Magic Diamond vs Airtight PC1?

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spherical = conical.
same thing.
that is the DL-103 standard stylus/cantilever.
No design change there ...

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What's your point? Do you know what they are? If so, tell us. But even so my only point is that the original piece is a DL-103, that can not be denied.

I know that the Zu does a few mods and I am curious to know what kinds of mods would incur 5k, 10, 20k, 30k. That seems to be a bit inflated.

But tell us, convince us, that the mods are worth the money. I am willing to hear you out. Materials cost can't be over $20 so the design work must be unfathomable.

BTW, the 'sound' of the cartridge can not be your argument because I already have that for less than $400.

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Hdm, I agree. It is apparent that the Magikdiamond is in fact a modded 103, which probably sounds very nice. But beware of guys like Raul who adamantly tell you otherwise. Beware the big mouth.

It looks like the MagicDiamond is executed very nicely and with all that weight and damping it must close the book on resolve and focus. It looks like the Zu does the same thing. I have done the same thing only with a Uwe wood body.

http://home.comcast.net/~omaille/audio/DL103/DL-103.html

Anyone can do it, all you need is a 103 to start with.

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I quote for the site: http://www.dietiker-humbel.ch/magicdia.htm

"There are also some Signature models in the Magic Diamond cartridge lineup, selling for $15,000 to $30,000. But the waiting list for these Signature models is over a year long, which tells you how high this cartridge's reputation is among those cognoscenti of the international audiophile community who can afford to buy any cartridge they want."

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It looks like the back plate where the connectors are has change but i can only see that from the bottom. I do not know if that actaull goes as far as replacing the entire back plane.

It does not look like he braced the generator other than epoxying it.

It looks like a basic rebody and epoxy which is what the Zu is. I am at a loss to see where the $????k went.

I wasn't sure if you were challening me or not so I too the opportunity. ;-)

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We can determine that it is not a 103R as the yoke and generator are gold in color on that cartridge.

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That small bit of fudge factor is trivial. The 103 can play over it's 2.5vtf; the suspension is tuff enough to take it. And the 42ohms? Close enough as many of us know.

To make some overhead in this field is common. To charge what looks like $5 all the way to 30K?!?! shame shame shame. It is the most egregious case of this kind of sham.

And what about the customer? What of him? I am sure he will defend his embarassment to the end.

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He may just want this whole thing to blow away. Don't you feel a responsibility to keep the issue afloat?

I don't hear any of the other posters chiming in anymore in defense either.

ps: Raul did not like the 103 but loves the MD. Does that not invalidate the cat, or what?

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I am preeety sure that the MD is a modded 103. I can tell you that a modded 103 is pure sweetness. So what you are saying is that it might be a 103 that is far superior to a 103?

Don't let the logic get in the way.

I am here to tell you pointedly that the modded 103 that you have heard via the MD is the same modded 103 that 'we' hear. I agree with you that it is far superior to other thousand dollar cartridges.

Of course if you were never able to recognize the value of the 103 previously then maybe you can't 'really' recognize it now sans it price tag. Which, for me at least, puts your evaluations in the sink.

Of course, I am an American and this may explain all for you. Alternately, I think I have you tagged now as well.

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Mr Rushton: The brute point is that I or anyone can gain that sound and better at much lower cost. The reason is that the cartridge in question costs ~$150. A wood body is about ~$125.

I can do you better. I will get a SS retip soon for about ~$250 and it will be far far superior to the cartridge you now enjoy.

So for ~$550 my cartridge will actually beat your "MagicDiamond" and not just by a little bit.

Enjoy your cartridge. You paid enough for it.

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