Last week I was listening to music at a healthy volume while sitting at my computer. I have an auto lifter (Little Fwend) and after the arm lifted I noticed a static noise with occasional popping coming out of the left channel about 40 dB down. At first I thought it was a bad tube but it disappeared when I turned the volume down. It is in front of the Preamp. None of the other sources had the noise. Swapping tonearm cables did not seem to change the sound but then I noticed that the sound was also in the right channel just farther down. Disconnecting the tonearm stopped the noise. I change over to an MC Diamond, no noise. Same with the Atlas, no noise. Swapped back to the MSL, noise is back.
The cartridge is exactly one year old but it rotates with two other cartridges and might have 75 hours on it. I called the dealer who told me to contact MoFi distribution, the US agent for MSL. Turns out the cartridge only has a 90 day warranty and I was told I would have to send it in for a rebuild for $6000! Can't they just fix the problem for maybe $500, No. Can't I just send it in for evaluation? The stylus and cantilever are brand new. No, a rebuild is the only option and you have to do that through the dealer, click! Most very expensive cartridges have a 2 year warranty on them not to mention that most companies would cover such a defect even off warranty as in the absence of physical damage it is obviously a manufacturing defect, a bad solder joint or maybe just two wires rubbing together. This is very disappointing and as far as customer service goes Home Depot is better than MoFi, Sears is better than MoFi! MoFI is right up there with Anthem Blue Cross! The service rep could have offered to look into it. Maybe communicate with MSL and get their opinion. I am sure if MSL knew about it they would gladly fix it and actually be embarrassed. The Japanese are like that. There is no way I can find to get directly in touch with MSL.
$6000 is not an option. I am not going to throw good money after bad. I am also not going to off a defective cartridge on someone else. I am going to take the cartridge apart and reflow the solder joints and make sure the wires are separated. If that doesn't fix it, it goes in the trash.
Mistakes and defects happen, it is what you do about them that counts. MoFi failed dismally in this regard. MSL makes a fine cartridge but I would only get another one if they changed agents and increased their warranty. Obviously, I will avoid buying any other MoFi products myself and warn others about their customer service. I have no further use for the dealer who did nothing to help. I have had superb service from Musical Surroundings, Soundsmith, B+H Photo and the Cable Company. All handled issues with ease. Has anyone else had trouble with MoFi? What companies have provided you with excellent service when the sh-t hit the fan?
@terry9 My ongoing investigation of a modern approach to Organic Material that has properties suitable as a Structure and able to be used for Engineering purposes has lead me to Mycelium (Fungi Roots), this advancing Tech', is worthwhile familiarising oneself with, in some cases, it is already an unknown of household product, used as structural parts in furniture.
Being somebody who likes Bullet Proof Board, the Mycelium Bricks being produced are also claimed to be Bullet Proof.
The most successful Resin Impregnation will be carried out on a Wand that is within a Vacuum.
The Treated Wand will be submerged as the Vacuum cavity is filled with the Resin, the air cavities created in the Wood, will have the resin ingress into them.
Similar could be done as I have seen with Old Oilite Bushes, where the Bush is submerged in clean new oil and the Vacuum is then created, it is possible to see the air being drawn out of the Oilite Pores, which is then assumed to be impregnated with the New Oil.
I have made it known previously of my interest in the MSL Platinum and Gold.
I have also made it known where these can be seen offered for sale at quite a different price to what has been paid for the Platinum Model in this Thread.
I do promote and encourage demo's in advance to achieve an experience.
To date with most owned MC Cart's I have achieved a experience in advance of making a decision. With a MC Cart' rebuild I have not had the safeguard of the pre-purchase experience, even though I was familiarised with Cart's containing a selection of parts I was looking to have used. The Hana SL was a Blind Buy and it has never endeared itself to me, remaining unused for a long period of time with minimal usage hours on it.
There are not many Cart's I have encountered that hit a home run when I am in a room with them, not too many have created during a demo' the experience where I wanted to know more, the want to know more has been limited to a few Cart's only and Ortofon is a Brand that gets through to my psyche.
I have the MSL Gold and Silver, Ortofon Verismo and Hana Umami Blue on a shortlist to be demo'd.
The Verismo has once been offered up for a demo, for myself to visit a home approx' 2 Hours from mine, where it is in use on the home system.
I see the Blue as a Cart' that will be reasonably easy to find for a Demo', the price alone makes it a Cart' many will aspire to have a use of.
The MSL's are going to be a harder search, I nearly weakened over holiday period. I found a used sale Gold with a short usage life. The Cart' was shown to be immaculately clean in the sales ad photos. At a asking price of £2200 I was getting a little of from my usual restraint and cool composure, I was having the odd twitch, swivel along with a bit of insomnia whilst refraining from the want to purchase.
Fortunately/Unfortunately it is seemingly on route to another buyer.
In relation to the Verismo, Ortofon made quite a clear statement in the earliest of the info supplied for the Cart', that the Cart' is using a State of the Art Dual Damper materials for the WRD on the Verismo.
I have familiarised myself with Ortofon WRD systems for quite some time, so the Verismo has my attention for this reason, as well as the Aucurum windings.
The other reason and one that is conjecture, is that I believe the Verismo may be the Tech' that is the one to be trickled down from to produce the Cadenza Ranges Successor.
