Dgob, sorry to hear of your Technics loss. One of my audio buddies has a 100 Mk 4 which he bought new (not NOS). A couple of years ago he brought it out of retirement to listen to again after upgrading his TT but his suspension had also failed. He sent it to Soundsmith but got back the same report as you did -- it could not be repaired.
This is really frustrating when a cartridge receives so many positive reports, yet appears to be so fragile. |
***The cart had a muddy bottom end that drove me crazy, and it was deficient in dynamics. I would switch between Empire and the Azden or the AT 20SS and the differences especially in dynamics were like night and day.*** Banquo363
Very interesting observation, as I find the opposite (particularly as concerns dynamics) to be the case between the Empire and the Azden; in an Eminent Technology 2 air bearing t/a, on a TNT6.
When I read your comments a couple of days ago, I decided to replace the Empire (which I had been listening to for the past couple of months) with the Azden. I was able to confirm my previous impressions: in my system, in my t/a, the Empire is a clearly more musically sophisticated cartridge. It is more neutral in the true sense of allowing one to hear more variablility in color/timbre between recordings, and different instruments in a particular recording. The Azden throws a cast of "sameness" over all recordings, tonality-wise (color). It is a pleasant cast, almost golden, reminescent of some vintage tube equipment. There is an illusion of purity, but some of the inner texture, and some of the nasties in the sound of some instruments are removed. The soundstage is considerably smaller than with the Empire, but well balanced. I will concede that the bass is very well defined and very tuneful; better than the Empire in letting you hear the pitch of low bass notes, and letting you hear bass lines as melodies as opposed to low frequency thumps. It also has slightly more stable imaging than the Empire, which has a little trouble with really stable centerfill, and precise placement of instruments. And it tracks a little better than the Empire, which I am still working at dialing in. The empire is very sensitive to perfect (or imperfect) geometry in the set up of my arm, specially perfect horizontal balance. But, and here is where personal preference comes in, for just listening to the music, perhaps outside the "sweet spot", the Empire has it all over the Azden, IMO.
In the department of dynamics, I find the Empire to be superior in every way, except in the way that bass definition affects our perception of dynamics. IOW, as I said, I find the Azden to be better defined in the bass than the Empire; it is more tuneful. I can see (hear) how someone would perceive the sound of a particular system as being more dynamic with the Azden than with the Empire, particularly if he/she listens mainly to rock or electronic jazz, given the role that bass plays in driving the rhythm of the music. But, overall, the Empire sounds much less like an electronic device.
Both amazing considering the price. Thank you Raul. |
Dear Banquo, Thank you for your response. I must say I don't understand why you cannot identify the tonearm in question, unless you heard the "muddy bottom end, etc" at a friend's house, and he cannot provide the info. Sorry to bug you, but it would be helpful to know. |
Sorry about your bad luck Dgob, I can't understand why Vdh and others can't repair the suspension though. I thought for sure Vdh could rebuild the 100C cartridges, but I guess this means they can only retip it? Raul had his "refreshed" by Vdh, I wonder what they do to refresh the cartridge. I was planning to send mine to Vdh when I get 1000 hours on it, but maybe the tip will out live the suspension.
I would hate to have to throw away my P100CMKIV, It would be interesting to know why this models suspension is so difficult or impossible to repair. |
Frogman: nice description of the two carts. I don't have the audio vocabulary or conceptual sophistication to articulate what I'm hearing. But some of how you described the Azden is how I would describe the Empire. Particularly the bit about sameness of tonal color. Also, rhythmically, the Azden for me is virtually unbeatable. Perhaps that stems from the bass qualities you describe. I listened to Billy Idol's 'Eyes without a Face' with the Azden and that song's bass line, which I've heard a million times, never sounded so alive and compelling. But I hardly ever listen to rock nowadays, so my assessment is not based on that preference. Mahler's 9th: same judgment. Getz/Gilberto: same judgment. Coltrane at the Village Vanguard: same judgment. That said, I'm certainly not debating with anyone who believes it's first rate; I just couldn't get it to work in my set up. And if you are right about the Empire's extreme sensitivity to geometry, then that might also explain what I heard as well: I don't spend an inordinate amount of time on geometry. Although I did fidget with the Empire more than I usually do. I tried all manner of SRA's and VTF's, but to no avail. To be clear: I've made caveats to my assessment of the Empire and it shouldn't be taken as my final one, especially since my current set up is only temporary. Raul has said it would be a great match with the epa100 and that might motivate me to buy a new stylus. We'll see.
