Has a component ever changed your focus?


I’ve just made a change in my system  that changed my priorities. Swapping out a 2m black for a dL 103r.  Suddenly I’m listening to the music more than the system without having to think in such terms. 
Gone is the etched, hyper-detailed, scientific sound.... Instead, smooth, musical ease and emotional involvement. 
 Just as important, record surface noise has been cut dramatically. Opening up access to hundreds of LPs and I was reluctant play before. 
 And the new cartridge is still running in.
  I’m finding that after just a couple days, though collecting records was my favorite aspect of this hobby, now it seems to have so much more potential. I’m no longer thinking constantly of my next tweek.
 Has this happened to you? What component did you change that made you change the focus of your listening experience?

lwal22

Showing 1 response by chakster

@iwal22 It’s important to go back in time, after you enjoyed your new toy, go back to what you replaced and critisized. Sometimes we’re looking for a change, but for how long we could live with something new? Your oldschool Denon LOMC (Conical stylus) is completely different compared to the modern MM cartridge, but would you like to try some decent vintage LOMC with advanced stylus profiles (not conical)?

If you like low compliance MC cartridges you can try Fidelity-Research FR-7f with its unique AIR-COIL, or RF PMC-3 (both utilized Line Contact styli). Compare those carts to your Denon next time you want something different.

In the past i’ve mostly rotated cartridges to find what i really like. Same with tonearms and tube rolling. Various phono stages too. Not so long ago i’ve changed one tube amp to another. Now i’m looking forward to change tube push-pull integrated to a First Watt power ampo and Pass Lab preamp.