dgarretson

Responses from dgarretson

Who needs a MM cartridge type when we have MC?
After 75 hours of break-in it is time for an update on the Soundsmith Grace F-9 Ruby OCL stylus assembly. To get this out of the way: Peter gets a poor grade for unresponsiveness to emails. No reply to my request for set-up advice or specs on the ... 
Can I replace a 24uF capacitor with 22uF?
ClarityCap can wind 630V or 250V ESA to any custom value <200uf or do new compact 400V MR range to 35uf.ClarityCap North America Sales 
Lightspeed Attenuator - Best Preamp Ever?
Grannyring, Feel free to PM me for the speaker cable recipe or for ideas about implementing LDRs in a volume control for an active preamp. davidgarretson@verizon.net 
Lightspeed Attenuator - Best Preamp Ever?
Clio09, Thanks for remembering. I replaced a balanced Shallco attenuator with a 100K balanced LDR attenuator in my AtmaSphere MP-1 phono preamp with great results. It is a relatively simple project, provided that use of LDR is limited to the shunt... 
Best Rock Album in 2012
It's not rock, but Brian Eno's ambient Lux is getting me through the Holiday angst. Nice sounding DMM double LP.Other worthy LPs include Neil Young Psychedelic Pill, Soundgarden King Animal, Calexico Algiers, Mekons Ancient & Modern(2011). Try... 
3/8 thread Spikes...
At a higher price point check out 3/8 16 brass Audiopoints. http://www.starsoundtechnologies.com/shopping.htmlAP platforms and points have been a significant upgrade for my Merlins and other components. 
Beatles Reissues on VINYL Finally
After listening today to the new White Album LP I will skip the box set. The new version based on the 2009 digital remaster is less thin and has more LF development than my early USA vinyl copy, but the lifelessness of the 24/44.1 digital source i... 
Von Schweikert VR-6 or Wilson Audio Watt/Puppies 5
The Wilson's mid-bass impedance drop to 2.4 ohms is difficult for a low-power tube amp. It's not much different from the W3/P2 I owned for years. It sounded appealing on a 5W SET except for wimpy dynamics and loose bass. Even 75 wpc tube amp was u... 
What are your favorite phono cartridges?
Of 20 vintage MM/MI and several mid-line LOMC:Acutex M320III STRGrace F9 w/Soundsmith Ruby OCL stylusStanton 981LZSAstatic MF-100 
Who needs a MM cartridge type when we have MC?
Lew, you should be fine with your NOS M320III STR. My used example came with suspension damage that necessitated replacement of rubber that had been pinched by bent induction tabs that extend from the cantilever into the cartridge body. I suspect ... 
Who needs a MM cartridge type when we have MC?
Here is the Soundsmith Ruby OCL stylus:http://cgim.audiogon.com/i/vs/i/f/1352189501.jpgI sweated Ben Day dots detaching it from the silicone blob that fastens it to the acrylic box. It is an undocumented alien, save for recommended minimum VTF of ... 
Who needs a MM cartridge type when we have MC?
Lew, I was on the fence about what to do with the F9 body--a $47 eBay purchase. The rising cost of retips tipped me toward SS. So the F9 will carry a stylus costing 10x more than the body. A good analogy may be to what in LA is referred to as a "t... 
Who needs a MM cartridge type when we have MC?
With discussion returning to Grace, I recently pulled the trigger on a Soundmith F9 holder with ruby cant and OCL. Should arrive in mid November. Unfortunately I have nothing from Grace to compare it to, as my stock E stylus is broken. 
Who needs a MM cartridge type when we have MC?
Hello Don,By Ruby "S" I assume that you mean Soundsmith F9 Ruby with OCL? I have been on the fence about ordering one. What does the SS stylus holder look like?The Acme fuse was icing on the cake of many mods to VK75SE. In addition I bypassed the ... 
Who needs a MM cartridge type when we have MC?
Lewm, I can confirm similar results with an Acme silver fuse at AC inlet on my BAT VK75SE. I have not tried their fuse holder.