Which gets to my answer to Lewm: as you might recall, my sp10 is in purgatory and so I'm borrowing a Sony 2251 (which is a direct drive Sony brought out to compete with the sp10--or so I've read). No one really knows what tonearm came with that table but even if it were known, I'm not sure whether the tonearm that's on there now is the original. If it were mine, I would try harder to find out, but as things are I have no real incentive. |
Dear Dgob: I don't want imagine what could happen in my mind if I lose my 100MK4 or the AKG P100LE, very hard time you had.
In the other side, that's ( between other things. ) why I did/do not put on sale any of my cartridges but when I own 2-3 samples of the same model.
Regards and ejoy the music, raul. |
Dear Fleib: Welcome a board.
The capacitance issue is an important and delicate one and as you already readed we are trying and testing on the capacitance subject. I for one am learning on capacitance true some tests on some cartridges but I can't say I have a top knowledge level on it.
As you can read on some of the next links where we talked about capacitance ( or something related with. ) till few months ago I was too of " old school " on capacitance because I did not added capacitance other than the IC phono cable but today that " add " is mandatory almost with any cartridge but we have to be really carefully about, we need to use all our music sound reproduction overall experiences and trust our ears.
Sometimes ( depending the cartridge ) the capacitance " experience " could be addictive and if we don't take care under our each one skills the quality performance level could be/can goes: out of our hands!.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&openflup&3553&4#3553
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&openflup&3362&4#3362
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&openflup&3311&4#3311
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&openflup&3320&4#3320
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&openflup&3359&4#3359
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Banquo363, I have no doubt that you heard what you describe. Isn't it interesting? This is what makes analog so fun and so maddening. It's all about synergy. |
Banquo, Is it a Sony tonearm, can you tell? Some of those were pretty good though they are under the radar these days. They are designated PUA-XXX series, I think. Effective mass might be on the high side for an Empire, which may account for the "muddy bass". The 2251 was decent but I don't think it competed with the SP10; you'd have to go up higher in the Sony line-up for that.
I had totally forgotten about your tribulations with your SP10. Sorry. |
Yes, Lew, it's definitely a Sony tonearm. The vintage knob has pictures of both the 2250 and 2251 and the arm on the 2250 is the one I have, even though I have a 2251. I suspect you're right and the arm was too heavy with the Empire. I played around with different headshells for a bit but basically gave up because life is too short and that cart is not trivial to mount due to its very thin sheet metal. I had to source super short screws so I could mount it on my AT headshell, and I discovered how worthwhile that was. No way it's as good as the sp10, IMO, but John Nantais asserts in this thread that the 2250 "slaughters" the sp10 when appropriately plinthed. So what do I know. Of course, the one I have is not plinthed in the Nantais way, and my sp10 doesn't even have a plinth! http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1157059532&openfrom&601&4#601 |
Pryso,
I really empathise with your friend. You are correct about the associated frustration and even though I now have a beatiful but useless P100c Mk4 sitting in its box I would reiterate that it was/is the best performing cartridge that I have ever owned or heard. Worse yet, in the current economic and hifi climate I probably couldn't afford to pay for a new one even should that rare event occur! |
Dear Frogman: In general I agree with what you posted between the Azden quality performance against the 400D3.
Always are differences between what we heard against other persons mainly because differences on the audio systems.
The differences that you can read on my official Agon Empire review IMHO comes mainly by the tonearm you and I used that are totally different.
+++++ " I will concede that the bass is very well defined and very tuneful; better than the Empire in letting you hear the pitch of low bass notes, and letting you hear bass lines as melodies as opposed to low frequency thumps. It also has slightly more stable imaging than the Empire, which has a little trouble with really stable centerfill, and precise placement of instruments. And it tracks a little better than the Empire, which I am still working at dialing in. " ++++
I have no single compliant on the tracking habilities of the Empire against any other cartridge including the Azden. In the same manner the bass performance on the Empire is nothing less than first rate and IMHO more " engaging " than the Azden that is very good too.
