Hi Raul,
++++instead the mounting metal clip came with a more normal plastic 1/2" top cartridge plate++++
I saw one of these on some site, I think it was Canada? I though it was a fake. All mine are the metal clip type that looks just like yours. Learn something everyday, thanks. BTW. I have one of theose Astatic 4000D3 replacement stylus and concider it a great buy. I also have the LP/tunes version. It is worth the purchase price but not on the same playing field as the original or the Astatic |
Hey Timeltel and Halcro,
You won't believe this, but i just bought a Thorens TD-166 MKII table cheap on ebay just to get the TP63 armwand off of the tonearm as a second wand for my TD-147 and it came with a Signet TK-7LCa cartridge!
I did a quick setup check on the TD-166 MkII and decided to give it a spin tonight. This cartridge sounds awesome. The stylus appears to be in good shape - sure sounds like it. :)
For my TD-147, I am using a NOS ADC XLM II Improved cartridge on one of the Thorens armwands and was planning to mount a vintage Stanton 681EEE-S (stereohedron stylus) on this new one, but I think that the TK-7LCa may blow them both away.
I saw where a used TK-7LCa just sold on ebay a couple of weeks ago for quite a bit more than I paid for the TD-166 MKII with the cartridge and including shipping.
This was a great surprise after the crappy week I had at work.
Could you provide a recommendation on VTF and VTA for the the TK-7LCa?
Thanks, Dave |
Hi Dave, You sure got lucky and I'm jealous :-) I run mine between 1.0-1.2Gm VTF and very slightly positive VTA (pivot up a smidgeon). It also may benefit from slightly higher resistance than 47K Ohms.....I run mine at 60K Ohms and approx 120uF capacitance. Hope you continue to enjoy it. It is rather a special cartridge IMHO. Cheers Henry |
Dear friends: I just start as a part of my global cartridge comparisons with the first of the 4-5 Acutex I own: the M320IIISTR, at this moment/time all I can say is that I'm with a heavy anchor with its quality performance level that makes me can't go a head with other cartridge listen.
This is the real first time that I take care on this model because I was so impressed with the LPM Acutex models that I " diminished " well not diminished but just I did not care to test it but this one more older model is really really good. More info when I finish.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Thanks Henry for the recommendations on VTF and VTA. I will experiment with it and report back on what worked best.
One strange issue with switching the TP63 armwands between the Thorens TD166 MKII with the TK-7LCa and the TD-147 with the ADC XLM II Improved:
1) Both tables have the same model TP16 MkIII tonearm with the detachable TP63 armwand
2) When the armwand with TK-7CLa is installed in the TD166-MKII, it is dead quiet and has no noise or hum. Same for the TD-147 with the wand using the ADC XLM II Improved, dead quiet and no noise or hum.
3) But, when I install the wand with the TK-7CLa on the TD-147 (and adjust for VTF), I get hum, feedback, and a popping through the speakers when I touch the metal tonearm lift on the headshell.
Are you aware of a particular sensitivity to hum/feedback/ESD on the TK-7CLa? If so, any suggestions for remedies?
Thanks, Dave |
Regards, Dlcockrum: Possibly a ground loop causing the hum/ESD, may I make a suggestion? Or two?
MM carts with solid metal mounts will frequently have a small grounding strap. Most will be found, as with the TK7LCa, at the base of the green coded ground pin. The ADC mounting is plastic and does not have this ground strap. If you use a hobby knife (or your finest precision screwdriver) to gently work the strap away from the back of the cart you'll find it a simple task to ease the strap along the pin for removal. It just tucks in between the metal shell and the plastic back-plate. The green pin marker will come off with the strap, be sure to restore it to the pin. The unseen portion of the strap is usually between 3 and 5mm in length, the proceedure is reversible and does not require open cart surgery. Another possible solution is to isolate the cart and use nylon (non-conductive) screws. Hope this helps.
VTF/loading in concurance with Henry's recommendations, up to 100k Ohms res. if your room/rig like a little extra in the hf's. I keep mine at 50k. The cart will accept any of the styli for the AT "100" engine, the ATN155LC is "infinitesimaly" off the pace as compared to the excellent but apparently unobtainable OEM Signet stylus. Avoid the ATN140LC stylus, it's cantilever is highly damped and with the relatively low output impedance of the TK7Ea/7LCa the mids will sound muffled. I hope both the Thorens and the Signet bring you much listening pleasure.
Peace, |
Dear friends: Whom of you own the Acutex M320iiiSTR? could you share your experiences with? comparisons?
