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Slaw - the most enjoyment I have ever had out of this hobby as an pure amateur "having fun hobbyist" is when I personally do something (DIY) to my setup that improves the sound. Reading your posts it sounds like you are really enjoying yourself. Pics for everyone ? |
Yes, much fun. After more listening... Esperanza Spalding "Junjo". I'm realizing that what I'm hearing or maybe more experiencing is like being front row, maybe 10' from the stage in a small night club and besides hearing the music in a much more involving way, I can sense I see Esperanza's physical human form right in front of me. That is cool!
I can't thank you enough for putting me on to this cartridge. |
Chris: Since you started this thread....
I'm really thinking of going McGiver on my TT. Discard the base @ plinth, which will result in a separate armpod. I know you'll agree with that, me too. Anyway, this is going to take priority over all my other projects.
I wanted to take part in a Acutex listening group. Since you sent yours to Bruce and others don't seem to be anxious, I'm not that concerned about it anymore. Oh well....
Looking forward to hearing what Bruce may have to say... otherwise, I'll be developing my projects for some time. |
Hi Slaw -
Bruce got a second 420str that was "donated" to me.
I have been enjoying my Acutex 420 all this time and want to thank Frogman and yourself for the Donald Fagen and Shawn Colvin recommendations. Those LP's are in regular rotation with me.
Bruce has been very busy and has been travelling but I was in touch with him last week. He is really glad we sent him the cartridge and he made the time to listen to it. He is in fact sending me a short review of it which I will post here.
I didn't want to say anything till I received the review.
More later.....Armpod huh ? .....
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Hey Chris: I can recommend some more female artists if you like. If not here, send me an email.
I'm very happy you are enjoying the SC! |
Here it is anyway,... I hope you all are receptive to music recommendations. After all, isn't this what it's all about?
I have 3 here. They are presented in an order of sonics first, then my sense of what most will enjoy... I hope you enjoy! Get these while you can on lp.
Haley Bonar "Big Star", = A big recommendation!
Laura Veirs " July Flame"
(Anything) Neko Case. Most recommended for sonics are, "Canadian Amp", "Blacklisted", Middle Cyclone"....
get them all and remember, these aren't quite as (sonically great as the one's above). Neko has the best voice of any female I've ever heard!
There it is. Sorry to overwhelm the ET thread. |
One last thought....
No disregard to Frogman, ... I think anyone who listens to Donald Fagens "Nightfly" will hear easily that it is a digital recording! I LOVE the music but it's obvious!
I'm not a pushover, but I am obviously a lover of well recorded music and therefore have a definate opinion on what I hear.
"Nightfly" is an awesome lp, but does not sound "analog".
I love music, therefore, my thoughts.... I hope you all understand. |
Everytime I've put on either of my copies of "The Nightfly", I took it off before the 1st song was through!
This was for the purpose of listening to (enjoy), and I still couldn't get past it.
As you can see, I'm very passionate!
This is me. I think it's very important to let other's know.... |
Hi Slaw - here are a few suggestions for you to consider -
Wiring loom - I would untwist the wire between the arm and plinth to reduce resistance. I would also place the anchor point for the cable on the plinth at the midway point of travel, not the end.
I do not subscribe to separate pods for arms, the arm must be rigidly referenced to the bearing point. Your use of rollerballs in the TT with a separate pod would be a disaster in my view.