The individual who has kindly made the offer of the Verismo Demo' also has the Anna or Diamond (Tomartoes-Tomaytoes). The Anna/Diamond is using a Copper Wire Col but it is not described as Aucurum, it is claimed to be ultra pure, maybe it is PC Triple C 😎.
Most who know myself through a forum, will recollect I don't get too bogged down in the math in a public arena, it is generally my experiences only or encouraging experiences that I am a advocate of.
The Cart’ has approx’ 75 Hours usage and has developed a fault.
It does seem to suggest something catastrophic has occurred, a mutual friend once had a faulty Cart’ inspected by a Third Party Technician. The outcome of the inspection was quite unusual in description to many, but to those who inspect and thoroughly clean Carts, not too uncommon a condition was witnessed.
Metal Particle was found as contamination on the Cart’s inners.
In this case the Metal Particle had lodged in the Coil Wire and at some point of it stay, had shorted the coil.
It will be of interest to hear what is the description offered by VAS for this Cart’.
VAS NY Inc, has repaired a few Proteus Models with a lost channel, I aided a Proteus owner in getting their one repaired by VAS, and the Cart’s owner was extremely happy with the end product.
The experience explained does not put me of the idea to receive a Demo’.
I am in no rush to buy into a New LOMC.
I really hope this is a isolated case, and not a fault that will at some stage of early usage occur on the bulk of these models from the production run.
I wonder if the fault does become a common reported defect if it is limited to the Platinum Model onlly.
For myself having the Mutach Hayabusa as an alternative demo' to be sought out, now seemingly makes sense. I have followed the user reports on the Hayabusa for quite some time,and unexplained failures are not to be seen as a issue of Concern.
The Cart' is stated to be exactly one year old, is there a Cart' on offer from any producer that offers a Warranty that extends beyond one year.
I don't quite see how a Customer can be selected for a special treatment, especially when the warranty period is up, the Cart' manufacturer knows that when their Cart' is removed from its packaging, the environment in general where if resides in use, is hostile toward the Cart'. A year can be quite a period for a discovery to be made about the impact of the environment on the fragility of the Cart'. .
The usage hours of the Cart' are seemingly being presented as the case to determine the fault being reported is addressed by the manufacturer as a gift.
As stated previously, It will be of interest to discover the findings of VAS, maybe, just maybe, the damage incurred is a result of the Cart' being put into service in a particular environment and nothing to do with materials or a assembly selected failing.
In the UK the defendant is Innocent and to be proved Guilty.
VAS might just find the Guilty is quite Innocent, in the mean-time it looks like Que Sera Sera.
Is there Cart's being sold that offer a Manufacturers Warranty that extends beyond one year?
The Cart' is clearly defined as being one year old, what makes this a special case?.
I don't quite see how the Three Month Warranty and the Supplier being contacted 9 Months outside of the Warranty Period, puts them in the position, where rile is being expressed by individuals not effected in any way by this incident.
In this case, with the Cart' being pulled from usage, the Cart' at present has been approx' $150 per hour to use (75 x $150 = $11Kish)..
If the treatment from VAS is accepted by the OP and a 1000 hours of Usage is achieved, that will come in at approx' $9.75 per hour of usage, bringing the original purchase price and usage cost per hour closely aligned. Which as an outsider looking in, and one who suggests Cart's are sent periodically into a Third Party Service for a Inspection and Clean, the $9.75 per hour surely looks like a win win outcome.
If the OP rejects the VAS work, as a result of inherent prejudices for this type of service handling Cart's built by Japanese Masters of the Phono Cartridge and decides to sell the Cart' for approx' $3K and the new owner gets the 1000 hours usage from it, then that is a steal.
A friend got a Audio Note IO Cart' at a real bargain basement price, and a thorough styli clean resolved all issues reported with the Cart'. The Cart' is now after many hours of usage rebuilt by AN. The Cart' cost and rebuild cost are still less that the present market value for the low hours rebuilt Cart'.
Maybe!, if Cart's are being purchased at prices that are going to be approx' $3-$15 an hour to use, if the 1000 hours usage life is to be the guideline, then a extended Warranty to cover wear and tear damages within a few year period of ownership would be nice as an option from the supplier, as not many Cart's put into service will come close to the 1000 Hours in the first year of usage, or in some cases not for quite a few years.
I received all the usual help, and in the end got the issue resolved at a cost.
The individual who resolved the concerning issue, made it clear.
"Some Lessons in Life are coming with a hefty price to pay"
Ouch! I paid up and absorbed everything I could from the experience to be preventative for the future.
As for @mijostyn, "Some Lessons in Life are coming with a hefty price to pay"
What is not known is if the lesson is about buying into Cart's at a US price that can be found as an Import for two thirds less, or is the lesson one that is based on learning that snobbery can hurt at times.
I do not need to Spend $11K on a MSL Signature, hence it is one that is on a shortlist to experience in use. I expect to be able to have one at the door, for approx' £4K+. Possibly even a VAS overhauled one with 75 hours on it for £2K.
Maybe the lesson to be learned is that when looking at the assembly of a Cart' under a microscope, as the OP claims to do, the same scrutiny would be best practice for the warranty being offered as well.
@karl desch, VAS works quick, as the Cart' arrives at his premises today.
