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Decca cartridge experiences

I really don't expect any response to this as the issue of Deccas, and all the controversies they stirred up is now passé, but does anyone out there own and use a Decca, and if so, did you find a tonearm which will accomodate it? I'd appreciate it if anyone shared their experiences with it, good or bad. I've found two tonearms in which it will work well: one a Mayware tonearm in which it works superbly, and one a Maplenoll air-bearing 'table with fluid damping trough, but I'm having a bit of trouble getting this combo to work again (I've only recently re-acquired the Maplenoll)...I'll have to fiddle with viscosity, amount of fluid and so on.

To all those who haven't had a chance to hear this cartridge, and who like to experiment and have fun (and tear their hair out), then a Decca still has the most slam of any cartridge, and retrieves an incredible amount of detail from the groove. Though these days it no longer sells for pocket change (the Super Gold goes for $850, but there are cheaper models), it's still not in the stratosphere like so many others. It is dificlt to find a tonearm which will accomodate it as well.

I'd appreciate as well any experiences with the new versions, as I hear the new stylus profile makes it less difficult. I think the responses will be "0", but any cartridge which stirred up this much controversy (at least a while ago) is Good News, like the Shelter (which is far more accomodating, however)...Thank you for your attention, if any attention there is...
johnnantais
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Oh dear, John, you have reminded me of my first high-end source, which I took out a loan to buy and then traded away in a d-i-v-o-r-c-e. It was a London Export, gray case, in an International arm and it certainly boogied. I had champagne tastes then just as much as today.

Unfortunately the cart and arm pair were mounted on a Connoisseur BD-1... sorry. As long as nobody got up and walked around, and no trucks passed, it was very listenable. But the sound had a rather seismographic quality, if I may put it that way.

If I ever get a second analog source, this thread has made sure it will be an attempt to see that old TT done right.
johnnantais OP
621 posts
 
Don't give up on it Tobias, just get that tonearm/cartridge combo onto a better 'table! But given the Decca's incredible slam and speed, I am glad I have another 'table/tonearm/cartridge set up alongside for gentler moments!
andrewg's avatar
andrewg
5 posts
 
Tbg,
How is the Jubilee and Schroeder going?
I have Schroeder Model 1 on Scheu Premier table and seriously looking at Decca Jubilee or perhaps Gold modified by Garrott.
Any expiriences would be of great assistance.
Cheers
Andrew
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
You'll be hard pushed to find a Garrott Decca. the Brothers died almost twenty years ago! The New "Garrott Brothers" aren't very interested in rebuilding carts
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Andrewg, I had written a response, but it seems to have gotten lost.

The Jubilee works very well on the Schroeder. The most critical adjustment is the gap between the magnets, where a slight increase can make the Decca mistrack. Anti-skating is also critical. In short even the Jubilee is hard to get to perform properly, but the well adjusted performance is outstanding.

I don't know whether you have had prior experience with Deccas. They can be frustrating as well as outstanding.
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