Use your woodwork skills on the speakers - pulling the crossovers out of the box, even without changing any components, will yield a significant improvement in resolution and lower noise floor. |
Everytime I've put on either of my copies of "The Nightfly", I took it off before the 1st song was through! This was for the purpose of listening to (enjoy), and I still couldn't get past it. Slaw - Frogman was clear in telling us that it was a digital LP but he also used some words if you go back to the post like slick or polished sounding. I agree with this. Imo - Vinyl is a very tweakable and variable medium. How we tweak our room/gear to play vinyl is based on many factors, each us are a little different, and this influences what we do with the gear in our own room/s. Even if we had exact same gear, our rooms are all different. For me personally the first time I played a master tape copy against the LP version (same pre/amp/speakers/room) my personal vinyl preferences became very obvious to me. They were exposed so to speak. There is no hiding behind a pretty sounding cartridge with tape. It forced me to deal with the room/gear and try to bring it to an acceptable level for myself. I have also had a few members of my daughters high school jazz ensemble in my room a few times over the last 4 years to play for me – just for a few minutes. Each time this revealed flaws in my room. The room is the most important factor, and it will never be perfect. My room is ok for my reproduced sound as I have control over it to a degree. Not for live music. imo - There is no reason you should not be able to enjoy Nightfly. My recommendation is to play more LPs’ like Nightfly and adjust your gear/room to where it is tolerable enough and you can at least enjoy the music. Isn't that what this is about. Once you have done this I believe the other good analog sounding lps like the Shawn Colvin one will sound even better. The 420str doesn’t sound pretty, its been said here before. Its also doesn’t cover up. So this is playing a factor too in your room. On the ET2 I find the 420str very honest in its presentation and I find the tone good compared to my tapes. Just some thoughts ... Hoping to get Bruce’s review of it this week. |
Chris: I didn't go back to review posts... from memory, my initial response to "Nightfly" being a lp we could all compare was, "it is one of the first digital recordings ever". I don't think my system is state of the art by any measure. What I'm confident of is that when ever I put any of my "Nightfly" lps on, I can't listen through a side. My system/room weakness, yes, I'm perfectly willing to accept that. Most SD lps are made with prescion, that coupled with the advent of digital recordings is a connundrum. I can only report on what my ears tell me.
Dover: Thanks for your thoughts. I know now my wire loom is not the best. My thoughts on building a new 'separate' plinth, completely discarding the VPI base all together, will be a totally different venue for a separate armpod to be introduced. I probably didn't make this clear before. (I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't clear now). (A laugh is appropriate here). I have the AN wire waiting in the wing. Awesome! I hope.
You're suggestion regarding separating the crossovers from the speakers is one I haven't thought of but I sure can see the sonic value. I'll keep it in my to do list located somewhere in my mind. While I have some thoughts on 'better' stands, your idea is probably more cost effective with better results. Thanks. |
A comparison: Put on a copy of Aja,(77') then compare it to Nightfly, 82", I think you'll get where I'm coming from.
No comparison, IMO. |
Dover: Your idea has my excitement level on a 10. Thanks, I will pursue this, separating the speaker crossover. |
Sorry for overwhelming.... I meant to share that I recently went to a evening called Music Matters with my audio buddy. I was 10' from Fremer. Our 'analog man'.
He played some hi-rez files from his Continuum table. Some Joni Mitchell, Who, Rolling Stones.
These sounded GREAT! My friend remarked to me later how the rhythmic drive, propulsion of the music was apparent. That made an impression on me. The Stones as we all know aren't known for sonics, in this case, it was the best I've ever heard. The source was a MFSL lp. The tt in the room was a SME 10. A copy of The Band was played, the sense of realism was apparent.
I, of course made a fool of myself when I remarked about his giving a copy of "Rough Mix" to Classic for their reproduction of that lp cover. maybe I'm the only one who noticed. |
Bruce Thigpen 420 STR Impressions. Chris,
These are my impressions.
This is an excellent cartridge. Mechanically it is a high compliance cartridge, much higher than most any modern moving coil.
There were no noise problems, the hum level was at the noise floor and it was quiet running straight in to an older SP-11. Tracking was very good to excellent. The design hints of the Goldring 900's of many years ago and the sound quality reminds me of the last Shure ultra 500, which I liked a lot. So its a bargain, to bad these are out of print.
With respect to use in the ET-2 or 2.5, the best wand to use would be the original aluminum arm wand with the thick coating or the carbon fiber wand. I actually prefer the ET-2 to the 2.5 with this cartridge.
