Dear Acman3: Like you I'm first than all a music lover ( I posted several times. ) a very exigent/demanding music lover. I take my time and effort to improve as music lover and always waiting that what I heard always " respond " to that demanding music lover that lives in me. I never ask for less.
I make the same demands to live music as to reproduced music taking in count its respective environment. I work hard to ask my system my demands level, some items can some other can't. Things are that the 420 is in this last group.
As a music lover I'm not " easy " and as audiophile I'm like " nitric acid " starting with my self audio system. I'm really serious about music and reproduction of music as the deepest any one of you are. I'm looking for nothing less than excellence level and I mean it.
Btw, I'm not an expert because I have no single audio subject where I know everything but I try hard to be expert some day in some main audio subjects.
Where I'm near to be an expert is in my audio system knowledge.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear Lewm: Where are that disagreement on the 420? is there any words against it for my part saying is a poor or a crap of cartridge?. For what I read here no one other than Griffithds posted that is at the top of his ladder and even him I think does not said it in that precise way. So where are that disagreement?
I only have one version of the LPM320IIISTR: the original one. I own two versions of the 315 but I did not compared the 315 VDH version.
The M320IIISTR ( square black body. ) is IMHO the best of the Acutex cartridge lines and if you own the 415 then sure send to VDH.
++++ " Is the M body the same across the whole range " ++++
yes, physically but inside maybe a little different like in the LPM 300 series.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear Raul, Nothing ever goes wrong with the DM-58 monoblocks except for their stupid 'air-switch' to turn it on. Instead of a normal on/off switch that millions of electronic items have successfully used for decades, Halcro decided to develop a shmantzy 'air-switch' which turns on the electronics by air pressure up a plastic tube? This is the Achilles heal of the amps as they put in a resistor which controls this and sometimes it became too hot and the amp 'switched' itself off? Resistor and transistor all upgraded under warranty.....but now it appears that during manufacture........to slide the air-tube up through the electronics....the assemblers used a grease which after 5 years......apparently clogged the tube so that the air could not reach the electronic on/off switch? Grease in now cleared out :^) Sometimes being too clever is just dumb? |
Lew: Do you take in count that from five persons that posted on the 420 quality performance level only Griffithds fall in love with?: Timeltel prefer the 320 over the 420, Halcro said the 420 is not it his 10 top list, Acman3 said is good but not at the top and I posted that is not at the top.
The only person on disagreement was ( till this moment ) Griffithds or we four that are in disagreement with him: as you like it.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Hi Timeltel,
"concerning the 415/420, much of this "splashy" character is diminished with extended use, bass overshoot tightens up too."
I wholly agree with this and with your noting that "some" of the detrimental effects will diminish with extended listening.
My finding after that extended listening was emailed in a private correspondence with another Agoner. They were:
"I was just hoping (due to its tracking ability and staging capacity) that its signature could be changed or improved. Bells, cymbals and drums still defeat it despite improvements in many other areas. It still does not match the Technics, Empire 4000D/III LAC nor Glanz G5 although I was hoping. Maybe if someone comes up with a technical change in the future that works it can make a return among the elite."
The voicing issue not withstanding, it is still a magnificent beast for the things that it does well and at its purchase price, IMO. Maybe something for gatherings with friends around drinks and chatter: able to impress with its more overt virtues.
As always |
Hi Griffithds/Timeltel/Lewm,
As my above statement suggests, my findings have not really changed since I first posted here regarding the 420 on 11.04.11. However, as I hope I have consistently made clear, I do admire the things that the Acutex 420STR does well. If it satisfies anyone's requirements then it should obviously be kept and listened to, IMO. |
Hi All,
Just to note that there has been an ongoing case of dyslexia on this site. "Axel" Schurholz's name has been unwittingly changed so that he is often referred to as "Alex". Correction of this should hopefully help in contacting him etc.