Are you in direct communication with VAS on this matter. as there seems to be a knowledge of the cause of the fault addressed in your post.
The findings of VAS are welcomed to be shared, speculation on such a sensitive matter, is not really appropriate.
The only two things that are seeming accurate at present are $11K and 3 Months Warranty, even the usage of 75 hours might not be on the money.
A Post has already been pulled for an unknown reason, maybe the content was a little too much, I missed the chance to read it properly.
Even though the opening suggested I needed $11K to have a similar experience to the OP, which I am struggling with as being a correct assumption from the OP.
The Umami Blue, is a Cart' that is growing in user support, and certainly has created the idea in my thoughts, that it will sit in well with a Ortofon Model, I am attracted to, especially as the Blue is approx' 2/3's cheaper.
Very very recently, I visited one of my favourite 'dirty little secret' sites.
By that, I mean 'dirty little secrets' found under the hood of Cart's.
The witnessing how fragile a Cart' is and how it is doomed from day one, is a great leveller and certainly lifts the lid on any false ideas touted that a Cart' is invincible and going to do wonders.
A Cart's is a tool that has no defense against the ambient environment or the guardian looking after it.
In my most recent observations under the hood of Cart's, I was to learn how light alone is a accelerant to deterioration of a Cart' (Dampers disintegrating on one side where light has been able to penetrate and the remaining material appearing quite grainy in make up), what I assume is a moisture damage has been seen to be extremely detrimental (Verdigris Coated Coils), coils over time seemingly implode if the ambient condition are the catalyst (Coils seeming fracture and fall away).
If one wants a Cart' to deliver in a Certain way, the materials selected have to be able to deliver the required function. The selection of materials are not with too much consideration for how they will perform in the field after five years of being exposed to the Non- Manufacture and Packaging Environment, the selection of materials are in my presumption, selected to be able to survive a Warranty period and a usage life of approx' 1000 hours at a time line determined by the manufacturer, not by the end user.
I'm sure the Manufacturer is aware that certain end users will extend their attaining 1000 hours beyond the timeline the design has allowed for. I also feel confident the manufacturer has chose robust materials that will offer a extended service, where the assembly of parts remain near optimised for a extended period.
The idea any part used for the assembly of a Cart' should be a part with a lifetime warranty is pure fantasy.
It is no different to asking for a lifetime Warranty on a Porsche Set of Boots or any Car Tyre, good luck with that one.
If one is into their owned Vinyl LP as a Source Material that is to be replayed. There is a vital ancillary required to be used to create the replay of the Source Material, which is by its very make up, a Sacrificial Ancillary, that is the realisation that is regularly overlooked.
Too often all that is seen is the fantastical world of what such an ancillary is going to bring and who breathed on it at the time of its creation. The Power of Marketing is very good at concealing the realities, especially the realities that really are worthwhile considering.
@whartThere has been a suggestion that certain parts in the make up of a Cart' are given a lifetime warranty, hence my lengthy description about how this would be quite a offer, especially with what a manufacturer knows, and the evidence that can be seen of a Cart's deterioration.
Additionally, my contributions have been to encourage a hold off on the contempt being expressed to a supplier, prior to the outcome of a investigation. At this stage it does not matter who does the investigation to discover the fault, the skill and experience about such matters is the concern. VAS is more than capable to carry out this assessment.
.Making the per hour costings known, is a good practice for all to utilise as a number crunch.
I have offer to experience the Verismo in a home system.
The owner of the Cart' also has the Ortofon Anna, it is the Ver' that is off the most appeal, as there is a emphasis from Ortofon that is promoting New Damper Technologies being utilised.
I am wishing the material selection has valuable properties that are enabling a improved sonic and will have a longer usable life.
I have seen evidence of numerous dampers on Cart's, some that are recommendable, show damper deterioration has substantially occurred when they are being overhauled.
As stated on a few posts in the past, the Mutech Hayabusa, has been reported by an individual who has a extremely High End System, has demo's Cart's with combined values from my math, getting close to $100K+.
I have read up on much of their reports and the Hayabusa has been a Cart' that has impressed them, but as important, is the Cart' suggested to be considered along side the MSL Plat' and Gold on a shortlist.
The Hayabusa can be found cheaper than any of the MSL models referred to in Japan, shipping and Import duties will add to the monies required to purchase.
It looks like the Plat' importer has added a substantial mark up to their purchase price and cut their commitment to inherit a responsibility for the products function substantially as well. In the UK we call this Business Model 'Cut and Run', which pretty much means having the monies of a Customer or Client and leaving them High and Dry whilst holding the Baby.
Due Diligence is always encouraged when looking into a Service Provider.
I am looking at Cart's I can acquire for approx' £4.5K to the door max'.
I hope to get the 1000 hours guideline usage, and have a mid life inspection/cleaning undertaken @ approx' £200, max' cost £4700 @ 1000hrs is £4.70 per hour.
If a retip/refurb is required at 1000 hours at approx' £450 and a mid life clean is £200.
The Cart' cost for 2000 Hours of usage is at a max' £5350, or £2.60 per usage hour. The cost starts to be a Bargain at this stage, in comparison to some other cart's that can't offer the same at the hourly usage rate.
Have a second refurb, and I am sure the hourly usage will be close to £2.
