The thread about various cartridges for our Beograms is no longer pinned, but I wanted to follow up my comments about the SMMC20CL+.
I took the time to adjust the chassis, and check alignment of the pickup arm system, doing as much as I could without the special tools. (The service manual I downloaded was very useful.)
Then I listened to my old stylus, using the war horse Aja by Steely Dan for reference.
Replaced it with the SMMC20CL+.
And gave it another shot. The previously reported harshness was gone. Even before I got the Soundsmith stylus, I was amazed by the soundstage described by the Beogram 4000, through a Beolab 5000 and to Dynaudio Focus 140 speakers. After adjustments now, that same soundstage is enhanced, with a more distinct definition of various instruments, and with the backing vocals being extremely well described (these were harsh previously.) Similarly, the keyboard portions now have more detail, as well.
Overall, very pleasant to listen to, and I will now be leaving my SMMC20CL+ in place.
I also find that after the adjustments I did (and I'm no expert), it plays the records I had trouble with previously. Will have the Beogram 4000 totally refurbished one day, it's probably worth it.
(Agree with Peter, though, they really should do a silver cartridge.)