'Diamond' cantilevers: a man's best friend?


An increasing number of cartridge manufacturers is offering models with 'diamond' cantilevers at the top of their range, generally priced at the wrong side of $10k. The price hike compared to - otherwise identical - models with boron (or other) cantilevers runs in the multiple thousands.

Can anyone explain why? Is this just an artificial price point to emphasize exclusivity or does it have to do with material or manufacturing cost, even if there's not much material to begin with? And speaking of artificial, are these cantilevers made from 'real' diamond, or some industrial type? Are all diamond cantilevers created equal or do we see a variety of diamond-like materials sold as 'real' diamond? And what about the rare 'one piece' diamond stylus/cantilevers used in a few vintage cartridges (Sony XL-88D, Dynavector, Kiseki Lapis Lazuli); are these new top dollar diamond cantilever cartridges (like some Koetsu's, Ortofon MC Century, Transfiguration Orpheus Diamond, etc.) of the 'one piece' type? And if not, what is the presumed advantage compared to ruby, sapphire, boron or any other cantilever materials? In short: does anyone know what the 'diamond' cantilever landscape really looks like?

And finally the really important question: do 'diamond' cantilevers - all else being equal - offer superior performance that would begin to justify the price difference? Has anyone done the required comparative listening?

PS: a have a nice collection of MC's with a variety of cantilever materials: sapphire, ruby, boron, aluminium, beryllium, or some combination of materials. But not 'diamond' (real or otherwise), so I'm curious to find out if I'm missing out on something.



edgewear

Showing 1 response by analogheaven

Hi there

I used to have a Koetsu Rosewood Signature and Jade Platinum - both with boron cantilever. 

I now own a Blue Lace Platinum with diamond cantilever.

While, obviously there will be a "sound" & character difference between the Jade & Blue Lace stones (assuming both have the same boron cantilever) - I can only agree with both "terry9" and "syntax" observations & experiences with their diamond cantilevers - in general.

To quote "terry9" - "Sound is the most refined I have ever heard in my system"

To quote "syntax" - "the one with diamond cantilever shows more details, is a bit sharper in focus and the soundstage is a bit deeper and wider. They can sound a bit more detailed overall with improved dynamics (depending on records of course)."

My own experience - moving from the boron cantilever of the Jade, to the diamond cantilever of the Blue Lace - much much more refined and smoother; higher resolution & speed; slightly wider and deeper soundstage - enough said


Enjoy !!!