Mia culpa: he is Axel and his technical magic can be viewed as sheer Axel-eration. |
WOW!I have to admit to lurking on this thread for some time and have found it very informative and of late extremely entertaining. I do not profess to have the experience or the "golden ears" to properly evaluate these cartridges and I know that Raul is the Obiter Dictum but the wax and wane of opinion about the 420 STR has been amazing to read. Kudos Raul, you rule with an iron fist in a velvet glove, your humility and leadership skills may exceed your knowledge and acumen as an audiophile.
I rather like the 420 STR but my very first impression was that it sounded more "hi-fi" (is that a perjorative term?) than the Empire 4000D/II or the Grace 9E I have been listening to. Hopefully with some break-in time it will become more balanced. It's a great tracker and plays loudly without distortion in my system, certainly equal to or better than the Empire 1000ZE/X.
|
Anyone else try the 420 on a tonearm such as the Mayware Formula IV? I've read that this combination works great. I am using mine with Technics EPA 100MKII with good results. 1.6g tracking force. I will try it with my ultralight 501E armwand and Technics EPA 500 at some time too. Maybe this model is one that actually benefits from a properly matched tonearm? Very high compliance cartridges sometimes work best on very low mass tonearms?
Anyway, not much hours on mine, but it sounds very nice to me, a little rough around the edges but will improve with more hours I believe. I am used to hearing the Technics EPC P100CMKIV and Empire 4000DIII and this little 420 didn't make me think it is a poor performer against those. Still can enjoy music using this cartridge just a different flavour of sound to me. But time will tell wether or not it stays in steady use or not. It takes me more time to try and get the best out of cartridge than a lot of others, especially Raul. |
The poster who said that there may be variability between samples due to aging may have hit the nail on the head. I bought two samples and in one box the staples on the little instruction booklet had rusted to the point where there was just a brown stain on the paper ...there was nothing holding the pages together. On the other sample the staples are still perfect. This raises questions about how this lot of cartridges from Italy have been stored for all these years. I will in due course try and compare the two samples but as I only unpacked them today I can't comment yet.
|
Dear Raul, The only thing I would say for sure re your evaluation of the 420 is that it is specious to arrive at general conclusions based on only one sample, for a cartridge that is now 25-30 years old. It could be that yours has stiffened up more than other samples owned by others who are in disagreement. (I have not heard mine yet so have no opinion of 420.) Therefore, your conclusions are valid for your sample of the 420, so far, unless or until others hear what you are hearing in comparing 320 and 420. As far as that goes, what version of the LPM320STRIII is your reference in your comparison test? Original cantilever and stylus or re-tipped by vdH or Alex? It seems just about all the cartridges you like best are vdH or Alex re-tips.
I have a used M315 or 312 (can't remember, but the fat body early model). Is it your opinion that I should send that off to vdH or Alex for a re-tip to bring it up to M320 Nirvana or beyond? Is the M body the same across the whole range? |
Raul, My quote "I like it very much." Your quote " only Griffithds fall in love with"
Like very much does not mean fall in love with!
My quote " Is it my #1 cartridge. No. Is it in the group of favorites. Yes." Your quote "Griffithds posted that is at the top of his ladder"
What part of "NO" did you not understand. Group of favorites does not mean at the top of my ladder. ON THE LADDER, YES. BUT NOT AT THE TOP!
Sometimes you just amaze me. You need to start doing fact checks before you print something. |
Regards, Dgob: I'm still maintaining the 420 is a chameleon. It seems no two descriptions are the same, other than a capability to deliver a stable soundstage and solid imaging. My example has been on four arms and three decks, it's doing best on a somewhat damped sounding Tech. SP-15/EPA-250 arm and Sumiko 12gm headshell. VTA is important.
In every configuration there is a consistent impression of not just aisle A, but instead table, front & center. Close to the stage and in a small venue. Those who enjoy delicate shading or the subtle detail of the oboeist turning the sheet music will not be enthralled with the 420. If one's pleasure is closely miked sax, harmonics evolved from female three part vocals or the raspy elements of a well resined bow on cello, the 420 will fulfill.
