Raul,
I know your plate is full but you do need to find time to mount the DTL-4S.
Quote from TurntableNeedles.com "• very close to PICKERING NEEDLES D4500S D7500S STEREOHEDRON STEREO HEDRON"
It did take a while for the suspension to settle, but I do agree with their statement. In addition to the TL-3 body, it also sounds just as wonderful on a gold body XV-15. Regards, Don
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Dear Comrade,
IIRC, you also have one of Axel's AKG P 8ES Super Nova Vhd's. I don't feel it has taken over the top spot in my arsenal but it definitely runs with the pack. I just replaced the Azden YM P50VL on my table with the AKG and once again, I'm quite impressed. I don't recall you ever mentioning your opinion of how it performs. I must say, I do like mine. What is your thoughts ref. the AKG. Regards, Don |
Lewm,
"Raul not only lets cats out of bags regularly, he also farms kittens."
Well put!
Regards, Don |
Raul,
"Now, the Ortofon MC2000 and Dyna 13D belongs to the NCG but the Astatic and the Virtuoso NO"
I thought I understood your NCG/PCG definitions but with your statement of the Virtuoso as not being NCG, now I'm confused? It is still in production. What is "it" that makes it a PCG? BTW, what is the difference b/t the Percept 220 and a Percept 220XE? Regards, Don |
Raul,
I have a spec. sheet that compares the Precept 110 to the 220 and 440. The 110 has an output of 4.6, both the 220 and the 440 are stated at 4.2. This is at 5 cm/sec. I've tried to copy and paste this hear but it wont copy and paste. I could forward the email to you if I had your email address. Regards, Don |
Raul, Spec. sheet sent. Let me know if it arrived. It seems to be a picture therefore I can't copy and paste to this site. Not really sure but I tried many times using different methods. If you did receive it Raul, and there are others that want it (Nandric), I would be more that happy to send it to them if they provide their e/mail. If you can figure out a way to post it here, that would be even better. Regards, Don |
Fleib,
I believe the U on AT cartridges means "P" mount. That also might be why most of us has never heard to that model. Regards, Don |
Hi Dgob,
Your 420STR. Is it the LPM 420STR? If so, what stylus/cantilever did you have Axel install. Regards, Don |
Raul, Is the LC stylus on the Precept 440 a proprietary Audio Technica design item therefor not available thru other re-tippers? I ask because I have a 220 stylus housing in need of a new cantilever and stylus and I am thinking about sending it off to Axel for a beryllium/LC replacement. I did get in on the buying frenzy for the 550ML and I must admit, the 220 body with the 550ML stylus is something that just must be experienced. It draws you in and makes you just listen. Great and unexpected find. Much thanks! Regards, Don |
Grbluen2
"Wouldn't it be great if the moderators simply redacted any post(s) that didn't meet their unusually high standards. I feel like I'm in freakin' China."
I feel your pain! Sometimes it gets hard to follow the conversations when there are 10 various posts between question and answer of one topic. Regards Don |
Raul,
"I wonder why no one of you speak in deep about this " finding . maybe I'm very a faster gunman than you."
The ad stated, Does not ship to the United States so a lot of us were out of the gun fight.
Regards, Don |
Professor, I, like you, am also quite frustrated with the moderator of this forum. I know the location of a Pecept 220 (cheap), but can't get its location posted so someone on this forum might score. I've also had posts take days to show up. Perhaps they feel this forum has run long enough? |
Lewm, I run my AT20SS on a 20SLa body. I also have a 15Sa and have used the 20SS on it also with great results. Do I hear a difference. Well, were back to splitting fine hairs again. I am currently using the 20SLA on a Signet 7SU. I'm having trouble convincing myself that it can't be better than my Signet TK 7CLa (Timetel), but ??? Your 12Sa I don't think is an option for a 20SS stylus. I don't have one but a few of my dead brain cells seems to recall the 2 weren't compatible. Regards, Don |
Dear Comrade,
Yes, it appears you have scored big time in this capitalist society. $200 for a beryllium cantilever is just about 1/2 what having a retipper would charge for it. The 20SLa is very special! Regards, Don |
Dear Comrade, I have the Precept 220/550ML and have no reason to bid on the 440LC unless it is your wish I do so for you. I have had it on my watch list for quite some time. I seem to like fighting temptation. My email address is griffithds@jaws.bz. Let me know what your top $ bid would be and I'll do my best to get it for you. From the ad, the seller is not sure it the cantilever/stylus is complete and the pictures are not clear so you might be bidding on a cartridge that needs a cantilever/stylus replacement. I find it dificult to understand how someone who knows what a stylus is, can state he can't tell it this one has a stylus? Regards Comrade, Don
Regards Comrade |
Harold,
I had my eye on that auction. I had a feeling someone from this forum would get it. Had it not begun to run up in price and the very end, I would have bid. I'm glad someone won it who would actually use it, and not bought only for resale. Concrat"s. Regards, Don |
Comrade, Your quote: "I just listened again to my Goldring 800 and asked myself: why should anybody NEED a 'better' cart?"