I genuinely expect more usage hours than 1000 as a result of usage on well cared for Vinyl.
Also I don't see a refurb from a third party service changing the sonic of the Cart' in any way, apart from refreshing it. A good mid life clean does that as well, the crud build up under the hood substantially inhibits the Cart's function. Let the Crud build up on a Cart' that has been slowly getting to a 1000 hours usage, and I will suggest the Cart' is almost trudging through the mud in Wellies.
The Vienna Spec WRD, is claimed to produce a very similar Bass Note to the Per Windfeld Damper.
I have been present at A/B demo's of the above two Cart's and have had my Cart' demo'd in the Company of both the above Cart's as an A/B comparison.
My evaluation is that all are much of a muchness and very difficult to separate when it comes to details, dynamics and the manifestation of a envelope.
Bass Depth is very similar even though the Aucurum Copper Wire, adds a set of boots to the bottom register and the Silver Coils and Beryllium is more fleet footed but not quite wearing stilettos. The Silver Coils with Sapphire Cantilever and FGS, IS is a very close relative of the Windfeld.
It was my rebuilt Cart' that ended my search for the chance to purchase a Vienna.
Not bad as in Germany where the Market was originally set up for the Vienna, it had been described as Ortofon's best Cart' ever by a selection of those who bought into the limited edition.
I am ready to now listen to their latest generation items and the Verismo is top of the list to experience.
I do see the Titanium used on the Windfeld Ti as an interest, but I can't see it being too much different from what I am already familiar with.
I sense it will be something like my rebuilt Cart' as it is described to me by a person who owned one as coming across as lean, in comparison to the original Windfeld.
If I was invited to be demo'd a Ti, I would not decline, I am not pursuing the experience.
As said the Umami Blue also has been described in a way that suggests it falls into this section if a sonic as well. This Cart' could prove to be a real Bargain.
I also have the Post Covid Indulgence, to have a owned Cadenza Black to undergo a rebuild to my Spec' as well, when world peace returns this should be able to happen.
If all goes well, this will have the coils directly attached to PC TripleC/EX wire.
EX is the same wire that are substantially expensive when found as a Tag Wire, I have my own ideas to bypass this type of cost.
Is it suggested then, that all Anna owners don't use such a name any longer for their Cart' that carries the name Anna, or all Anna owners and non-Anna Owners who use the name are to be politely reminded Ortofon don't use that Model Name for Political purposes.
It all comes across as a little confusing, foreign policy is the cause of the hurt, not the National from a Country being given tribute for their talents.
@jonderdaPerfect opportunity for you to explain away your Company Policy to add $5k to the typical arrive at the door price for a Cart' and then for the $5K upcharge get a measly 3 MONTHS WARRANTY.
In the guise of being Transparent, why not have a Header on all Cart' Sales
The following is the Link to Mofi Brands that are supplied.
In the Link, neither the Warranty Registration Page or the FOA Page that is covering Warranty, there is no indicator as to the period of coverage under warranty.
The following will be best to inquire about, learning if it is accurate in its relation to all products on offer
As said on many occasions, for the Buyer, 'Caveat Emptor', is the safest structure to use when considering a purchase.
Most recently I had a experience where a used item import arrived damaged, leaving the import temporarily unusable.
After a bit of preparation to present my claim, I have been offered close to 4/5ths of the purchase price as a settlement and this more than covers the quoted repair costs. I class this as a Caveat Emptor result, as I am using the best shopping service I could discover, with the insurance that honours what it says on the tin.
"The problem has already been adequately described. What I found on removing the cover was a filament lying across the lead out wires of the left channel coil which are tack glued to the body of the magnet on their way back to the pins. The filament was incorporated into the glue. I pulled up the hot wire and removed the filament. As I had removed the back plate and disconnected the lead out wires from the pins. It looked like two of the wires would require splicing which is beyond my capability. Steven has hooked everything back up and says the cartridge sounds "great." We shall see when I get it back in the system. The coils, suspension and cantilever remain unscathed. "
" In this case I think the problem was manifest all along it just took the right conditions for me to notice it. "
There is no Secrets about @mijostyn's thoughts on how this particular $11K purchase price Cart', has undergone Scrutiny by themselves, for the sonic that can be produced and the values on offer from having it used in the audio system.
I know from my own investigations that a MSL Platinum is not a $11K Cart' to have it delivered to the door of the home, more on this later.
As a result of the above quoted and recently made known information offered from the OP. I have formed a re-evaluation of previously assessed information supplied by the OP about the MSL Plat', which has potentially been selected as a proportion of the used info, that encouraged myself to add the MSL Platinum to my Shortlist of Cart's that I intend to receive demo's.
I am happy to be corrected on the following.
My re-evaluation is based on the OP now stating they sense the faulty Cart' was in their possession throughout the time it has been put into service, or in this case, the estimated 75 hours of usage has been with a Cart' that has had a inherent fault.
I now feel quite confident in my re-evaluation, as it is based on the OP's disclosure. If the OP is correct in their assumption that the now VAS treated Cart' had the fault when put into service. It now seems the MSL reports being made prior to the VAS intervention are not quite a MSL Plat' Cart', but a inferior version of this Cart'.
As a result it seemingly makes sense to discount any info that relates to the sonic produced by this particular Cart', as the sonic being described was potentially a tainted sonic with interference noise being present from the offset.