As I said: the tonearm makes for those differences. I think that both of us are hearing almost the same not exactly the same but near the same. Both cartridges are very good and I think yours and mines are on specs so we can't hear really " different " but more: subtle differences.
Unfortunately I don't have an ET-2 on hand ( I owned. ) but I can understand our differences: subtle ones.
regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Travbow,
Thanks for your kind words of sympathy. I was also surprised when VdH could not repair it: even more so as I had also had them refresh it originally. I even tried a specialist company over here (Expert Stylus & Cartridge Company) and they also said that it could not be repaired. However, they did clarify that a total rebuild might be possible but that the extent in time and technical challenge would make this something that they would not consider. I was/am gutted but move on in hope that some company/individual will in the future feel the urge to offer the required repair service. Until then, it sits on a shelf covered with a small cloth to prevent the constant taunt of its presence! |
Raul,
Given the fact that you have heard your Technics through the Essential 3160 and with full range (velodyne supported) speakers, I know that you fully appreciate what I am missing. Ironically, when I had the funds and opportunity to buy an AKG P100 LE for next to nothing, I already had the Technics and so forewent the opportunity and notified others on this forum. Oh the irony, oh the pain!!
Christmas is coming and I will be fifty in the next couple of months and so, if you feel generous and come across a worthy replacement, all gifts welcome:~) |
Banquo, I think the tonearm on the original PS-2250 is the PUA-114. I always thought the 2250 looked kind of cool - a period piece as an interior decorator might say - but I have never tried one. I liked the looks of the TTS-3000 so much I bought one, but have never done anything with it. Oops. |
Would it be fair to say that the nos mm/mi cartridges are prefered over current cartridges. There seems to be problems with suspension etc with the nos, so why not the current offerings. Availability would not be a problem nor would the problems associated with nos. I know we don't use nos electronics without replacing caps etc so it leads me to believe that there must be something great about nos cartridges and yet I don't see comparitive listening tests. thanks |
Dear Banquo, Anything Jean says and does is (1) brilliant, (2) revelatory, and (3) unappreciated by the rest of the audio world. I thought you knew that. Moreover, if it costs a lot (or more than he wants to spend) it must be crap. I do give him credit for his work to bring the Lenco L75 into the fore, however. I love mine, once I put it into a PTP and a slate plinth, both of which he now abhors. |
Dear Dgob, Did you try Expert Stylus Repair in England, as regards your Technics repair? The world does not end with SoundSmith, good as they are. It's certainly worth a shot. Also, did not Raul say he had one of his Technics rebuilt by van den Hul? I would try Expert Stylus first, though. |
Dgob, Oops. I see that you have touched all bases. Sorry for wasting everyone's time with my last post. |
Hi Rich, There has not been much discussion here about modern day MM and MI cartridges, and it is certain that some of them are very very good. The thread per se is focused on vintage. I have curiosity about the upper end of the SoundSmith MI line, including their Susurrus (or however you spell it), but that one costs more than $4K. "The Voice" for much less money is also said to be excellent. The Clearaudio MM products might be good, altho I dislike their MC cartridges immensely. Then there's Grado. Apart from these 3 makers, I don't know of any other companies that are really trying to build and sell "high end" MM or MI cartridges. Oh yes, there is also the new iteration of Garrott Brothers in Australia; very interesting stuff there. And there's also some Japanese products. I think what we learn here is that those vintage MM/MI cartridges, which sold new for relatively low dollars, can compete with any MCs now available. |
Dear Rnadell: You touch a good subject and I'm with Lewm here and I would like to add something:
The main target/objective when the thread started was not only share the MM/MI experience per se but try that we audiophiles and advocates to the best through LOMC cartridges could know or think that " out there " exist ( always was there. ) a very good analog source alternative that for many of us ( me included. ) and for several reasons did not exist because we never thinked that the MM/MI alternative could has nothing different/better to offer over our beloved LOMC cartridge.
Even that analog source alternative was on " audio catalogue " like a low-Fi where for we high-end audiophiles and inside the AHEE there was a non-writed rule: forbidden talk or even think on this kind of " very poor " MM/MI alternative.
Now, that we have a better knowledge level of what the MM/MI alternative really means things are changing about.