It does improve with use. On first play cymbols sound like the rush of pressurized air from the can of black spray paint Danny is using to upgrade his styli. Bass is a sonic BOOM and vocals, well, I like Tom Waits anyway. Approaching thirty hours on mine now, crackle and boof are receeding nicely but even with the well used example that came my way this summer, voicing retains a very forward, brassy element, this the purist is sure to notice.
Speaking of Tom Waits, one of his quotes is: "My kids are starting to notice I'm a little different from other dads". He has a consderable following so can we just think of the Acutex 420 as the Tom Waits of cartridges, just a little different? (And, no one HAS to like Tom Waits).
Peace, |
Hi Temeltel,
"On first play cymbols sound like the rush of pressurized air from the can of black spray paint Danny is using to up grade his styli"
You acutally made me laugh. Very funny Professor, very funny indeed!
BTW, I am a big fan of Tom Waits and have almost all of his recordings. Seen him perform in person. Great show. I owe you for the Akai RS180 stylus suggestion so I have a deal for you. I was accidently sent 2 pressing of the Tom Waits "Alice" album. If you would like one, just tell me where to send it.
Regards, Don |
Hi Timeltel,
I like Tom Waits a lot and so, for me, yes I would more than willingly go along with your suggestion. I can now easily live with its comparitively bloated bass performance (with it settling in much more with time and change of headshell. If its treatment of cymbals, bells and drums was more detailed/accurate I would happily live with the 420 as much as my Technics, Empire or Glanz. None of these alternatives, I feel, matches the staging and tracking abilities of the 420 and I am filled with admiration for the technicians who put it together: inexpensively or not.
Vocals are pretty impressive too and brass can be hot on some tracks. Both of these features are most obvious with the 420's great job of resolving music that is complex, multi coloured and very demanding: Mahler's 8th - Solti/CSO/Decca being an obvious case in point here. I love what it can do in such instances and will continue to give it an airing according to circumstance and inclination.
I'm therefore grateful to you and others who raised my awareness of its existence.
As always |
Dear Griffithds: Good, now I understand it: you only like it very much.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear friends: Seems to me that for some of you in the 420 subject " your life goes "! why is that?. is it that good?, not seems to me but you are the best judge.
Btw, please let me know three different main performance 420 characteristics that other cartridges can't do it. I mean top main quality level characteristics. Please detail the Lps tracks where we can listen it and compare against the other cartridges and of course let us know a top which cartridges and why.
With that simple excersice we can " catch the cat ".
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear Timeltel: I'm a little confused on your posts about the 420:
this was the first:
++++ " Dynamic without unpleasant exaggerations or failings in the extremes of it's very respectable range. After four hours of play, it already shows good clarity in the bass, notes are distinct and solid. Greater presence than the LPM 320-111 STR without resorting to objectional tonal colorations. Portrays space around insturments and manages microdetail with assurance. " +++++
then you posted:
+++++ " After six hours, realigned it from Baerwald to Stevenson overhang, much better but still very "hot" and the Denon is a lively deck so the 420 was moved to an EPA-250 arm and a Sumiko 12gm headshell. With some carts the arm is over-damped and uninspiring but the 420 was improved. Anyway, after 20 hrs. or so, my example of the 420 has settled nicely in, performance is approaching that of the LPM 320 which is indeed a very nice cart. " ++++
" +++++ If I had to choose to keep only one of the Acutex here, it would be the LPM 320, " ++++
the first post is the one that cause confusion but no consistence at all on those posts.
Anyway, big WOW!: I put the 315 VDH stylus replacement in the LPM320IIISTR and as good as it is the VDH version improved it notability, a tiny different but definitely in the same league than the M320. I own three stylus ( 315/320 ) as you: one the original 320, one 315 VDH and one 315 original. I will send this original 315 to Alex for be re-tipped along sapphire cantilever and when I tested this one I will decide if my second sample of the M320 will goes to VDH or Alex ( Boron vs Sapphire. ).
