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'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
edgewear OP
543 posts
 
@rauliruegas 
I think I can agree with your "sum of the parts" conclusion, which seems to emphasize the importance of the talents of the designer. After all he's the guy who's putting the parts together. No gals as yet I believe, but this might change with the current 'diamond' fad.....

It also confirms my own - limited - experience that modern cartridges are not necessarily superior to succesful older designs.  Apparently even if they're as old as those '60's ADC's.

It seems there are no new 'magical' parts or materials that give modern cartridges a decisive 'edge' over vintage ones. Only 'magical marketing', which would include those 'diamond' cantilevers....



syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Well, diamond cantilever is just one design among others. A cartridge should be seen as one unit. When a normal one is not your cup of tea, I doubt that the same with diamond cantilever will bite the bullet.
Zyx for example had one (Sigma?) with diamond cantilever and some said, the Universe with regular cantilever beat it.
When you have 2 identical carts, one regular cantilever and the other one with diamond cantilever (Koetsu Stones for example), 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). 
But it will depend on your System in general I guess. For some it is not worth the money, others are happy with it.

analogheaven
24 posts
 
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 !!! 
howardalex's avatar
howardalex
64 posts
 
I have a Koetsu Jade with diamond cantilever.
when I bought the Jade originally it had a standard cantilever but after an “accident” (from which I still experience ptsd) it went back to Koetsu via the UK importer and they took pity on me and offered to rebuild it with a diamond cantilever at something less than the crazy retail price...
Maybe I was expecting too much but mounted in my FR 66s arm with Arche headshell and aggalos silver headshell wires it gets brought out once in a blue moon: my vastly preferred London Decca Reference , various FR 7s and SPU’s  all (to my low rent ears) sound nicer.
Somebody I know with much better hearing than me and a huge amount of experience listening to high end systems (as well as much live classical) prefers my Koetsu Urishi vermillion to the Jade in my system.
His comment is that the Jade makes everything sound like the Jade ...
edgewear OP
543 posts
 
These last diverting opinions seem to emphasize that there is no intrinsic sonic benefit to the use of diamond cantilever.
when I started this thread I had no experience with it, but since then I have acquired two of those: Dynavector Karat Nova 13D (with wood body) and Sato Musen Zen Diamond (direct couple design similar to Victor MC L1000). Both are great systems, but not 'worlds apart' from other cantilevers.

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