It took 70 year old ears a period of estimated 75 hours to discover such a detractor embedded into the sonic produced.
I might be quite wrong about the following and have no concerns for others to suggest a alternative approach.
Not Proven!, but a denial could have been in place by the Cart' in question owner, in relation to an area of the sonic that was a becoming a concern. The fault could have been 'pasted over' until it was at a stage of noticeability where even the oldest of ears could not avoid the impact it was having and the detraction it had become.
" Steven Leung has fixed the cartridge and it is on the way back to me minus $330.00. Sure Beats $6000. "
What is assured to me, is that the MSL Plat' Cart' is now presenting something of it being a correctly functioning Cart' following this non-OEM - Third Party Service treatment.
The VAS work is extremely well supported and I regularly make this service known.
I was instrumental in having a UK based Transfig' Proteus owner use this service for the non-working Cart' where the outcome was the Cart' owner felt the Cart' performed much improved, in comparison to the Cart' when in its prime as a OEM version. I was supplied a very generous thank you for my passing on info that lead to VAS.
The OP's MSL Plat' Cart' is no longer the OEM Cart' version, it is also thankfully no longer a OEM Cart' version with a fault.
VAS has seemingly put this issue to bed, even though the OP has remained sceptical on the matter. I presume this is relating to the OP's regularly seen stance that is seen expressed over many Post's, where the OP clearly suggests that the Manufacturer is the only entity that should receive their designs for a technical appraisal or undertaken work.
" Until I set it up and have a listen for myself I can not be sure it has been fixed. It works but that does mean it has been fixed. "
In relation to the above statement, would this be the claim, if the OEM received the Cart', I doubt it very much.
I now feel based on knowledge of the VAS effect, resulting from the work carried out by this service, that the MSL Plat' Cart', is now a MSL/VAS Plat' Cart' and will be a unique/bespoke version of this model with a VAS interpretation for how it is optimised for creating a signal.
I don't know any Third Party Service that leaves untouched, interfaces that are potentially needing a optimisation. Third Party Services, I feel are more attuned to the optimisation measures than the OEM, as they are getting the Cart' usually after some sort of settlement period for the assembles parts, such settlement can lead onto Sloppy interfaces, no one wants a Cart' returned from the service provider with approaching Sloppy interfaces.
I now feel as a result of the above that any reports offered on this particular Cart' are now not going to be a report on a MSL Plat', but what some might refer to as a Franken MSL Plat', I prefer the term bespoke for the uniqueness produced.
For me the info shared on the sonic are coming from experiencing a Cart' that is now non-OEM, and in my world this is a Bespoke Produced Cart', and all offered up assessment/evaluation being read and absorbed by those with an interest in this Model of Cart' should keep this in mind.
For the Record, I own, use, and encourage rebuilt Cart's, ones that are definitely not OEM, quite far removed as a end product. I will remain a vociferous advocate of this as a method for the rest of my time using audio equipment.
I feel that the MSL/VAS Plat' Cart' is now the version where it is bespoke and offers a betterment than what was in place before.
my investigations have shown with both Shipping and Import duties the Platinum can be discovered an an approx' £5K purchase and the Gold an approx' £4K purchase. When using the option to show prices in USD, the GDP and USD are parity. I use From Japan, but the Items priced as approximates are to be found on 'Rakuten' in an outlet listed as 'Steroya'.
I am correct/not correct, in my saying the Cart’ in question has most likely been faulty and one that has been possibly present during all made known user assessments from yourself?
I am correct/not correct, in my making it known a Cart’ such as the MSL Platinum can be acquired for much less than $11K, and without further investigation the warranty offered with the Cart’ bought as I have made known, is yet to be identified?
I am correct/not correct, suggesting your MSL Platinum Cart’ is no longer the Cart’ that commands a High Price, resulting from it supposedly being produced by the hands off, or close scrutinization of MSL Founder Yoshio Matsudaira, the Cart’ is now a ultimate expression of the designer Yoshio Matsudaira - MSL / ultimate expression of Steve Leung - VAS NY Inc Hybrid?
I am correct/not correct, in referencing from recollections, your stance on a Cart' only being assessed by the manufacturer for technical defects or works needing to be undertaken, my recollections not limited to a rebuild only. Suggestions are seen made by yourself, to adopt this method to receive support, as a response to inquiries made by forum members on much lesser concerning issues than that of your own one reported on in this thread, even a general wear and tear issue is suggested to be a manufacturers treatment only.
I look forward to your corrections where applicable.
Don’t take my evaluations as a criticism, I have only used your present and historical supplied information to present the assessment.
Additionally, I can’t but help feel a much increased attraction to your Cart’ that is being returned to you after having undergone being improved via VAS NY Inc, as the Company selected for the carrying out of the corrective works Service . Such a Cart’ with a overview and treatment given to it by a service such as VAS, leaves me feeling that more, maybe much more is available than that what was present initially.
" I look forward to your corrections where applicable."
I have no issues with what is you're interpretation, my statement above, formed from my side of this open discussion, has made the views of others very welcomed.
