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Calling All Analog Gurus! What to do about my vintage Signet TK7LCa?


I just took a chance on buying a Signet TK7LCa cartridge on eBay to try with my new Allnic H1201 phono stage. I got it yesterday, checked the stylus (looks straight), and mounted it on my Well Tempered Amadeus. Unfortunately, the sound is dull, dull, dull regardless of what settings I use with the Allnic. I cleaned the stylus, so that is not the issue.

Am I correct in assuming that the stylus is just worn out and will need to be replaced? Are there other things I should try? What are my best options? What would you do?

Thanks in advance for any and all helpful tips. I continue to have high hopes for this cartridge despite this inauspicious debut.
waltersalas

Showing 2 responses by halcro

halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
The Signet TK-7CLa is nearly my undefeated 'World Champ' cartridge (of any genre)...and has been for 5 years.
The LAST word I would use to describe is "dull"...😱
It is smooth, sharp, detailed yet relaxed, transparent, exciting, neutral and sublime.
Most importantly...it projects all the 'emotion' contained in the vinyl groove that many cartridges simply do not.
Looking at the photos in the ad, it appears fine to the naked eye.
Here's one of mine
http://i.imgur.com/h0LXXHg.jpg
and another view
http://i.imgur.com/iDJntE7.jpg
Unless there's something wrong with the suspension (does it collapse when you lower it on the disc?) or the coils or dampener, it should not sound 'dull' even if you strapped it to a chopstick.....
Here is my other one without the original stylus
http://i.imgur.com/0HK9kQa.jpg
but an AT-155Lc implant. This shares the nude line-contact stylus in a beryllium cantilever just like the original and comes very close to the sound of the original.
Only trouble with this.....is it's no longer produced and is rather scarce and therefore pricy.
If you're patient, they sometimes come up on EBay or you can also buy the whole AT-155Lc cartridge if you can find one in NOS.
All the trouble you may go to in order to hear what this cartridge can deliver will be worth it...😎🎼
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Glad that the problem's solved Walter.
I don't run my VTF above 1.2Gm for the 7CLa. You should try lowering below 1.5Gm.....
Raul makes a valid point about Capacitance which you should try if it's easy to alter on your phono-stage and especially Resistance.
Maybe your particular system would sound better with the cartridge loaded at 60K Ohms? Especially if it retains some 'dullness' or lack of sparkle?
Good luck.

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