I have also wonder the same thing about it. I also as you know, have a Goldring G800. I refer to it as a G800A because it has Axel's amazing work performed on it. It's to bad that "want" has to rear its ugly head! Sometimes I think I'm just burning money! Regards, Don |
Raul,
Do you by any chance keep notes on the cartridges you audition? I ask because I have picked up a Mission Solitaire. I had/have it on my try to find list in which I have gleaned from this forum over the years. I can't get over how much it reminds me of my Garrott Bros. P77. I did a Audiogon forum search but turned up nothing. Not sure if I remember the correct search protocol but anyway for $45 and free shipping, quite a find! Regards, Don |
Well Harold-Not-the-Barrel,
I guess now we all have to delete the JVC watch item from our eBay site. Or is this some evil ploy of yours to get the rest of us to drop out???? Ha Ha Ha, we're on to you!
Regards, Don |
Indieroehre,
While on the Vinylenginge web site, also look up Astatic MF 200 instruction/owner manual download. You might laugh when you start to read and notice the wording and pictures in the Astatic manual is the same as what is in the Glanz manual that you just read. Do yourself a favor and get the MF 300. Put your stylus on it and just enjoy the fact your Glanz is back! Regards, Don |
I think we all have hit upon why there is so many different opinions about what a piece of equipment sounds like. Lets take for instants a phono cartridge that has a slight rising mid range frequency. You give that phono cartridge to someone my age, let just say I'm a senior, who had a reduction in hearing in those same frequencies, well that person might just think that the cartridge he is listening to happens to have a very flat response. One persons speakers might sound bright to him, but rolled off to someone else. Think about how many Audio Technica cartridges that have been sold. There are people who refuse to own a Audio Technica because they are so bright. Do the rest of us just like pain? What I've said might be a little over stated, but think of it in much smaller incremental differences. We all have taste buds in our mouths to savor different flavors of food. If these buds were all the same, everyone would either love brussel sprouts or everyone would hate them. Take the Signet TK7's. It is obvious that we all don't hear that cartridge the same. Raul refers to it as distortions that are liked by some or disliked by others. I think it's more than that. I think different people actually just HEAR that cartridge differently! I like all Signets. I even like the AT440MLa! Regards, Don |
Nandric, You are a good and thoughtful comrade. You did not reveal my soon to acquire styli source so you are still held in high regard. I will know soon if I am rewarded with riches. If I do, I will contact Indieroehre. Regards Don |
Indieroehre,
There is a Astatic MF300 up for bid on ebay. It is my understanding that the Glanz and the Astatic line of cartridges were the same. It sounds like from your description, that you have a good stylus but need a body. With the 300 body,you will give up a couple of db's of separation which I doubt you would even notice. Other than that, the spec. sheet for the entire line of Glanz (or Astatic), is the same. This statement is based on page 11 & 12 (specification pages), of the manual that can be found on Vinylengine, Glanz MF Series instruction/owners manual download. Regards, Don |
Indieroehre,
There is only one bid on the Glanz. I will assume that the bid is yours. I do not want to tell you how to bid, but I will say this, ask yourself "just how bad" to you want that Glanz. Then enter your highest bid amount accordingly. Regards, and good luck! Don |
Hi Mike,
Let me be the first to welcome you to the club. If it's in as good of shape as he said, then you got a hell of a bargain. I was surprised it went that cheap. I guess with it being Easter, people are not paying attention. You will find it hard to rotate out of circulation once you have spent some time with it. Regards and enjoy! Don |
Mission Solitaire, (Raul, per your request)