For different reasons too many of us start to buy vintage cartridges that and due to its high quality performance ( even with some problems ( not many, I could say that a few ones and no more than that. ) because its vintage conditions. ) level made that several persons looks and focus on vintage cartridges than in today models.
I own today cartridges as: Grado, Shure, Clearaudio, Reson/Goldring, Sumiko, Rega, etc. I posted my experiences on some of those but things are that some of these today models I even had the time to heard it.
I like the Grado, Clearaudio and the Reson and I'm waiting for an Ortofon 2M Black that seems to me is very good but normally as you posted 90%-95% of what we speak here are on vintage cartridges.
I think that over the time the today models will come along and yes I agree on those advantages with today MM/MI models where at least we can have a certain cartridge warranty and this fact always is welcome.
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Dgob, I wander is the stylus of P100 suspension is an integral part of replacement stylus assembly. The stylus assembly can be removed by unscrewing small screw in from of the cartridge. See the picture here http://blog.goo.ne.jp/technics_sl10/e/8a42648bd152d67f6a7690a2e3f240a4.
Or similar to P205: http://www.turntableneedles.com/Needle-EPS-P205ED3_p_1454.html
Click on the image on turntableneedles site, it shows the assembly from different angles and you can see suspension wire end.
I think this suspension wire is lost its compliance in your P100. This what only happened to me only with NOS Victor (JVC) X-1 styli among other 20 cartridges from 70s-80s I own now.
Somewhere on Japanese forums I read that Technics Temperature Defensive Dumpers (TTDD) are not aging well. But I don't speak Japanese and use automatic translation.
Anyway my 205IIL is still doing well, but it was built prior to TTDD. Hope this helps. |
Since there is some question as to why the EPC100mk4 isn't easily repaired here is the relevant info as explained in an email from AJ Van den Hul himself regarding my own.
"It is not the screw at the front and also not the small one in the tube of the replacement but the connection between the multistrand suspension wire and the magnet. This wire is broken at the magnet thanks to metal fatigue. Not your fault but at the moment I receive very regular the same model replacement with the request to repair. I have tried several adhesives to fix the multistrand suspension wire to the magnet but so far the result is the (liquid or semi liquid adhesive) penetrates in the short multistrand suspension wire and stiffens this smaller part. The mechanical stress on the adhesived connection raises and after several hours of playing, the result is again a broken suspension wire... After around 35 years of playing, there is an end in the lifespan of 7 thin wires with a free length of around 0,75 mm."
A replacement stylus assembly would fix the issue and allow for a "new life" for the mk4, but without it there appears to be little hope. Any existing company wishing to make a new replacement stylus assembly would likely make some sales, but at what cost? The hollow boron tube appears to be a thing of the past as well, though maybe I've missed current manufacturers(?).
Anyone have a spare stylus assembly they'd be willing to part with? :-) |
Thanks Mab33 for the information, a shame the suspension can't be repaired to original operation. But I would think there would be a way to replace the orignal wires with a new suspension, maybe not perform as good though and very hard to do?
I tried to by a spare stylus for my P100CMK4 a few weeks ago but the last one sold out a week earlier. The company is called pick-upnaalden.nl. They may have orignal stylus for other 100C models as well as some of the 205C models still available. Not cheap though, but worth the prices I think
Dgob, was your 100C a NOS sample? If so, it would seem time alone can degrade the suspension because the suspension failed with low hours of use. |
Lewm,
No problem and thanks for the suggestions. |
Siniy123,
I am not certain if you posted this before our last off line conversation? Or does the agent's suggestion that the new stylus would not cure the problem still stand? |
Mab33,
Sorry, a similar question to the one I've asked Siniy123. However, your feedback from VdH is the same as mine and my further explorations have suggested that simply replacing the stylus assembly would not overcome the loss of the suspension spring. Are you certain that a new EPS-P100c stylus would in fact work and overcome the spring issue? |
Oh oh......wonder if the EPC100Mk3 has the same stylus assembly? Mine is still working well but I'm going to listen a whole lot more to it just in case it carks it in the near future? |
Mab33,
Sorry, just reflected on your line "Any existing company wishing to make a new replacement stylus assembly would likely make some sales, but at what cost?". Meaning you are not just talking about a new stylus but the entire assembly into the cartridge and it's magnet!?