Thank you in advance. As more I'm listening this cartridge as more appreciate it.
regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear Dlcockrum, Notwithstanding the truth of Timeltel's statements, the way you describe your problem, it would seem to me to have something to do with tonearm or turntable grounding, since you used the same cartridge in another turntable with no issues. But hey, anything goes I guess. |
Dear Lewm: As I posted: I'm inside a global cartridge comparisons and when I finish I let you know.
Btw, even that the changes in my phonolinepreamp are " important " and due that IMHO its resolution it never beeen an impediment to be aware with certain on the cartridge qualities I think that those changes help to confirm the cartridge virtues or cartridge defects: I mean a more easy way to be aware of it. IMHO as important are the " fine tunning " steps with cartridges as with electronics or speakers or any audio link too. I'm not changing tone color or neutral response but " fine tunning " an already good design. You know that almost always there is land " out there " to do it. Lewm, it is not this same " job " what you did or do it with your audio system any time you can?
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
No M320IIISTR owners ( the Acutex square body shape cartridge not the LPM series/model ).?, not single one?
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear friends: For those FR tonearm advocates this product is a must to own. Btw, it works with all the new Ikeda tonearm models too ( I own it. ):
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgtnrm&1325038195&/Fidelity-Research-B60-elevation-base
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Hi Raul, As far as modifying your phonolinepreamp to improve performance, you know I cannot resist doing the same with mine from time to time, so go for it by all means, and I do agree that there is a certain baseline of performance that you can use to judge cartridges.
I own a used M series Acutex, but I think it is M312. Plus I stuck it away in a drawer when I got so taken by the LPM320. So I have no basis to compare to M320.
I am a bit confused by your recommendation of that B60 reproduction. It does look beautiful, but at $500 it costs nearly half what I paid for my FR64S. And I have yet to audition the tonearm. You are not a fan of the tonearm, so I am surprised that you call it to our attention. Anyway, if one is frequently changing VTA, I can see the advantage, but if you are setting up for one particular cartridge, it does not seem to me that you need the device so much. Can you tell me how it works in practice; does turning the black knob cause the tonearm to rise and fall? Thanks. |
Dear Lewm: Thank you, I'm looking for the M320 top of the line that's the one that still makes be anchored to its performance recording after recording.
As you know the price of those FR tonearms raised to even ridiculous level: 2k to 10K.
The B-60+ is a useful add-on for more easy VTA/SRA changes against the stock " terrible " VTA/SRA control. So it is only that makes your life easy/more friendly and yes with that black knob you rise and fall.
The seller ask 500.00 but maybe if you make a lower offer you could get it. Yes too, if you have only one cartridge maybe is not a " must to have ".
Other " benefit " is that because its weight the tonearm is better damped at the base/arm board.
No, I'm not a fan on the FR tonearms but this device seems interesting one for the owners.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear Lew, I owned this B 60 VTA adjuster. It is an perfect replica of the original. But the production cost are more than $500. I sold my FR 64S with B-60 for $ 2200 a year ago because I prefer my Triplanar and the Reed 2A. The added advantage is the stability of the tonearm because this B-60 is much heaviear than the original collar. It is an bargain for this price in my opinion.
Regards, |
Dear Lewm , I believe I did see a n.o.s. FR. B-60 in the box at top class audio art for under $400.00 U.S. this was not too long ago.
Take note their site search engine can be screwy with looking for particular items no matter how you title it. |
Raul,
The new Ortofon Anna is the new reining Queen of cartridges, tell us more..... |
Funnily enough there are three A90s now for sale here. Life imitates art. |
I think Raul is neutral and totally unbiased candidate to have judged this new Ortofon and I look forward to his thoughts. The retail price of the Anna is not imo outrageous but expensive enough, I guess Ortofons marketing department thought to have a living Opera singer this time to endorse this new cartridge, this crowd would be their perspective customers.
Now if this cartridge was named simply Ella instead I think I would put an order for one.
|
In_shore, You are probale an 'unbiased' person except reg. Raul and Ella. What about your mother?
Regards, |
Nandric my musing over Anna Netrebko and Ella Fitzgerald was meant for a little humour, maybe a little dry but what about your Balkan sense of humour?
Now what about my mother? |
In_shore, My comment was intended as Balkan humour.