I think you can do ( worth to try it. ) something similar with your 315/320 samples!!!
Am I willing to make the same with the 420?, I think not: its signature is un-natural to do it and the change could or could not make a good improvement out of that cartridge overall signature, my " feeling " is that can't be changed with out a " new " voicing for " manipulate it. In the other side why to do it when in stock condition both 320s outperform it. I will keep the 420 as many other nice cartridges I own.
Btw, I was unaware that was Acman3 whom brought to our attention in this thread the Italian 420 opportunity: thank you Acman3 for shared to all of us.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear Dgob: +++++ " If its treatment of cymbals, b........................as much as my Technics... " +++++
with several cartridges those " ifs " exist in the same manner than with the 420.
The difference between the Technics 100CMK4 and " lesser " cartridges is that those " ifs " does not exist for those " lesser " cartridges as the 420 because if those " ifs " been there then all them were 100CMK4s.
Desmond, unfortunately the audio world is not perfect!
regards and enjoy the msuic, R. |
Dear Raul, I am still hoping for your advice on whether to have my used M312 stylus rebuilt and by whom (vdH vs Alex). That is another way of asking whether you think such a chimera is likely to outperform my bone stock NOS LPM320STRIII, which is also a very up-front and center cartridge, Timeltel and others.
Reading all the reviews of the 420, I am struck, as someone else mentioned, by the dissimilarity, altho all seem to agree that it has an in-your-face sound. The differences of opinion do tend to make me think that there is a variable unknown factor due to age and possible suboptimal storage conditions. Along those lines, Raul, I don't see how you can say that the others are raving about this cartridge; there is some element of criticism in each person's comments, altho most seem to like theirs more than you like yours. |
Raul: WOW, that comment is a month old, did you really go throught all those posts just to find that?
More midrange presence than the 320. As you also mentioned, it stops short of the LPM 320's neutrality. Lots of information in the mids and hf's, needs run-in time to establish clarity. Bass starts tightening up after four hours, six hours to start finalizing it's voice. Moved to another headshell/arm and realigned, did it a lot of good. Cart has good detail, needs a lot of attention to alignment and VTA to find it. Not the finest cart ever but IMHO it is a good one. If you're looking for a model of analytical detail, dynamic shading or hall ambience, look elsewhere. Said it all before, I'm not sure I understand your point but I am aware there have been times in the past when you've made similar posts for your own reasons.
Raul, there are those who are pleased to enjoy audio and are pleased for others to do the same without obsessing compulsively about THE BEST, even though many of them know the difference. Sometimes it's rewarding to just enjoy letting it play instead of needing to "catch the cat" and dissect it.
"If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself". Desiderata, Max Ehrmann.
Peace. |
Hi Raul,
"The difference between the Technics 100CMK4 and " lesser " cartridges is that those " ifs " does not exist for those " lesser " cartridges as the 420 because if those " ifs " been there then all them were 100CMK4s."
As I hope you know, I fully agree that some failings are what differntiates the numerous good cartridges that do not perform to the level of the Technics. However, as with the likes of the Andante P76, I was trying to celebrate the strengths of the 420 inspite of its obvious weaknesses - say on pecussion (those weaknesses obviously including cymbals, bells, drums and key boards).
As always
Just a quick point but I suffer from slight aphasia with names (it's a minor complaint but problematic at times). I think that led to a dyslexic moment and my calling "Axel" Alex but he is Axel. |
Timeltel,
Just one point that I should mention is that my AC3300 LB offers pricision damping with its oil reservoire and I still could not address with issue with percussion. It does seem to be a voicing issue that might take someone taking the major risk of trying to find someone to meddle with its internal construction. Maybe someone who has bought more than one model could approach VdH or Axel to this end: assuming they cannot find acceptance of it in its original form!?
I'll continue to keep an eye on developments.