It's still early over here and my brain is trying to catch up with my fingers! |
Dear friends: Last time I readed on this cartridge was in this thread from Dgarretson and if I remember he like it. I own this one along its " big brother " Dimension 5 and I agree with Dgarretson is a good performer and one of the latest Pritchard designs:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Sonus-Gold-Blue-Audiophile-Cartridge-NEW-FREE-SHIPPING_W0QQitemZ220766288139QQcategoryZ64620QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp5197.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8339451362264933415#ht_1271wt_948
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Dear friends: I can't be sure if this stylus can fit into a MK4 but if yes then this could be an opportunity to rebuild your Technics 100CMK4 and when you have on hand then send to VDH not only for refresh but to re-tip it due that this cartridge is the very first 100C version and cantilever/stylus was upgarded on the MK4:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Technics-100C-MM-Cartridge-for-Tonearm-Excellent-rare_W0QQitemZ250782281803QQcategoryZ64620QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp5197.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8339544135363577598#ht_4227wt_948
Btw, I think Halcro has a good relationship with this seller and maybe he can get a better price.
Only my thoughts.
Regards and enjoy the music, Raul. |
Has anyone heard the Empire 2000Z cartridge? I came upon a NOS one and I'm wondering what the consensus is, if any. Thanks. |
Dear Raul, Are you suggesting to buy the EPC 101 C for the stylus alone? If so there is one on the German ebay for 389 Euro (Foxtan).
Regards, |
Dear Nandric: Yes, to buy that EPC100C ( if fit in the P-mount model. ) I linked and then through VDH convert in a near 100CMK4.
I know that the price is a little high but the buyer always can put on sale that cartridge alone. In the other side maybe Halcro could help the person interested on it and through him achieve a lower price due the Halcro relationship with the seller.
The other could be to put on touch with Halcro and that he can ask the seller about the 100CMK4 cartridge or stylus replacement. I don't see many options/alternatives here to revive those now defuncts 100CMK4s.
Only thoughts.
Regards and enjoy the music, raul. |
Dear Raul and Nandric, That guy in Melbourne is a very reputable dealer from whom I have bought one or two items However he is not my main dealer who is Goldenageaudio......also in Melbourne from whom I have bought many more items. You can however make him an offer and he will certainly be amenable. |
Dear Halcro, We all try to help Dgob because we like this guy. But the primary question is if the stylus from the EPC 101 C will fit in MK IV version? I have seen on ebay.com one EPC 101 for $700 and the other one on ebay Germany for less. But even if this stylus can be used for the MK IV there are additional Van den Hul costs. Raul should be able to provide this info so our 'tortured' Dgob will have some idea about the total costs of the Nirvana. No way one can get there for cheap ,that is for sure. Regards, |
Nandric,
Many thanks for your kind thoughts.
A tortured soul |
Dear Dgob, the empathy is not an abstract feeling. We recognize our own and are therefore able to be sympathetic. There is no way one can share unknown feelings with the other. But +/-$ 700 for a stylus is really appalling.
Kind regards, |
Not really, Nandric. What does a re-tip on any TOTL MC cartridge cost? Answer: way way more than $700. And the cost is well worth it (to Dgob) if the stylus restores his cartridge in all its former glory. But there's the rub; it might not be as good. |
My sympathies Dgob on your EPC100Mk4. I myself, through sheer clumsiness, have destroyed the stylus to a AT20ss ( Limited Edition) and also and Empire 1000ZE/X. These however require nowhere neer the $700.00 replacement cost quoted for the Technics? If you are patient, I'm sure you can acquire another EPC100Mk3 or Mk4 for $800-1000 depending on condition?
Cheer Henry |
Dear Lew, Raul should be able to provide more precise info about Van den Hul 'treatment'. But we in Holland have one other re-tip service starting at 90 Euro for an aluminium cantilever with elliptical stylus and than, depending on the choice of cantilever material and stylus, rise to 400 Euro. For 400 Euro you get a ruby cantilever with F. Geiger stylus. BTW I don't believe that Van den Hul himself does the re-tip considering the fact that he is also managing director of at least 3 companys. Not to mention his own line of carts. Anyway our 'tortured soul' should know in advance what the total cost are. Regards, |
Addendum, The address of the re-tip service in Holland is: www.hifistudio 79.nl Their re-tip prices are the lowest as far as I know.