Thanks very much for the loan Chris
-brucet Guys ( gals? ) Through my various emails bugging him :^( for his impressions (I received them this morning). I got a real sense that Bruce appreciated the downtime to listen to vinyl. IMO, the more we can do to draw folks like Bruce Thigpen back into vinyl; I feel is a good thing for vinyl and music in general. Whether you are an ET2 owner or not on this thread, a quick email thanking him for his impressions here is a start. Brucet (at) eminent-tech (dot) com |
Chris, Thanks for your forsight regarding sending the Acutex to Bruce for his impressions. What more can I say... here are some excellent lps to check out...
(I hope there are "gals" reading this. Give me a call....)
Calexico/Iron @ Wine "In The Reins" an excellent, dynamic lp!!!
Neko Case "Fox Confessor...." Her vocals are awesome here, soundstage is somewhat diminished but an excellent lp.
Jenny Lewis @ the Watson Twins "Rabbit Fur Coat", Great!
The National "High Violet" not superior sonically, but a damn good record!
Birdy "selftitled", a 15 year old that can make you/me cry!
I could go on........... |
"High Violet" = this lp gets better with the resolution your system is capable of. A 'GREAT' lp IMO. |
Somebody stop me... Suzanne Vega "Beauty @ Crime" dynamics in spades!!!! |
Before the night is through...
I have a friend to thank for this one....
Kim Richey "Rise"
Get it, really, It's awesome!!!! It will cost you some $$$, but it's worth it! |
Chris, thank you for your dedication and diligence in loaning BT the Acutex and soliciting his comments. I agree, getting more folks back into vinyl is a great thing; I will contact Bruce and thank him. I found his comments about his preference for the ET2 with this cart to be interesting; I wish he had elaborated on the reasons why. My ET, while it uses the high pressure manifold, is still a 2 not a 2.5 since it uses the regular diameter spindle. |
Slaw, I must say that I a surprised a your strong reaction to the sound of the Fagen "Nightfly" LP. Yes, obviously a digital recording as I poined out from the beginning, but a good one with fine detail, separation and a surprising lack of digital graininess. I have never had such a negative reaction to it like I have had to many other digital recordings. At the same time, while I like Aja very much I have never considered it to be a particularly great sounding analog recording. Certainly a good one, but with some obvious flaws like a somewhat congested sound which is a bit dark overall. Musically, there are times that the slick aesthetic of it drives me nuts, and other times that I think it is a masterpiece of urban-hip studio production with a very deliberate choice of players for each individual song that is very astute. Anyway, that's the beauty of music, it can strike different chords in different listeners. If you like female vocals with a folksy vibe, check out Phoebe Snow's self-titled first LP. Fantastic analog recording and equally fantastic Phil Ramone production; one of my favorites. Keep us posted re your impressions of the Audionote wire.
Regards. |
I found his comments about his preference for the ET2 with this cart to be interesting; I wish he had elaborated on the reasons why. Frogman - when you contact Bruce maybe he can confirm this. This information is from Bruce from his testing - it was posted earlier in the thread somewhere near the beginning. The ET 2.0 smaller diameter spindle resonates at 5-6 hz. This applies to regular and high pressure 2.0 models. The ET 2.5 which only came as a higher pressure model has a larger diameter spindle resonating at 2-3 hz. If I have a choice I usually run MC on my 2.5 and MM on the 2.0 but both work well with either. The higher compliance MM's (imo - resonating higher) just seem to work better to my ears on the ET 2.0. Less tweaking involved in setup. So I agree with what Bruce said. With that I have the 420str on my 2.5 right now and it sounds great. |
Further comments from BT:
(-why did you prefer the Acutex on the 2 vs. the 2.5? Does it have to do with the different resonance frequency points of each version?
-why would the aluminum or carbon fiber wands be preferable? I am currently using the magnesium wand and intended to try the aluminum)
**** In both cases, (the ET-2 and the aluminum or CF wands) I was looking for low horizontal inertia to match the slightly higher than average compliance of the cartridge. This component combination worked well for me with other cartridges with similar mechanical characteristics.