" As far as buying a MSL at less $$ yes just about any hi end piece of gear not made in the USA can be found on sites overseas for MUCH less and many USA prodcuts sold overseas can be found by non-us buyers for less $$$ as well. So what's your point? Are you trying to tell us things you think we don't know? "
The following is a copy / paste of you're earlier post in the thread, where a inquiry is made to discover where my alternative purchase option can be discovered.
@pindac I do not need to Spend $11K on a MSL Signature, hence it is one that is on a shortlist to experience in use. I expect to be able to have one at the door, for approx' £4K+
@rsf507Have I not been quite helpful in my follow up supply of info that directly related to your request for info. Especially where the requested info, is in relation to a subject that it is seemingly obvious if reading your earlier inquiry correctly, that strongly suggests you did not know where to source such a item to purchase.
All my posts are offered up within a thread, are presented in a way to be helpful. This thread has a lot of ambiguity, that has left me with with suspicions, a probe here and there has lead to further info offered for evaluation that increases the suspicions. I do feel there is info now within this thread, that presents what is available to be considered if an alternative real experience is to be put in place, that can be used to experience the same Cartridge Model.
Another curiosity is that it is also not made known what VAS NY Inc's thoughts were on what was potentially a additionally required corrective works for the Cart'. After having received it, following a 70 Year Old Buffoon probing around the Cart's very very fragile internals with a Set of Tweezers and Magnifying Glass. It's not my Cart' or $11K so each to their own, was the Supplier given such info at the time the inquiries were being made as to where their support could be attained. It is plausible that @jonderdarespectfully held back disclosing such info, that they may have been in possession off.
The real intent underlying in my posts, is to be helpful to an individual who may stumble on a thread such as this as at a later date. I do feel the info that is discovered should be helpful for them to round off their intentions for a decision that may be under contemplation. They might as well review the info that is a reality and the fantastical, it should all be laid bare and transparent, especially where Super Monetary Sums are being considered to be spent.
I buy Camera Equipment direct from Japan through a well known Export Service.
Prior to my adopting this service to purchase, I done my due diligence and found not concerning information to suggest I should be cautious.
I took the due diligence one stage further and contacted Camera / Lens Services who do works on behalf of the main Brands. I was informed the Service I was considering to purchase from, has 'never' not honoured a warranty works claim for a payment.
I queue jumped what was a common waiting list from certain UK suppliers, and bypassed what was looking like a year wait on certain Items being supplied through these UK retail outlets and also saved approx' 15% on the UK retail prices.
Additionally, over the past decade, I have £00000's spent on Vintage Japanese Imports, and have not really got any stories, apart from the extremely expensive recent air shipping prices to suggest a careful approach is required.
I have had discussions over the years with a selection of Third Party Services, where my inquiries are initially about the Parts that can be made available to be used on a Cart' to undergo a full refurbishment.
Additionally, I have made inquiries to discover what is on offer as part of the service to be provided.
I have distinct recollections of the costs for the service, to include a thorough cleaning, an inspection at a set fee, parts and a optimisation of the internal parts.
I can't but help sense VAS NY Inc supplied all of this minus any replacement parts. The cost certainly suggest there has been more occur that just a mere reconnection of a wire to a lead out pin. I suggest prior to the working on the wire, there was approx' $80ish dollars tied up in cleaning and inspection, I would be shocked if the Soldering alone cost close to $220.
The VAS NY Inc description does not seem to differ in any way too much from what I am already familiar with.
" Additionally, we can perform custom modifications including switching styli, upgrading to mono use, cartridge cleaning, and coil demagnetizing. Cartridge inspection is FREE. All we ask is $45 to cover for any shipping charges if you do not want a repair. We will carefully inspect each cartridge that comes in and recommend the best option to you. Once the inspection is complete, we will call or email you about the details of repair and cost. The usual timeframe is between 4 to 8 weeks but it may be longer or shorter depending on the amount damage to the cartridge and queue of other cartridges waiting. "
Am I the only one wearing the spectacles that sees this thread as becoming a rip innocent parties to pieces threads, first Mofi and then VAS NY Inc.
It is a shame to see such a anti third party service type, publicly and regularly spread their doubt on the qualities of the end result of the work completed.
With the knowledge at hand that the Cart' in question has been tampered with by a individual and their tweezers, it looks like to me Jon Derda, might be really bending their warranty policy, I am sure this is not how they intend to have supplied Cart's treated and then expected to be kept under warranty.
@cleedsI have now witnessed the work undertaken by VAS NY Inc being questioned in a very unkind manner, especially following what looks like a super support from VAS was put in place for this matter.
@mijostyn is stating "If the cartridge is not repaired" , as well as other suggestions there is concern for the repair on the Cart' being returned.
Making references such as this and the other references made which are quite similar, are unpleasant and whiffy, I don't feel like walking by on such a matter, pointing out that there is such a attitude, feels better to me.
As for Mofi being innocent, I am not going down the rabbit hole, as for the supplied facts, is not the following a reasonable understanding.
The Cart' in question was Nine Months out of the warranty period when contacting Mofi, and even after learning the Cart' has been seriously assaulted ( in Cart' talk) by Tweezers, Mofi (knowing of such a assault on their supplied Cart'), have offered to step up, when the Cart' is now with a selection of treatments. One of these Treatments, is way beyond what they would expect a cart to be exposed to under a warranty. Mofi are the ones bending all their Warranty Terms and offering to take on risk here, hats off to them.