As always |
Dear Timeltel: No, I accros with looking for whom brought the Italian seller into the thread and that's why.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear Lewm: Agree with you but the reality is that I want to take care on other people about and don't want to go " aggresive " . Never mind the cartridge has its own place and we can't do almost nothing to change it. I reali don't care any more on this Acutex.
Btw, this is what I posted where there is a" finger error " because i wanted to tell you M315 instead the 415 you read:
+++++ " The M320IIISTR ( square black body. ) is IMHO the best of the Acutex cartridge lines and if you own the 415 then sure send to VDH. " ++++
no I don't think that if the one you have is the 312 could approach/even the M320 after VDH re-build.
I think you own the LPM315 or 320, this one is worth to send VDH as I did it.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dgob: Me too. Yes it's Axel.
regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Cheers All - I just started my drive with this Italian car. Couple lps - Billy Joel - 52nd street, Supertramp - Famous Last Words
Early opinion?
Everyone in your family along with a couple of friends needs to pile into this car for a smooth ride.
Fill it inside and a couple or three people standing on the roof. Get the suspension worked in.
Use the max - 2 grams
I am not saying anything about it yet, as I just started out on this trip, and am anxious to see if a hitchhiker shows up around the next corner. I have been warned by Timeltel here that they dress like a chameleon.
Raul - what arm and vtf did u use on this cartridge ?
ET 2.0 straight line tonearm @ 19 psi – here
Sltrains – as someone who also likes that Empire cartridge, do you want me to tell you when I think it is safe to open up your 420 box ?
69 Euros - LOL – Great fun for the price of a tank of gas.
Cheers Chris |
Hi, wondering if anyone has experienced the difference between the Yamamoto HS1a and the HS1as headshell? The seller states that the mounting holes are different and the leads are soldered on the latest version. I really don't want to leave $$ on the table if I don't have too. Thanks |
Hello Chris as a follower of this thread and reading some of the posts on 420str I most certainly won't trust anything but my own ears.
Last night I had our local audio clubs monthly get together and the response my favorite cartridge empire 4000d3 received by the group was yea that moving magnet cartridge can hang with any other MC out there. What a musically satisfying cartridge.
Please keep us informed on how your italian drive is evolving.
|
Dear Ct0517: I used three different tonearms: AT1503, Grace 940 and my tonearm design. I try 3 different headshells too.
I started with 1.9grs on VTF for the first 15 hours and the I tested with 2.0 grs, 1.8-1.7-1.6-1.5-1.4-1.0-0.9 and return to 1.5 grs where performs better.
Yes, we can ask more for 69.00 Euros: have fun.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Raul,
In your review of the LPM 315III STR, you give it a numerical rating of 10+, equal to the Technics EPC-P100 CMK4 and the Virtuoso. Your latest review, of the LPM 320IIISTR, you have rated it better than the 315. Then, both the 315 and the 320 as being better than the LPM 420 STR. Would that make the 320 a 10++ and the 420 a ?????? Where would you place it (the 420), in reference to the rest of the field, let say the Otorfon 20fl super, an Empire 4000D, or a Azden YM-P50VL, or even the AT20ss? You seem to be the only person who has this piticular 320 so the rest of us have nothing in our arsenal to judge by. Your numbering system have/would help those of us that have some of your rated cartridges, figure where on our ladder to place various cartridges you or others for that matter review! I feel you and perhaps others will have cartridges in the future to review and keeping some kind of pecking order needs to be established. You had already begun one with your numbering system and I for one would like to see it not just continued, but cleaned up by giving the various cartridges that you have auditioned a numerical rating. Of course, once a cartridge is given a rating number, it would be understood that it would not always have that number. If it did then we would wind up with a cartidge that would be given a 10++++, then next top cart. would get a 10+++++. See how this is going!! If our current top cartridges, the 320, the Virtuoso, and the Technics MK4 all have a 10+ rating, and something comes along that better them, it gets the 10+ score. A new list is published and all the other rated cartridges drop down a position. If you feel the 420 doesn't perform up to the 20fl, them please say so with the appropriate numbered rating. At the moment, all that is clear is that the 420 does not equal the 10++ 320 or the 10+ 315.