Regards, |
Nicola, Sometimes I wonder whether the term "Balkan humor" may be an oxymoron. (Fun intended.) In this country the image of a very dour and pessimistic Eastern European is deeply ingrained. Anyway, Anna Netrebko is quite beautiful and sings quite beautifully. An opera buff friend of mine keeps her photo in his office. As for Ella, to hear her is to love her. |
Dear Lew, My father thought that a lady singer should be or beautiful or a good singer.He obviously has never seen and heard Netrebko. And regarding the pessimistic inclination of the Eastern European: 'And how are we today uncle Ivan?' Ivan: 'What can I say? It is anyway worst than yesterday but better than tomorrow.'
Regards, |
My own dear mother sang opera, and she was beautiful as well. Be careful with those Ivan jokes, you are shattering the Balkan stereotype, because that was actually funny. (I have the vague feeling I have heard it once before, but that did not prevent me from laughiing.) |
Hi Raul,
Recieved my Acutex 420 today. 11 days from shipping notice. You have not mentioned if yours has arrived? If it hasn't, then I think there diffinetly is a shipping problem. I ordered mine quite a while after you did. I'm hoping yours arrived and you just have not mentioned it.
Regards, Don |
Dear Lew, I am really sorry but, except your beautiful mother, I also forget Angela Gheorghiu. Discovered by Solti and the best Violetta (La Traviata) ever. Those who are sensitive for the brunettes should certainly check her out. She is from Rumania, a cheap tourist country with an gold mine with brunettes. There is no country in the whole world that can compete with Rumania in this regard. Besides the Romanians are very musical and have fantastic folk music. Who needs more arguments to visit this country? Regards, |
Hello to all,
Removed the Virtuoso Black to install the Acutex 420STR. It arrived today. Not enough armwands! Frist impression, not all that impressed with the plastic everything. But to tout the lowest possible mass, what else could it have been made of! First listen, very dynamic. Greater output than the Virtuoso. Reminds my of my Denons. Midrange grabs your attention. Very quite between the notes. A little surprised at how clear the presentation is concidering all the plastic. I plan on spending 4 or 5 hrs. spinning biscuits. I will update later tonight. |
Dear Griffithds: I asked the seller to ship to USA ( a friends place in CA. ) and just a few minutes ago I received an eamil from him where the cartridge delivery, so next week I will put my hands on it. In the mean time I continue enjoying the great M320IIISTR one I hope the 420 can beat it because the LPM315 can't do it.
Thank's to ask.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Raul, I response to your question earlier. I have a 320STR III, but it's not in perfect condition and I haven't spent much time with it. The short time I had it mounted in a secondary system, I thought it was quite revealing. I also jumped on the 420 bandwagon, but have yet to listen to the new arrival. An interesting microscopic observation however, is that the 320STR has a square shank nude mounted diamond, while the 412/15/20 all apparently have bonded diamonds. I dont't have any of the 3-series LPMS, so don't know about their styli. |
Dear Funflier: Sory, I missed. Yes, that stylus looks great and is better than the ones in the LPM315.
Something " weird " that happened with me and the M320 is that even that I own two samples I seen so humble and ugly that I never did an deep serious listening instead of that I took the slim better looking LPM 315 and brought here the Acutex cartridges.
There is no contest from the LPM315 and as I posted I hope that either the LPM320 or LPM420 can outperform it, we will see when both arrive at my place.
I don't compare yet against the LPM315VdH or Virtuoso bis a bis but this M320 is really good.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Hi Timeltel and Raul,
You were right Timeltel, I should have ordered 2 of the Acutex 420's. I just got off of the Italian site and ordered another. This is a great cartridge. About 6 hrs. on it now. It was great from the 1st note and hasn't seemed to have change at all since. Almost as if it had already been ready broken in. No harsh/brittle sound anywhere in its response, even from the 1st note. Tomorrow I am going to dismount it and add longer or heavier screws. Tracking weight is 1 to 2 grms recommended. I could only get 1.413 grms weight with my Graham 2.0. Absolutely no signs of mistracking, but I have always prefered to track closer to the max. allowed. So the longer/heaver screws should get me closer to the 2 grm force that I want. Perhaps add a shim instead? I put the Virtuoso back into the system for a quick comparison. There is a lot of similarities between the two. The Acutex has more of a in your face kind of presentation. The Virtuoso is more laid back. It's all there, just a different way to express what is being revealed on the album. If I didn't already own a Virtuoso, I would be hard pressed spending an additional $850 for the Virtuoso. There is no stylus replacement for either cartridge. They would both have to be sent out to SS, VDH, or Alex for repair when the time comes. So no advantage with one being readily available and the other one not. It's too early to give a definitive decission between either of them as to which I would prefer. I'm slightly leaning towards the Virtuoso, but the Acutex needs more time on it before final decission. BTW. As far as my earlier question as to if the Azden YM-P50//VL stylus would fit in this cartridge, concidering they looked the same, and were both made in Japan by IIRC, the same company, the answer is NO! They are quite different up close. For 69 euros ($97), this is quite a bargain. I don't remember who found this originally, but a harty thank you. |
Raul, One thing I forgot to mention is the channel separation. It's not just their advertiseing hype but something you can readily hear. Might just be the best separation I've heard from a cartridge. It's starting to get a little rough sounding. Break-in must be near finished. I had cartridges that have done this sudden appearance of precieved mistracking just before it settles down for good. We'll see? |
Regards, Griffithds: At about six hours, my example of the 420 needed to be gone over again, lowered VTF from 1.4 to 1.35gm. Acutex's stated compliance values have been called into question before but it's given a fairly high compliance rating, you might consider lessening VTF and listening for a moment or two before your proposed increase. I thought the cart does a good job with imaging too.