With respect to the magnesium wand, if it is the light version it would be a good choice, if it is the heavier version, while it will work it is not ideal. I hope this helps, thank you very much.
brucet**** |
Does anyone know how to tell the difference between the light and heavy magnesium wand? |
Ketchup, from BT:
****The heavy version has a step at the back to a larger diameter, the light version is tapered with no step. The photo on the web page for the magnesium wand shows the version with the step. Thank you very much.
brucet**** |
Frogman,
Thanks a lot! I have the heavy version, then. |
I just finished a flow rate test to see how much air my ET2 and ET2.5 arms flow at various pressures with different pumps (Wisa and ET/Takatsuki). I'm also going to do the test with an unlimited supply of air (60 gallon air compressor) from 1 psi to about 15 psi (the maximum pressure that the air flow calibrator can take). My setup was: Pump>Bios Defender 510M air flow calibrator>Parker air pressure regulator>Tonearm. I tested each arm/pump combo from 1 psi to the maximum pressure that the pumps would provide. Results can be found here: Flow rate chartThe results suggest that the Takatsuki pump flows more air into each arm at equal PSI, but can not provide the PSI that the Wisa can. The results also show that the ET2.5 is less of a restriction to the pumps than the ET2. It flows a larger volume of air at a lower pressure. These results may not apply to all tonearms. As I understand it, Bruce customized some arms for use with specific pumps. |
I just did the tests with a 60 gallon air compressor from 2 to 14 psi. The setup was: 60 gallon air compressor @ 120 psi>water separator/filter (5.0 micron)>pressure regulator @ 25 psi>coalescing filter (.01 micron)>pressure regulator>Defender 510M air flow calibrator>tonearm. I updated the chart with the new data: Flow rate chart |
Frogman: I really appreciate your "measured" responses! I, on the other hand, am quite the opposite. I know that I don't take the time to explain my position, so I'll give it a try here.
Steely Dan: I think I am much harder on them, given their history of making awesome records. The Nightfly ( I have two copies), while it is much more open (a somewhat general term I am using), it strikes me as irritating in a way that I can't enjoy listening to it all the way through one side. IMO, it sounds somewhat unnatural and slightly "in your face". My comparison, while not the best, to "Aja", I think is telling.
I have three copies of "Aja", none of them I'm confident are the 'best'. (This is where I may separate from some). I am very aware of different pressings and how they sound. My yellow label ABC seems to provide me with the most enjoyment of the ones I own. With regard to these 3 lps, they are, in my words compressed, (with this one having a wider sounstage), as are a lot of SD lps, but the difference between the analog era and the digital era is apparent to me. While I notice this difference and understand all of what I've laid out, I can sit back and enjoy "Aja" all of the way through. I cannot do this on "The Nightfly". This is even though I love the music! To me, it's all about the enjoyment, the escape, the freedom I feel when I take the time to listen.
I do want to say my comments about "The Nightfly" were in no way a reflection on anyone here, just my personal view. I hope anyone here who's willing to take the time to compare, will respond.
Here are a couple of very good recordings in my view:
Chris Isaak "San Francisco Days"--- sadly out of print
Mark Knopfler @ Chet Atkins "Neck @ Neck" -- again, sadly out of print.
Both worth the price necessary to have in your collection!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
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....I tend to post 'in pieces'.
Just wanted to mention that the two lps I recommended earlier, even though they are or the 'digital age', in my view, are again examples of recordings done "right" as opposed to "The Nightfly". I can listen to them and enjoy completely. |
In closing.... it seems unless there is some sort of 'reference' established regarding differences in what we're hearing, the whole process is for not. That's kind of what turned me off with regards to comparing the Acutex in our differing systems. |
Ketchup, thanks for sharing the data. The question then becomes: how do the different flow rates affect the sound when PSI remains the same? Did you notice differences in the sound with different pumps with the regulator allowing the same PSI? Of course, flow rate would not be the only variable. While I don't have any data on this, I am very aware of the beneficial effects of using a surge tank to smooth out the pulses of air; which, presumably, have different characteristics from pump to pump. What were your findings re the sound when using the compressor and higher PSI (and smooth, pulse-less air stream)?