Regards, Don |
All alot is talked about here on vintage MM/MI cartridges. Not very much when it comes to modern MM cartridges. Do modern types not make the grade? |
Griffithds, it must be Friday. Obviously Raul's amplifier also goes to eleven. That's one more than 10 isn't it. 420 showed up. First I thought, this is a fake. We have all been duped. Perhaps Acutex Intl is now located in China. With the amount of fake/counterfiet Van Den hul, Cardas and Koetsu making its way around the WWW one takes ones chances. $ .29/month goes along way overseas. But nooooooo.....there is actual patina on the box the snap on the cartridge holder has never been touched since it was mounted from the factory. The clip lip usually disintegrates upon removal/unlock. There is some slight corrosion on the staple holding the manual together. Thanks grampa Cecellini for hoarding a stack of these gems next to the old Ducati and thanks Accman for the source. |
Greetings Rnadell, I have 6 of the Yamamoto HS-1as which is simply my favourite headshell except with wood-bodied cartridges. Having the cartridge leads hard-wired to the shell removes another 'connection' point in the analogue chain and the wiring provided.....is thick and of the highest quality. The headshell slots I believe are the same as for the HS-1a? My only caveat with this headshell is do NOT buy from the HongKong seller 2Juki as they are cheap Chinese copies. Buy only from Japan. If you are buying from a private seller......caveat emptor? |
Hi Stltrains,
The Virtuoso has been the only current MM discussed in any length. There was some talk about doing the Ortofron Black but nothing has developed yet. I have had some great Grado's in the past. I would like to hear someone who has a upper tier one do some type of a comparision with one of our known cartridges. Perhaps someone has one of the new SoundSmith MM's would like to chime in? |
Hello Griffithds the Virtuoso did slip by me. Ive done some research on 2m black and that could be taker. It seems that with all of the resurgence in vinyl and todays improved technology as seen with MCs that MM/MI of the new millennium would be even better than our vintage pieces. Though the price of top of the line MMs is considerably less than those of the MC variety.
One other thing talking to members of our audio club on retipping most of the responses i got were not so positive which is in stark contrast to what is said here on that service. The main issue was quality of work performed. Mike |
Stltrains,
If you stick with the 4 repair shops that have been listed on this site, you will be extremely happy with the results. If the cartridge that you wish to have repaired is not of a high quality to begin with, well, what you will get back would be a poor/low quality cartridge with a new stylus. What's the point? I've had 3 repaired and all 3 was returned to me sounding better than original. I don't want to speak for Raul, but I can recall many cartirdges that he has sent to various repair shops and I can not recall once where he has had a negative experience. I have stopped buying new. I have discovered that having an old favorites just repaired is a far better alternative. Not just cost effective, but better sound as well. Win/win type of situation. |
Dear Don, If you are that concerned about Raul's scoring system, I don't know how you can sleep at night. In the end, your own opinion of how each cartridge sounds on your own turntables, mounted on your own tonearms is ALL that counts. I use Raul's ratings as a rough guide for what I might buy or not buy, and that's as far as it can go. He has very different speakers and very very different electronics from me. (Don't know about your system.) |
But if you buy a Virtuoso, it has to be exactly the right type, with the black wood body, or is it the reddish brown one? And then you have to have it re-tipped by someone; I forget whom, either vdH or the eponymous "Axel".
Yes, I too am interested in other modern MM and MI cartridges. I seriously doubt that Clearaudio makes the best one of all time. Grados can be great, but I have not heard any of their current top line. Soundsmiths are MI, not MM, but can also be very excellent. And to grab one more name from nowhere, there are those new Garrott Bros cartridges now being made in Aus. Problem is that none of the really potentially good modern MM or MI cartridges are so cheap that one can buy them by the handful.
So if you live in the US, how do you get vdH to re-tip your LPM320STRIII? (And why would I get rid of that rare and precision tri-radial stylus, Timeltel?) |
Regards, Lew(m): "why would I get rid of that rare and precision tri-radial stylus, Timeltel?