I scored 2 cartridges that week. The Mission Solitaire ($45), and a Nagaoka MP11 Boron ($41). There is know doubt, the Nagaoka is a winner! The Mission, well, I'm not so sure. First, I also own the Garrott P77, the Grace F9e and the Jico SAS stylus that you (Raul), mentioned in your post above. The Jico SAS does fit into the Grace but the shaft is too long. Almost double in length when compared to the Grace. It is also too long for the Mission in addition to being to big in diameter. But in the Garrott, well both fit and performance are amazing. Transforms the Garrott into what reminds me of the AT 155LC. As far as the Mission Solitaire, I ended up setting the tracking force at 1.9 grams with the VTA flat. I know absolutely nothing about the Mission Solitaire, so everything I will say will be based only on what I'm hearing. It seems to be a great tracker, with no problem with the dreaded "sssss" or inner groove distortions. What brothers me is that the sparkle seems to be gone from all performances. The high frequencies are there but the sparkling overtones are not. I tried it in both my main full range floor standing speakers and my mini-monitors, with and without the sub. I was not that fond of the Mission in the main system. The cartridge came across as if I had an equalizer in the system and had applied a little bass boost while also rolling off the upper frequencies. The cartridge sounded best with the mini-monitors (without the sub woofer), even though it still had the rolled off sparkle of the high frequencies. It was a more balance sound with the roll off being at both extremes. If I had to compare it to some other cartridge, it would be a Shure M91ED, or even a Denon 103R. Just a good middle of the road cartridge. The words "work horse" comes to mind. It does have great pace and rhythm though (that boogie factor). I wondered if perhaps the real problem isn't with this cartridge, but just that I have spent to much time lately with really great cartridges . The Precept 220/550ML, the ADC ZLM, AT180ooc, Signet TK10ML, Technics U205C MK4. The Mission Solitaire just isn't at that level. After spending some time listening to several records, it really does start to sound good though. It kind of grows on you. It's all what you get use to I guess. I know I have used the word rolled-off but in addition, there's more to it than that. It's more in line with what you would hear with the Denon 103's. The Denon's conical stylus glosses over the high fequencies thereby eliminating some of that sparkle. Considering the performance level that I had been comparing the Mission to, I decided to un-mount 3 of the 5 cartridges (I only have 5 arm wands), and in their place, mount a Pickering XV-15/750E, a Ortofon OM20 super, and a Grado G1+/8MZ. I wanted to see how the Mission would compare at this lower performance level. I was rather surprised at how similar the Mission sounds to them from about mid-range down. Going the other way, mid-range thou the high frequencies, the Mission just falls flat. There seems to be a gentle slope from about 10K all the way out to what ever. It's just not as refined/detailed as the Ortofon, Pickering, or the Grado. So where does that leave the Mission Solitaire? If I had to rate the last four cartridges in a 1 to 4 comparison, it would be 1) the Pickering, 2) the Ortofon, 3) the Grado, and 4) the Mission Solitaire. I detect slight mid-range distortion (lack of clarity), with the Mission that is just not there with the other 3 cartridges. I'm not talking about tracking distortions, but distortions of resolution. I thought it just might be a worn stylus on the Mission, I did spend some time looking at its stylus under a hand held 60X microscope. At that level, I could see nothing that would make me suspect a worn stylus. The stylus was quite clean, the cantilever was straight, and the suspension is in excellent shape. The other 3 are known to have low hour usage, so given the condition of the stylus and the suspension, leads me to believe perhaps low hours are also on the Mission. The cartridge strikes me as a above average entry level cartridge rather than a mid-level cartridge in need of a stylus replacement. I then went looking in my arsenal for something even of a lower performance level. What I found was the ADC QLM 32 MKIII. After comparing those two, well, the Mission still comes in 2nd place. The Mission Solitaire is a great cartridge for what I paid for it ($45), but I doubt if it will ever find its way back mounted on one of my arm wands. I own far to many other cartridges that I would rather spend time with. This is one of those cartridges that's from our past, and should remain there! Regards, Don |
Hello Tom,
Your post to Stltrains (our latest CLa member), asking for it's SS# got me off my butt to look at mine. It is SS# 306.