BTW, I have the lighter magnesium wand which may partly account for the positive results that I have gotten with the Acutex 420. I plan on trying the aluminum wand and will report back. |
Ketchup – that is interesting data on the pumps. Thanks for sharing. When my ET2 and 2.5 were next to one another in the same room I noticed when unplugging one for the other how the pressure changed on the dial of the regulator. If I remember right the pressure on the dial would go up with the ET2 and down on the ET2.5 showing that the ET2.5 inhales more air with the larger manifold. So I had to adjust the regulator up or down to compensate. Here is a pic of the heavy magnesium arm wandI am curious how many prototypes it took Bruce to come up with that length and size of step up. Here is some more information for you guys regarding the I Beam complianceI asked Bruce another question in regards to the I Beam. Single, double, triple. If I add one or two leaf springs the I beam becomes stiffer - less compliant. I have 3 of these ready to swap in - single, double, triple I Beams. I asked him in his opinion, if a stiffer (lower compliance) I Beam would work better with a lower compliance cartridge, and the opposite true for a higher compliance cartridge? Does it not make sense to match up one end (cartridge side) up with the other side (counter weight I Beam) ? Just as a guideline - I realize all our setups are different and we need to experiment on our own. This was Bruce’s response. Chris,
With respect to the i-beams, this is correct: a stiffer (lower compliance) I Beam works better with a lower compliance cartridge.
Hope this helps – brucet My ET 2.5 runs a low compliance MC I have been using a double leaf. I am going to try the triple on it. I find the Acutex 420 works well with a single and double. With the triple it still works but what can happen is if the record is not ideal (flat) the sound can get – I am not good with words – too aggressive to me. Lets put it this way – if you are a driving a truck with a leaf spring suspension on the back. What happens when you add or take away leaf springs to the suspension. Now take that truck down a rough road (representing by the lp). Are you going to want fewer or more leaf springs for a smoother ride. The Ibeam is like the leaf spring but working in a horizontal instead of vertical way. Can anyone tell me what other tonearm out there - regardless of design - allows one to tailor the tonearm compliance to that of any cartridge you are using like this one. Does another tonearm exist like this ? |
Slaw – I think you should open up a record store. Make it an internet store with an open chat line to help audiophiles. You would probably make a lot of vinyl people happy picking out good sounding albums for them. But make sure you are your own boss, and don’t have a boss, because he would be upset with why he couldn’t get rid of his Nightfly copies; and other LP’s that don’t meet up to your standards. Just joking of course…not Thanks for the lp recommendations – will search through my lp’s to see if I can find any of them. For someone that has worked in the IT field all his career - my lp cataloguing system really sucks. Its based on my subliminal - I think. I just find what I need. it seems unless there is some sort of 'reference' established regarding differences in what we're hearing, the whole process is for not. Well to me references are like opinions – everyone has one. If you asked 10 audiophiles what their reference(opinon) was for something you would get 18 responses. I have heard this many times on public chat forums like this. Just My Opinion of course. |
Slaw, thanks for your comments. Likewise, my comments are not intended to be a criticism of anyone's preferences or tastes in either music or sound; which, at the end of the day, need to be respected. IMO, commentary and discussion, even (especially?) if it may get precariously close to instigating arguments, is what makes a forum such as this one worthwhile. So, in keeping with that spirit, I would like to offer some followup comments which may help explain our different reactions to this record.
I very seldom buy a recording based solely on it's sound quality. If I like the music and performance, that is good enough for me to want to buy it, and I do seek out recordings of music/performances that interest me that are known to have excellent sound quality. Also, for me, it is rare the recording (LP or CD) of music that I like that I simply cannot listen to in it's entirety because of it's recording quality. But, I do own many recordings that are recorded poorly or are inferior or damaged pressings that make the listening experience less enjoyable than it could be otherwise. Lastly, I do own some recordings with almost intolerable sound quality; but, "The Nightfly" is certainly not one of them.