Because it's so blasted difficult to align. SOME of the guys who are hearing those "clicky-hissy" sounds in the hf's & sharp transients should stop complaining about a certain cartridge (I thought to not mention it again but it is very similar to the LPM 320) and consider what they know about alignment and sibilance. Does anyone really think Acutex would release a cartridge, designate it TOTL and let such a GLARING error pass? Think about those groove modulations and the stylus's minor radius. When this minor radius is small enough, and if misaligned, instead of horizintal deflection left and right, the stylus's opposite shoulders meet opposing groove modulations at the same time due to the diagonal error in alignment. Then what do you get? Sibilance. When done exactly right, and if the stylus is fine enough, micro-detail is the result. We're talking in terms of microns here, where anything larger than 1.5um starts looking pretty big. (It's also very likely that, due to age, suspension/compliance concerns may exist.)
Once broken in, there's nothing wrong with response, either. Dammit.
If front row presence is a concern, find some dainty little over-damped cart that will tinkle all over your music. ;)
All in good humor & done with the (unmentioned cart) subject.
Peace, |
I totally agree with Timeltel (professor) as it may apply to the 420 although he doesn't mention it in his last post.
You have a way with words sir unlike anyone else here.
Very interesting cartridge this Acutex 420 – unlike any of my other cartridges.
My first tri radial and from the manual it reads.
“Drastically increased separation – true parameter of stereo” “It provides outstanding clear channel separation and high-resolving power in addition to a dynamic, solid and rich tonal quality”
A number of people here have posted agreement with this. I also agree.
This 420 is an unshielded bloody antennae not damped (what do u want for 69 euro i guess) and will expose any and all interference you have in your system.
I see this as a “very good” thing and worth the money right there. Helps you lock down things. I had to tighten down a ground wire better.
It worked very well in my straightline tonearm from the get go. No balance issues, loss of any detail, sibilance,... Its now on the hybrid dv505. Even with the stylus jig that it comes with I really struggled with it. Nothing close to what I was getting on the straightline. I was ready to put it on a long aluminum pole outside and see if I could get HD channels with it. Then I got a good nights rest and tried again next day. I was super meticulous with it - "much" more so than for the Empire or Virtuoso to get this one right. Damn pivot arms. They take so much work.
It took me two days to get it right.
Lew/Raul – if you have an opportunity to put it on your heavy DV505 would really like your opinions. This light little nothing of cartridge is working really well here.
Plays far above its ridiculous price - IMO. How much better is the 320 professor?
FWIW - Those of you that are having problems with cymbals or sibilance, loss of detail get a good nights rest and have a go at alignment the next morning when your mind is rested.
Get this one working well and your other cartridges will work even better if you put the same effort in on them.
Thanks for bring this cartridge to my attention. Currently using 1.7 gms. Cheers Chris |
Dear Griffithds: About ranking cartridges my idea was to have a list that could help to the non-MM advocates or for the ones that are starting with what to look out there. Of course that the list was/will be ranked according my quality performance level standards ( Lewm, not the system IMHO the main subject about is : what are your audio standards, period. ).
I think that in its time helped to some people but what I don't took in count is not only that I own several cartridges that I was not listened and the other things that I never thinked that the thread goes for so many time as my " each day " looking for improvements in the system.
I agree with Lewm that at the end the best opinion is our each opinion but that was not my idea but only a firts cartridge reference list.
I will try to implement a today one but this means I have to take time to re-listen a lot of cartridges and I think I will do it because some of those " gems " deserve a second " opportunity " and I need it too: today I can't say how good the Ortofon 20E Super performs against ( example ) 20SS or how the AKG P100LE performs against the Virtuoso or the Technics 100CMK4. I don't/did not heard these cartridges and many more previously rated for years!!!
Some time next year that list could appear here and will be only that a cartridge list " on help ".