Regards, Raul: Not so long ago the Acutex "M" series carts were easily found, have been looking under all the usual rocks for a M320, they're just not to be found. Looking forward to your comments, hope you'll share with us your choices for loading and VTF? When you can tear yourself away from the M320, I suspect the LPM 320STR-111 will also hold your attention for a while. Timbre is accurate and rise time is fast, it's a really good little cart.
Peace, |
After much listening on a variety of arms, I believe the Clearaudio Virtuoso has the edge on the Acutex 420. In fact, there is a lot of truth to Raul's original review on this Ebony cartridge....not to mention Nandric's 'special'? The only weakness I can find with the Virtuoso.....is a limited width to the soundstage (they don't stretch beyond the centrelines of my speakers). However Timeltel.....if you find one for $400-$500.....I would class it as an excellent buy :-) |
Hi All,
The Acutex 420STR surely is great at imaging and separation. However, I'd like to hear others' feedback on their experience and perception of its performance in the lower-midrange.
I'm still not certain but the impact on inner detail seems to be noticeable. I track at 1.5g VTF, parallel on a Denon PC14 headshell, AC3300 LB tonearm.
Any/all views welcome. |
Dear Halcro, Nandric 'special' Virtuoso is challenging Nandric Ruby 3 S. I just started the comparison but already got tears in my eye thinking about the price difference. I have btw a better advice for our Herr Professor. He should appoint me as his representative at the German ebay. I should also get the permission to post the obtained cart to Alex. However the pressure fited stylus in the aluminum cantlever would be to much to ask from me. What about boron? Regards, |
Hi All,
Timeltel, you were 100% correct. I did add longer screws to increase the tracking weight. I started at 1.9 grams and was quite disapointed. Sound became muddy/distorted. I'm back to 1.4 grams and working my way down. If I can get it under this last setting, I will go back to the shorter screws. Thank you for the tips.
Regards, Don |
Hi Halcro,
++++I believe the Clearaudio Virtuoso has the edge on the Acutex 420.++++
At this point in time, I'm leaning towards your opinion on this comparision. Imaging is something I value as #1 priority when I audition cartridges. The Acutex images quite abit better than the Virtuoso, yet it seems that it doesn't quite have the inner detail thats available on the Virtuoso. Which cart. is better just might become a personel preference issue. Quite amazing for a cartridge that can be bought for 69 euros though! |
Hi Nandric,
Is Alex aware of the improvement the pressure fit made to his cart repair? I see this as an opportunity for Alex to perhaps offer something to his customers that other repair facilities havn't offered. I don't know if he needs additional bussiness, but your experiences with him and his pressure fit stylus sure got my attention as well as my bussiness! |
Hi Dgob,
You might have hit onto something that is puzzleing me about the Acutex 420. This morning I switched over to my floorstanding speaker system from my 3pc. monitor system. It was not that noticable on the monitors but there seems to be a reduction of midrange presence with the floor standers. Almost as if I have the speakers are to far apart. Gobs of seperation between each speaker but recessed sound in the center fill area. The Vandersteens have been in their current position for over 7 years. Never experienced this before? I plan on letting the cart. run for most of the day so perhaps with additional break-in, things will change. |
Dear Griffithds, I mentioned to Alex what J. Carr stated in our MM thread about pressure fited styli. No idea what Alex thinks about that but he was able to provide. I am sure that all those retip services order the cantilever/stylus combos from their suppliers. Those are much more easily to fit than the stylus only. But as Fleib explained one can experiment with all kinds of cantilevers/styli with Clearaudio MM carts. My specimen is special because of this fantastic line contact stylus , pressure fited in a very good aluminum cantilever. Under my (hand) miscroscop it looks fantastic. I can ask Alex if those from outside of the E.U. don't need to pay 19% value added tax.