I originally suggested this recording for possible use as a "reference" for several reasons:
- The first reason was that it is a recording of music that I felt would appeal to a lot of different musical tastes. It covers a lot of ground, and not being intimately familiar with the musical tastes of possible participants in this thread's "quest for a reference", it seemed like a safe bet.
- It is in a rock vein with strong contemporary jazz elements.
- Compositionally, in typical SD fashion, it is very strong (for a pop
recording), and there are many "layers" to the sound.
- It is very strong rhythmically, with a diverse range of time feels.
- Fagen hired a very diverse group of players, each very well suited for the feel of each individual composition, and with very individual musical personalities.
All of these considerations, I felt, would provide a lot of material for
discussion as they related to the abilities (or not) of the equipment to extract it.
Lastly, and not least(ly?), this recording has been almost universally praised by audiophiles for it's sound quality; to the extent that it was "beaten to death" at audio show demos for years after it's release.
So, what could account for our different reactions to it? I suspect that part of it is system balance. I find it telling that you find Aja to be wonderful sounding while I find it to be dark and somewhat thick sounding. Don't get me wrong, I think Aja is a terrific record with fine sound quality that in no way gets in the way of the music, but if judge it's sound quality we must, it is far from one of my favorites.
What I also find really interesting is that our systems have much in common. You use a VPI HW19 MK4, and I a TNT6 with the same platter as your MK4. Our arms are, obviously, the same. We also use the same phono stage; although mine has been heavily modified, and the changes to the sound (more resolution and clarity, less forgiving) would seem to favor your assessment of the sound of Nightlfy, not mine. I am not familiar with the sound of your speakers nor amp. But I use tube mono blocks (Manley 200/100) which are definitely very full and lush sounding. My speakers (either Paragon Regents or Stax F81's electrostats) are very both open sounding in the highs, but definitely not what many would consider "accurate", being not the least bit exaggerated in that range. So, what might all this say about the reasons for our different and strong opinions of the sound of Nightfly:
- the differences in the sound of our amps and speakers are so strong that they, in the case of your system, exaggerate the admitted digititis of the recording; or, in the case of my system, mask it.
- you are much more sensitive to digital distortions than I am.
Thoughts?
BTW, I continue to feel that in spite of system differences, use of a reference recording to judge a piece of gear (cartridge) can be very useful. I think that the key is to focus more on the musical aspects of the recordings ("bass player A plays a little more on top of the beat than bass player B") and not so much on the "sound"; whatever that means.
Regards. |
Ct0517 - I last used my ET2 with a Garrot modified Denon 103. Also used Koetsu Black & Shure V15VMR.
As far as springs go, I really didn't use the spring effect at all. I found that even with low compliance cartridges, when you reduced the horizontal compliance, the bottom end tightened up, but became more and more out of time with the music. TT at the time was a heavily modded Sota Star. The solution I ended up with was leaving the end cap only partially done up, and used teflon wedges partially inserted either side of the "spring" to a point where the initial movement had almost no restriction whatsoever, but the range was limited and ultimately tempered by the teflon. This with the magnetic dampening explained in my earlier post yielded the best results with both high and low compliance cartridges. I guess what I ended up with was virtually a decoupled counterweight assembly with a very gentle progressive dampening via the teflon wedges.
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Ketchup, thanks for sharing the data. The question then becomes: how do the different flow rates affect the sound when PSI remains the same? Did you notice differences in the sound with different pumps with the regulator allowing the same PSI? Frogman, There was no listening done during these tests. I barely had enough time to complete the tests as is and my ET-2.5 is not even mounted on a turntable. I have the data now, though, so listening tests should be possible down the road. |
Frogman: I tend to agree with the jist of your comments. I do think you misread my assessment of "Aja", as I stated that it is compressed. Thanks for the effort taken to respond so in depth.
