Who Is An Expert On Acutex Cartridges?

Yesterday I received the one Timeltel referenced that was listed on the 'bay. Running in now on the Viv Labs arm w/Nelson Hold, and sounding very precise. The cart body says LPM and the stylus (sharp-nosed) container says STR, so there's a later version, snub nosed that's not LPM? Also has anyone removed the stylus guard, as I usually do? Looks difficult.

LPM were the later ones with the long narrow snout-like appearance.  There was an earlier or overlapping series simply referred to as "M".  So there was an M320, an M315, etc.  They look more conventional and can mount directly into a headshell without any adapter.  I have an M320 but have never listened to it.  One wonders what I am waiting for. 

Also, now I realize what your question was really about, the full name of the cartridge is "LPM320STRIII".  Timeltel will know, but I am fairly sure the STR refers to the stylus shape, which is elsewhere called "VITAL" in their literature.

Regards:

Least Possible Mass (LPM), Shibata Tri-Radial (STR). "LPM" is obvious, "STR" refers to Acutex’s additional cut to the stylus.

Maxson, early literature states the LPM carts track at 1.2gm (+ -). Practical application reveals best results are to be had at a nominal 1.7gm, later literature was changed to reflect increase in downforce. The 3 and 4 "15" series were equipped with titanium cantilevers, it is reasonable to presume Ti for the "20" carts. Maxson, with break in, you’ll hopefully appreciate the soundstage the 320 is capable of. Both depth and breadth are just about as good as it gets.

Lew(m), your comments on bass response with the MMC20 remind me of my first impression of the Grace F-9 when the stylus was received from SoundSmith; "where’s the bass?". With more exposure, a certain delicacy in rise time, decay and controlled overshoot were evident. First impressions are not always lasting impressions.

When SoundSmith first announced the Grace replacement styli, Peter commented the optimized LC / ruby version might not be to everyone’s taste. Once acclimated to the subtleties this configuration is capable of, first listen to another cart bass may seem somewhat ponderous.

IIRC, when the MM cartridge thread was active the B&O 1, 2 and 20 carts garnered high praise. When Peter returns your carts, would you consider reporting a "shootout"?

Peace,

Shootout, yes.

I did say that I thought or hoped the MMC20 bass would flesh out over time. The Grace Ruby with SS OCL would surprise any $10,000+ cartridge owner with an open mind; actually any of these we’ve been discussing would do so. But the first 10-20 hours with the retipped Ruby were a bit vexing until it came around.

Timeltel, thanks for the tips about tracking weight and break-in! Will look for changes in staging. Unfortunately (??) I've got a DaVa cart on another arm on the same table that I'm focused on right now.

Lew, I also have a 20CL that I like a lot, tho wouldn't say it's a bass monster. It is a low rider, tho, and I reduce the tracking force when using it, tho it still tracks great.