Regards, Don |
Raul,
Your statement "Welcome Nagaoka again!", got me thinking about all the great cartridges that we have reviewed and no longer discuss. When reading my discussion of the Mission Solitaire, you will recall that I dismounted 3 cartridges of the 5 I had mounted on tone arm wands. The decision of the 3 wasn't just a random pick. One of the 2 remaining that I subconsciously didn't want to remove from use was the Adzen YM-P50VL. Raul, if you want to revisit some of the past champions of this forum, I would highly urge you to remount this gem. Difficult to get correctly set up but when it is, WOW! Regards, Don |
To All,
"By the time this gets posted, the cartridge will already be on its way."
I was wrong! It will ship tomorrow. I guess miracles do happen!
Regards, Don |
Acman3,
I am still at a loss as to what is meant by "miscommunication" Exactly what "did" happen that created this mess! Regards, Don |
Jmowbray,
I am finding that when I remount these after they have been sitting around/stored for awhile, that they need to have some time of playing before the suspension loosens up and settles down before they start to sound their best. I had originally thought this only applied to our old M/M's. I have recently remounted my London "Decca" Jubilee, a cartridge which in currently being manufactured, and found I had to do this re break-in to get it to sound as I had remembered it. Your Azden might sound thin and bright upon first listen. Give it a few records before you make your judgments as to "how far you've come (or not)." Regards and have fun Don |
Banquo363,
How about just give you the answers to the next test! No testable hypotheses or review of anything required that way! |
Hi Lewm,
Yes, I have read Mr. Ellison's post on Vinyl Asylum. Graphs make great talking points, but I don't listen with graphs! He does make valid points based on the models he has conveniently chosen. I'm sure others could, and have chosen other models to convey different opinions. Everyone has opinions. His is just one of them! I do not believe that there is a MM/MI cartridge that is better than "any" MC ever produced. But that doesn't mean there can't be! This industry is and will continue to be driven by profits and there is a lot more profits in selling something for $10,000 than selling something for $150, so I'm not holding my breath. By all rights, dragging a pointed object through a peace of plastic shouldn't be able to produce music, but low and behold, sitting before me proves that concept false. No graphs required!
Regards, Don |
Hi Tim,
I forgot you lurk around here from time to time. Yes, It sort of was an inside joke when thing got a little hairy and you are correct. I can hear just as plain as day, Jerry saying just that with that sly grin he had. Those were some good times we had. Hope thing are well in your part of the world Best of Regards, Don |
I just ran across an ad for a Signet AT ART-1. I had completely forgotten about this cartridge. I remember it was highly thought of during its existence with some claiming it was the best cartridge ever produced. Doe anyone have one of these in there arsenal? If so, how about dragging it out and give it a listen, then post your impressions. Regards, |
Fleib, and Lew,
"pissing in the wind"
Now there's a graph I would like to see! (grin)
Regards, Don |
Lewm,
There is an old saying in engineering that seems to apply with what has been brought forth through JE's comments. It goes like this, "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, then baffle them with bullshit".
Have a great day! |
Lewm,
Perhaps I'm not grasping a full understanding of the statements presented by JE? But then again, as you made quite clear,
"his graph for the MC cartridge assumes a 1M load resistor, i.e., no load. No one does that."
He has "created" data to back up his opinion!
Do I need to retype my dazzle/baffle statement?
Regards, Don |
Dgob,
There have been 3 cartridges in my life that absolutely stunned me because of their remarkable performance. The 1st was a Nagaoka MP50 Super. A Sapphire tube cantilever with a solid nude shank diamond stylus. The 2nd one was a Goldring G800 that Axel decided to installed a beryllium cantilever with a shibata tip. Shocked at the difference that one made. The 3rd is this Glanz MFG 21TL. Several of my well though of cartridges just took a giant step down the ladder! Regards, Don |
My Dear Comrade,
What have I done! I have allowed the pride of my capitalist greed slip through my hands and take up residency in the Balkins. How could I have been so foolish. (grin) Do not worry my dear friend, because if the need arises, I do know where another can be obtained. Enjoy Nikola. The combination truly is a giant slayer!