I know music is a very personal thing with me and can therefore only conclude that other's feel the same. It is an area that should be carefully discussed with other's feelings at the forefront. |
Just a general comment on the ET arm. I know others have had similar comments but here is mine. I've owned mine for over 20 years and just recently when I put in my new armboard I realized how quick and easy it was with an even greater degree of 'getting it right' the first time with even more accuracy than I've had before. It's a long term relationship that is well worth it. IMO. |
I used to know a guy that had owned his ET2 for over 15 years. During this time he had 2 wives. During the marital turnovers he managed to keep his ET2, but did give up some other prized gear. IMO – if this ET2 tonearm had lots of shiny metals on it that looked like gold and silver, he may not have been so lucky to hang onto his ET2 this long. It’s a sleeper.
Its already been said here that the ET2 has stood up to the hardest test of all – time. Anyone can buy a 20 year old ET2 tonearm on the used market and make it work. Even if replacement parts are needed they are available at reasonable cost. |
Chris, Yes, humour is only as good as it relates to us intimately. The best audio products are those that require and respond to our attention.
And now... for those 6 copies of The Who " Who's Next". lol! |
I want to say one other thing related to the discussion I kind of created recently. Music. This is what it's all about. Whether you're in it for the mechanics or the feeling...... that's what we all have to decide.
If I was asked, what I could do without, my electronics(system) or my lps, that's easy............ take my electronics, PLEASE!
My heart @ soul is in the music , $@^$## the electronics!!!
By the way, did you hear about the guy who went record shopping @..................
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Slaw - My heart @ soul is in the music , $@^$## the electronics. I agree - I want to share something I came across today. Check out what the lead track is. Groove Into Bits Vol. 1 - Tracklist: 1. Steady on - Shawn Colvin 2. Last days at the lodge - Amos Lee 3. Saltarello - Dead Can Dance 4. Golden Brown - The Strangles 5. Come to the river - Hans Theesink & Terry Evans 6. Blues Walk - Lou Donaldson 7. So Strong - Labi Siffre (demotrack) 8. Il Blues - Sam Lightnin Hopkins 9. House of the rising sun - Cynder Peters 10. Come Di - Paolo Conte 11. Kirya - Ofra Haza 12. Homeless - Paul Simon 13. Wade in the water - Eva Cassidy 14. Money Money - The King Singers My favourite songs on side one of Shawn Colvin are actually shotgun down the avalanche and stranded. Super LP thanks for the recommendation Whether you're in it for the mechanics or the feeling...... that's what we all have to decide. FWIW - I have a room I play with the gear in; it is a form of therapy for me so it really is beneficial, and l learn a lot in there. This doesn’t have to be a big or elaborate room. I have the other room that rarely changes. LPs’s all over the place from previous listening sessions, along with some tape. I really enjoy music in there to get my fix and learn a lot about the music itself in there. If something happens in the first room that I think might be good to introduce into the second room. I go for it. |
Well, per Bruce T's recommendation, I installed one of my two original (lower mass) aluminum arm wands in place of the magnesium wand (lighter version) that I have been using since purchasing it about twenty (!) years ago. I had been meaning to try the original wand again since returning to MM cartridges about two years ago, but because of the somewhat difficult arrangement that I have of a continuous run of tonearm wire from cartridge clips to preamplifier, I had not gotten around to it. Also keep in mind that I had wrapped the magnesium wand with cloth tape for extra damping, but also adding extra mass.
These are very preliminary observations/reactions, but I must say that I am surprised at the magnitude of change in the sound; with the Acutex 420. It is far from being a slam-dunk in favor of the aluminum wand; in spite of BT's assertion that the aluminum wand would work better with the high-compliance Acutex. The reduction in bass weight with the aluminum wand is striking, with an apparent increase in clarity that I am not yet convinced is not simply a psychoacoustic effect due to the reduction in bass weight and overall fullness. Somewhat paradoxically, the overall sound is leaner while seeming to have less grain in the highs. I need to spend more time with this wand to really understand what is going on, but after only a few sides it has become even more clear that this cartridge, aside from the already and often discussed sensitivity to VTA, VTF, azimuth, etc., may also be unusually sensitive to arm (headshell?) mass in unexpected ways; which may explain, at least in part, the different reactions to this cartridge.
