,,, - Wilson 05:02:57 05/15/07 (0)

Re: I have the TRX-1, 2, and 3 and they have quite a bit in common,,, - mosin 21:43:24 05/14/07 (2)

Something about the Unitrac which I really like.... - tubesforever 15:19:07 05/15/07 (0)

Re: I have the TRX-1, 2, and 3 and they have quite a bit in common,,, - Ray-o-Stat 07:55:07 05/15/07 (0)

Follow Ups

Some help...maybe. - mosin 21:32:18 05/14/07 (2)

Re: Some help...maybe. - Wilson 05:07:32 05/15/07 (1)

Not answering for Mosin..... - tubesforever 12:28:16 05/15/07 (0)

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