Mofi are allegedly reviewing their Warranty Periods (I strongly suggest they remain rigid to their Warranty Terms).
Mofi are looking into improvements with their Customer Interface, hat off to them. If Transparency was made known for what the Warranty Period is to mean to a Customer, there will be a much more attractive sales service manifest.
@doverThank You for your assessment on the content of my posts.
It is a habit of mine to inquire about the cost of a service being selected to be provided. For myself, I like to know where my hard earned is going. Some call it due diligence to inquire about costs to be incurred, some might also call it a much mor e simplistic term, such as getting a quote.
It is no harm sharing some of the info that has been collected as a guestimate, I even backed it up with later found info, direct from VAS NY Inc. I felt I was in the ball park and did not see any need to tweak my made known guestimate.
" In my view the Distributor should have offered to have the fault evaluated by the factory. If it was a manufacturing fault - then they should come to the party. If they felt it was a user issue then they could stand by their warranty.
If I was the manufacturer and a cartridge was defective I would want to know what the issue was. "
I thought that was looking clear, if the whole of the Thread is read carefully, is it not? a 69 (not 70) Year Old Buffoon had their moment probing around the Cart' in questions very very fragile internals with a Set of Tweezers and Magnifying Glass.
@doverI do agree that Buffoon can be seen as unkind, but in the context of this thread it is merely associated with one who supplies humour/comedy, and this is a Thread full of it, especially from the OP, those tweezers and expecting special treatment are killing me 🤣. I wish Judge Judy could join in, she'd tell it as it is. In this case the Plaintiff would be laughed out of the Court House.
@doverI do agree the work Frankenstein Cart' or a derivative is not really attractive, I do believe my only usage of the term over my period of time as a forum member has been to help describe to others how some refer to Third Party Refurbed Cart's. My preference is nearly always 'rebuilt' and modified.
I certainly am not using the 'Franken' term, in the manner witnessed by others use of it over the years.
The Franken' Term has quite a history, it is seen to be used for more that 10 Years on this Forum, I see you have enjoyed using it in the past, especially as a unique derivative of the term, on the date of the 03-06-2016 at 10:45pm which is shown in the following timeline going back 7 years.
I use Koetsus in my main system. In my vintage system, I use a Franken Denon 103 that has a micro ridge stylus, has been repotted into a wood body and tweaked by Steve Leung at VAS.
If yes just try Baerwald or Löfgren alignment changing the P2S distance from Stevenson. Then listen and listen in between ( B, L and S alignments. ) and return here to share your experiences there.
If not, your post is useless and futile this time.
Through all your posts in this thread and IMHO your contributions helps to no one because you have not today facts on hand.
My Dynavector Karat Nova 13D is real and freshly rebuilt by Dynavector with an updated micro ridge stylus ( previously had a fineline ); it is not a frankenstein fake like the one you advertised on Audiogon.
For the rest of us that follow, maybe @mijostyn could produce a listing of Do's / Do nots for the investigation worthwhile considering in preparation to buying a Cart'.
The Bullet Point List, could outline learning about Cost from supplier, Cost from alternative sourcing, Warranty Terms considered fair on a Cart' of a Particular Value and what will be the best practices to be carried out by the Cart' purchaser/owner to keep it in a condition that is supported by the Terms of the Warranty.
For those who stumble on this thread in the future and may have not read the, whole of its content, this summary if offered up by the OP, who has now certainly showed themselves as an authority on such a matter, will be hopefully passing on Pearls of Wisdom to the interested parties.
Who knows the Bullet Point -summarised content, might even make ones grey day verry very blue. There is nothing like a good one liner, to get the audiences roaring with laughter.
@mijostyn More of your one liners, what a farceur you are 🤣you're such fun to learn about.
Maybe the Tweezers that you are happy to declare how quick you are to draw, were sourced through a well known Internet Portal that sells all sorts of Items.
I used it to purchase a Pedicure Set for my darling wife, I have remained controlled and not been tempted to have a probe around in any of the Cart's I own, with any of the interesting looking implements, even the Cart's I know have a blatantly obvious damage.
Hi Lawyer, I've got this Phono Cartridge, that has a Warranty Period expired Nine Months ago. It seems to have a fault, maybe it even always had this fault whilst in use.
Additional to this, I went to work with a set of tweezers and got quite invasive in my venture of having a probe around inside the Cartridge.
I'm hoping that a legal support might get myself a special treatment.
Skyanalog Audio are certainly making Cart's that will be a decent contender to any of the Cart's being referred to, their asking prices are more than competitive.
The Brand is also from a Country that has been instrumental in making Elon Musk, Bernard Arnault, Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates a cool combined personal wealth of approx' $700 Billion.
It looks like Countries with a certain Politics are loved by some from Countries with an alternative take on the Politics.
The investigation of the AT 36E once more shows that the knowledge is widespread, if sought out.
The Link is seven years old, about 40 Year Old Cart's.
As I am spending time looking into Cart' refurbishments using supplied images from Services willing to do this, as a result discovering that a Damper Material perishes.
It would be interesting to be informed of the Joseph Long assessment about the AT-36E Damper and what his proposal has been for it, at the time of inspection.