More to follow. |
Frogman -
I got considerably more transparency and even less grain when I removed the inner foam and stripped off the heatshrink from the aluminium arm tube with both low compliance ( Denon 103 Garrott ) and high compliance ( Shure V15VMR ) cartridges.
Also I suggested implementing electromagnetic dampening of lateral movement by using fridge magnets early in this post - disappointingly for me, only ct0517 has tried it - a $5 tweak that stabilises the cartridges so much, you get increased output and have to turn the volume down. The dampening increases proportionally with lateral arm movement speed.
By the way magnesium has a lower Youngs Modulus than aluminium, which means it is much softer and less rigid ceteris parabus.
If you want to go one step further, you can open up the cartridge end of the wand ( the aluminium is very thin ), pull out the soft teflon insert, and replace it with a piece of carbon fiber. You can use superglue and clamp it up with a decent vice. This gives you a much stiffer headshell. |
Dear Dover, great stuff! Thank you.
I will definitely try removing the heat shrink and the Teflon insert. When I first got the magnesium wand, if memory serves, I was using a Spectral MCR which benefited from the extra mass and dampening of the magnesium wand; with the aluminum wand it was lean and white to the point of being unpleasant sounding in spite of it's tremendous detail retrieval and speed (Raul?). I did not try your magnet dampening tweak as I use the damping trough with my ET2 and lateral movement is already well controlled; I am intrigued however and will try it.
Thanks again, and I will report back after I live with the aluminum wand a little longer. |
Frogman - the order I went through was -
1st removed inner foam - listening test
2nd removed heatshrink - listening test
3rd modified head shell - listening test
4th added electrodampening - listening test
My personal view on fluid dampening is that it slugs/smears the sound, as does spongy dampening such as foam/heatshrink.
Your experience with the Spectral MCR mirrors mine.
I would suggest you disengage the dampening trough first - so you can hear the other changes more clearly.
Good luck. |
I have been a "lurker" on Audiogon for a little while, but when I saw this thread on ET tonearms, I couldn't resist submitting a post.
I purchased my ET2 back in 1997, installed it on my HW-19 Mk3, and have used it ever since. I recently upgraded my system, which includes a Precision Fidelity preamp, Ladyday+ Mk2 Signature mono blocks and a pair of 70's vintage Klipsch LaScalas. I listen to a lot of female vocalists and Jazz, as well as blues.
I'm currently using a Grado Reference Platinum, but it is getting quite a few hours on it, and I am at the point that I should either re-tip or upgrade. I have never had any issues with the setup (no hum), but would like to make sure I'm using the right cartridge . My question is - should I stick with the Grado or look at another cartridge?
I would prefer to stay with a MM cartridge and I would like to keep the cost at no more than $500. I have been reading with great interest the posts about the 420 STR, but their lack of availability is an issue.
Anyway, thanks for your inputs in advance and thanks for a great thread devoted to a great tonearm!
Mark |
Welcome aboard, Mark. The HW19 is a nice platform for your ET2; that's what I had for a few years before my TNT6 and it sounded very good. If I may offer a tip: If you haven't done it yet, replacing the spring suspension with sorbothane pucks or upturned metal cones adds a lot of stability which helps the ET2 perform it's best on that table. It might worthwhile to contact member Nandric and ask if he might be interested in selling his Acutex 420. I know that he has been reducing the size of his collection. He would be a reliable seller if he were to agree. You could also post in this thread http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&openfrom&8935&4#8935and express you interest to buy one. I have a feeling that you will find one. Good luck, and keep us posted. |