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Yes proper alignment is where its at for any of these fine cartridges to shine. I use a wally tracker universal with outstanding results. Of course plenty of light and optical help is a must. For azimuth the fozgometer can't be beat. And on most attempts less than an hour is needed.
I've tried looking back for retipping info with out much luck. Just a cut off name here and there. If any of you have that info and want to pm me instead of posting it either way would be most appreciated. Mike |
Dear Lewm: +++++ " So if you live in the US, how do you get vdH to re-tip your LPM320STRIII? (And why would I get rid of that rare and precision tri-radial stylus. " +++++
Normally VDH ask to their cartridge fix customers that they do it through the VDH distributors and only if in your " region " does not exist a VDH distributor then they take it directly from you. This is my case and that's why they deal with me.
In the other side please forget about the tri-radial Acutex stylus, that Acutex does not depends on its performance on the stylus as J.Carr pointed out several times: the cantilever puts a more important " sound signature " than the stylus: of course that for those old times and due to the hard competition the " new " stylus develpments has to be " heralded/shouting ".
What Ct0517 posted about the 420 manual info:
" Drastically increased separation – true parameter of stereo” “It provides outstanding clear channel separation and high-resolving power in addition to a dynamic, solid and rich tonal quality " +++
means almost nothing because both M320 and LPM320 have similar Acutex specifications on that regards. Even more, according the Acutex manual the LPM320 has better separation specs level than the M320 but when you see the chart/diagram measures ( at least my both cartridge models I own. ) even the M320 is a little ( tiny ) better.
What I experienced withy the LPM315 VDH version and now that I tested with the LPM320 is really " astonish " because elevated the all really good cartridges performance to other levels that with that tri-radial tip can't do it. We have to take in count that when you send a cartridge to VDH or Axel or any other source they not only change the cantilever and stylus to today standards but put the cartridge suspension right on target: all this job gives you a clear advantage against what you have right now in that cartridge. You have to take in count too that through my experiences about the cartridhe overall personality stay there.
So don't worry about the tri-radial tip and please don't think I'm diminish that stylus shape only took it in its whole cartridge context.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear Stltrains: Axel is here: http://www.schallplattennadeln.de/kontakt/
and VDH over the net or at your VDH audio dealer.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear Ct0517: I have not mounted the 505 due that I don't like its non-neutral tonearm signature that goes a little to the dark side. Today goes against my standards and in the other side normally I don't mate a " faukty " audio item with other " faulty " audio item that makes " synergy ". No, I don't want to open any discussion " window " here on that tonearm or its mate.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |
Dear Raul, I hate to be a pest, but you wrote, "We have to take in count that when you send a cartridge to VDH or Axel or any other source they not only change the cantilever and stylus to today standards but put the cartridge suspension right on target:..."
Isn't one of the main points of this gigantic thread that "today standards" are not so great compared to "vintage" standards? I think that was part of your mantra. I think the main gain from the vdH work would be to have the suspension freshened. But this is an issue with every and all vintage cartridges, so have we been kidding ourselves? Anyway, I take your point. It seems that in the US I would have to go through the distributor, who does not have such a great reputation, as far as I know. I will do some investigation. Perhaps I would be better off with Soundsmith. Any thoughts on that? |
The only time I had any problem with the Acutex 420's high frequencies is when I played " I am the walrus " backwards. The person saying "Paul is dead" had a bad lisp. |
One last thing. If your on the fence on the 420, play "Live at Leeds" . That should do it.
Danny |
Dear Lewm: If you send any cartridge to any of the known fix sources what they do is to make a work to today standards, it can't be on other way.
Now, some of those vintage designs are so good that with today " standards are even better. The cartridge fix sources are not changing the cartridge motor design only cantilever/stylus and obviously a suspension refresh and I mean that they check up the suspension and makes what anything could needs that cartridge suspension , this is a routinery job for these cartridge fix sources.
In the other side I reported to you what were my experiences on re-tipped vintage sources.
Regards and enjoy the music, R. |