Regards, |
Halcro,
I will definitely keep an eye out for a replacement Technics Mk4: although financial constraints might dictate at present.
I really empathise with your losses as I'm currently using an Empire 1000 ZE/X to great effect as one on my cartridges. Have you considered using a replacement for your 1000 and, if so, which ones are the favoured options (any commentators welcome to chip in here)?
My current MM/MI options are far from shoddy but (although I'm not able to seriously claim experiencing any degree of torture as a consequence) I do miss that next performance level that the Technics brought. I've obviously not tried all cartridges and I'm sure there are alternatives that will do similar and thus I suppose the joy(?) of hifi acquisition remains by necessity. |
Nandric,
Would that also mean that there is no way we can understand our feelings without reference to the other in that difficult dialectic between thought/feeling ('What is Orientation in Thinking')? Whether or not the answer to this lies in the unresolved element of judgement power or some form of Bataillean excess, I am clearly still much impressed by such acts of empathy.
Hence, your kind help and that of all those who have taken the time to communicate with me on this thread or directly by email is greatly appreciated and I still hope that others have the chance to try the Technics and see if my impressions find similar form with them.
Gratefully |
Dear Dgob, Those are much more complex questions than a re-tip of an cart. I am sure that each and every individual has his own unique identity. But there are those social rules that we acquire in the same way as our language skills. Those with 'different' or 'deviant' feelings are in trouble in any society that I know of. There is in any society some conception of what is regarded as 'normal' so that any 'deviation' is considered as 'abnormal' and treated as hostile. So no wonder that those individuals are searching for 'similar souls'.From them they hope to get undestanding or empathy. But this imply that they don't ekspect this from others. But if there are no similar souls one will feel desperately lonely and lost. Such is the force of the social environment. BTW you and Halco are not complaining by some 'bike forum' but by our own analog forum. We are supposed to know what it means to lose some rare stylus or cart.
Regards, |
Nandric,
"We are supposed to know what it means to lose some rare stylus or cart".
I hope many don't know this now or in the future, although I agee that many do and/or will. Such is this interest. Of course, that wont remove the options of 'empathy' or 'schadenfreude' and I remain grateful that the former is often manifest through this forum.
Thanks again |
Dgob
Bummer to hear about your EPC-P100C-MK4, a real PITA.
Add a tube phono or amp and you will be able to enjoy those MC's a lot more if you run out of MM's. I am quite impressed with the Denon DL-S1 given its cheap entry point of 500-600 odd bucks.
Funny I just realigned my Technics EPC-P100C-MK4 with Raul's buddie's new Uni Tractor and one channel did not work. Luckily due to the really tight fit with the P adaptor the right channel armlead was touching one of the headshell metal pins - seperated them and right channel was back.
I guess after 30 years, all these old cartridges are closer to the end than the start of their lives.
I will miss mine when it eventually goes, however I have a few nice MC's so the pain will go quickly. |
Dear Downunder, ''Raul's buddie's new Uni tractor'' is as credible as the substitution of the EPC-P100c-MK IV for the Denon DL-S1. But there is some strange kind of confort in this advise. First is the laugh and the second is that if the stylus of the Denon get demaged there will be no drama of any kind. I just ordered the Denon with the hope to listen without any (stylus) fear to my records.
Regards, |
Nandric, Hopefully you can hear that DL-S1 with sufficient phono stage gain to obviate a step-up transformer. While my MM phono stage is down for repairs I've been thoroughly enjoying a DL-S1. The performance is way above the price and certainly rivals many of the MM/MIs. |
Dear Dgarretson, I like Dertonarm but despite of this will never mess with SUT's. Speaking about drama's. I just substituded the Basis Exclusive 'Gold' from 2009 for the 2010 version. The former had, to my suprise, no MM inputs. So Rauls promise of an MM Nirvana for cheap was a drama on its one in my case. Thanks to him there are also no more 'decent' MM carts bellow $300. But I think somehow that you are like me: the mind is with the MM carts but the heart is still on the LOMC side. Regards,
|