@terry9Love the images, you are a pioneer, there is a Tonearm Thread on Lenco Heaven where concept Arm Wands are appearing, It would be great to see the Pampas Grass Version used on the DIY TA Design in that thread.
I have been interested in producing my own version of a Resin Impregnated Densified Wood. The idea of more orientations of the cross grain has been the stimulus.
I do believe with the correct viscosity resin, the Pampas Grass placed into a Vacuum Chamber at a first stage of applying the resin could produce a resin impregnated wand. Especially with the correct viscosity for a resin selected.
Resin Impregnation is a big subject today, it is a Science and there is plenty of White Papers to be found on the subject, it is all good reading when the correct content is discovered.
As there is no need to compress, this as a concept does seem doable, and the post Heat Treatment should also be easily achieved.
An individual I know was putting their Oilites in a Vacuum Chamber with a Lubricant of their choice and was relubricating both New and 30+ Year old Oilites. The process was kept going until the micro bubbles developing and separating from the Oilite was almost ceased.
Stand by your intentions, this is not a commercial item, it is a personal expression, more in keeping with a artistic flair applied to producing a tool.
It is the result of a creative thinking from a 'what if' attitude.
From my perspective the aesthetic of the design is not to WOW!, it is much more akin to the ideal "function over form"
Or a even more modern ideal “eliminate all unimportant opportunities.”
Design and Art are both quite capable of being stimulants at causing opposing thoughts to be aired.
Very recently I started to pass by a Office Block Main Entrance in London, that has as the main feature of attention being a exposed Concrete Column, left to remain in its roughest of condition.
I get it, in the sense the designer wanted to show a snippet of honesty, in relation to what is a usually concealed very important part of the structure.
I also don't get what a Multi Hundreds of Million Building is doing with such a unavoidable Carbuncle a few feet within its main entrance door.
I am easily prompted to join a discussion where opposing thoughts are stimulated.
I look forward to learning about your thoughts on a version produced by utilising a Vacuum Chamber.
@terry9I recall when the individual who first presented on Forums, Panzerholz as a materials with attractive properties, the response from certain types was contempt prior to investigation, the product was New, pretty much unknown/unused in Audio and was shot down. 10-12 Years on the discussion on it as a material is mainstream. It is a topic on all forums across the Globe and Manufacturers of Audio Devices in a selection of Countries are using it as Panzerholz, or using it with a 'in house' name given for the same material.
Evidence is common to show Organic Origin Materials combined with Synthetics produce materials that are ideal to function in a particular role where mechanical /structural properties are required.
My investigations show you are not the only one investigating the properties of Pampas Grass.
The Link shows it is being identified for its suitability to be a sustainable constituent in the make up of a composite. I think that idea should ring a bell.
Another White Paper I discovered has been impregnating the Stem in a solution diluted using Alcohol as 50% of the mixture. There is additionally a description of a usage of a Vacuum Chamber and a 12 Hour Dry Time of 80 Celsius.
When I was looking into a Cactus Needle Armature, I discovered a White Paper, that I had a friend investigate. The outcome being they were convinced that the Properties of the Cactus Needle would be satisfactory to function as a Cantilever.
I have a donor Cart' on standby to receive a Cactus Needle and the technicians own design for a form of a Styli.
If I were to attempt to experience a alternative Cantilever from a Brand, where the option is Cactus Needle or Bamboo, The cost will be between £3K - £7K. I am much more settled with the quote I have received for the work to be undertaken.
I will take a wild punt and suggest a Composite with a Organic Origin such as Pampas Grass, which is extremely easy to grow (energy efficient) in multiple environments. Will become a constituent in a product, where Lives are dependent on the products reliability.
It will not be a surprise to learn it is being used in the mainstream industries before 2030. Going Carbon Neutral is demanding this type of research and producing alternatives to full synthetics products.
Let the naysayers, who are with little foresight than the seeing of the Spectacles on their noses, spue out their protests to such ventures of ingenuity.
The Reed Statement that the P'holz is a near perfect material for a Tonearm Wand is one that I have not seen before.
Interesting that the Company refer to it as Tankwood, as this is the name that Kaiser Speakers have adopted for it in their literature. I have not seen it referred to as this name in other places. (Panzer in German is Armoured in English).
I made it known before I encouraged a Wood Wand user to try out a P'holz Wand and they have not looked back.
I also have been demo'd a Tonearm where P'holz was being used to produce the parts usually that have a metal to perform a function. The P'holz version was noticeably improved and notable for the noise that seemingly had disappeared.
Metal on Metal interfaces do have a audible signature when used at the critical places in a Analogue Source, maybe even the metal body of a Cart' coupled to a Metal Headshell is also a contribution. I have seen AT and others have models with a embedded damping/dissipation material on a earlier model Headshell to transform energies and later models have the Diamond Hard Coating (Technihard) to transform energies.
I found visiting the Reed Website a useful experience.
The assessments offered by Reed on a variety of wood types used for wands are backed up with a data.of measurements.
Their statement made about P'holz,certainly does not contain the term, 'suppose'.
I see no reason to question their findings.
At present P'holz does not lend itself to being a Wand on the Tonearm I have adopted and am mainly using.
P'holz does lend itself for usage on a Tonearm I am familiar with using, and the demo's received to date, far surpass the Metal on Metal interfaces of a earlier guise.
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