Best Regards, Don |
Tubed1,
Sounds like something well worth the effort. I have the short nosed M312STR. I will definitely give this a go. Thanks for the Mod effort and the write-up. That's what is great about this forum. A person can learn so much just through sharing ideals. Thanks again! Regards, Don |
Fleib,
I did not had it in my possession long enough to see the comments you and Nikola have stated. I sent it off to him after a short time in my system. It was not even broken in when he received to for an audition.I do intend to spend some time with it under a scope when it returns. Bottom line is it doesn't measure up sound wise. The Akai RS180 stylus really does put it to shame with is sonic display. I have done a lot of business with LPGear and have never been disappointed with anything bought from them (until now). I do intend to run my Precept with the Akai. Something else I would like to add about this Precept discussion. I bought 2 of the Akai RS180's to transplant into the Signet TK7SU stylus housing. Because 1 was a spare, I decided to slightly trim it and try it on the Precept 220 body. At that time I didn't have a stylus for the Precept. I was all smiles with the results. That is when Raul stated where a 550ML could be purchased, so I jumped on it. When I sent all to Nikola for review, I knew at that time the 550ML was not out performing the Akai. I just assumed it was because the suspension on the Akai had days of use while the Precept only had minutes. I am looking forward to the return of the 550ML. Talking to anyone at LPGear is rather difficult but I do have question of them to ask! Since this revelation, I have also tried a AT20SLa on the Precept. Surprisingly the results with it are also not positive? A little thin sounding. A bit like what I remember the 550ML sounded like. It (the SLa), performs beautifully in the TK7SU. I think I will leave it there. Go figure? Regards, Don |
Nikola,
Since you are probably the only person in the world who has a (suspect)550ML stylus housing and an original 220 stylus housing, perhaps you could do me a favor. Could you look very carefully at the two of them and determine (other than color), if they are the same housing or does one housing look like a cheap imitation of the other. Thanks Comrade. Regards, Don |
Comrade,
So very kind of you to protect me and look after my wallet, but I already have someone who does that. I sleep with her every night. (grin) |
Acman3
I have ordered another Akai from TTN. Price $139 then minus purchase bonus points that I had accumulated, dropped it down to $89. Knowing how good it is, and how supplies suddenly disappear, it is hard not to order spares! |
Flieb, Yes, I own 2 of the 20SS styli. One of them is on the 20SLa body that came with the 20SLa stylus I have mentioned in my discussions of the TK7SU. Flieb, I like options, lots of options. And yes, I do need to thin the heard, a lot! |
Raul,
Their response has not made me as optimistic as you in reference to any action they may take. It, from what you have stated (in Part), is actually a denial of the possibility of it being a fake. Their comment that beryllium looks like Aluminum baffles me? Good luck and Regards, Don |
Flieb,
I think you just might be on to something with your comments pertaining to the mis-identified PCN100. Nikola has sent me a photo of the cantilever of my 550ML. The way it is built sure looks like a Audio Technica manufacture, right down to the donut material. But the cantilever, sure looks like alum. Perhaps a PCN100 cantilever/stylus mounted in a PCN550ML housing. Pure Audio Technica, just a mistake. An expensive one for those of us that bought it! As far as the TTN waiting list, well, every stylus/cartride that they have sold out of, has a waiting list if you chose to get on it. Chances are you are just wasting your time. But if by some miracle, a lost stash is found, those on that list would be offered the item first. So, it all comes down to whether you are an optimist, or a pessimist? BTW. A few weeks ago, I bought a ATS14 from Stereoneedles and did receive a nude version. Does not appear to be of the quality of the Akai. Because of this fact, I ordered the Akai from TTN. They might sound the same? That is something I will discover next week!
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Raul,
I have also (as Fleib has), tried to contact LPGear with no luck in the past. That was in regards to something I wanted to purchase from them. No reply! The quick response that you received, makes me wonder if there is something that they are not revealing? Why were they so quick to reply? Are they getting complaints from others? This whole thing is starting to smell. Regards, Don |
Does anyone know for sure if all the AT20 cantilevers were Beryllium? The AT 20SL, 20SLa, the 20SS and what ever other 20 there might have been? To many errors in data base to trust what's read there. |