Regards, |
Hi Griffithds,
I'm following your lead and giving it more running time. It definitely deserves perseverance I feel. Maybe someone will chance upon a set up that brings the missing x-factor to the 420, or maybe a wave of Alex's wand can transform good to great (as I've declared loudly, it certainly did so with my Technics! That's admittedly probably part of my problem with hearing other cartridges at the moment).
I'll keep an eye on developments here and hope for a positive outcome.
Good luck |
Regards, Nandric: Nikola, I've been giving serious consideration to your very kind offer, had checked ebay-Germany this A.M. but can't find a "beater" Virtuoso. Gave some thought to a selection of stylus, elected the line contact as the probable best and now I read you've already "been there, done that".
If you should contact Alex, would you be kind enough to inquire about modification of compliance values? 2.0(+) VTF is borderline for any of my TA's, 1.0-1.6gm, much better.
Peace, |
Many thanks Raul, after some skecthy italian translation my LPM 420 STR should be arriving shortly (11 days to be exact) and should "smoke" the Acutex M310IIE that gave me so much listening pleasure. Ciao bella |
420s arrived here in south Louisiana yesterday eric38 and myself will be connecting soon. Shipping time 13 days. Now that I have a original 4000d3 stylus its really going to be tough removing that beast of a cartridge to audition 420str. |
Hi Dgob,
Total time on the 420 is 16+ hours. All center fill issues have not just disappeared, but has turned into a rock solid center presentation. A rather odd break-in? I would be quite happy living with this cartridge for the rest of my life. It has evolved into something closer to the Virtuoso than previously stated. It's still #2 in detail retrieval but is #1 in soundstage bloom. It seems to fill the room with sound. This description is with the use of my floor standing speakers. This cartridge does open up and spread out the soundstage, even more so than the Signet TK7SU, just not in a 3 dimensional way where there is depth as well as height and width. Switching back to the Monitors, the front wall seems to have been pushed back 6ft. Amazing! It's odd but it is almost as if the Virtuoso has the best atributes of a MC and the Acutex has the best atributes of an MM. They each do the stated task amazingly well! Deciding a favorite is a lost cause. They both deserve a seat at a table built for 2 |
Hi Stltrains,
Dgob said it best. Too hear this cartridge at its best, the break-in "will take perserverance". I also have the 4000D3. You are going to be a happy man! |
I did a little search to find out something about the Acutex carts. Apparently they are induced magnet types and had a proprietary configuration they called the "Tri-Induced Magnet System". They claimed the best separation in the business. Reading the posts here apparently it's true. I wonder if this spectacular separation comes at the expense of some central image information, leaving a hole in the middle or suck-outs. Regards, |
Griffithds After 45 plus years being a music lover enjoying vinyl playback with the best gear I can afford this hobby gets better all the time. Thanks for the happy thoughts. My gold stylus was a very fine performer this original version is already delivering that 3d wall of sound. I believe full breakin is not far off. |
Regards, Fleib: No. A little attention to skating, alignment & VTA, a very solid soundstage is the result.
The LPM 320STR stylus is a known 0.3 x 0.5 x 1.6mil. Presuming the same for the 420, this is a very fine diamond. Minor/major radius for a typical conical is 18uM (microns), for a good .2 x .7 elliptical, minor radius would be somewhere around 5uM. An extreme Shibata or line contact, 1.6-1.2uM. The STR is a modified "Shibata, tri-radial". STR refers to a third cut, at the back of the stylus. The stylus footprint is deep but not at all wide. This resulted, for me, in some significant time invested in set-up. Twice.
A reputation for elaborating on the obvious must be preserved, there's VTA. Not quite this simple but let's say that "pitch" raises when the pivot is and as the pivot is lowered, so is "pitch". VTA is said to be right when the hf's meet the bass and it's a good thing, right? Ok, think about soundstage and the stylus with it's "deep but not at all wide footprint" bridging groove modulations.
In response to your curiosity about any evidence of a diminished convergence of "center stage", try a fine tuning of VTA and listen for any influence on soundstage. If it's spread left and right but without a solid center image, a couple of thousandths VTA adjustment can make a difference, the stylus is that fine and it can be a pain to dial in. Twice. Get it ALL right, macro/microdetail and imaging stability with the 420 is excellent.
The biggest consideration is acclimating to it's "BBC" sound, a midrange openess (Dgob and Griffithds comments?) I identify with an IM design. IMHO & etc.
Peace, |