Agreed. Much of the negative impressions reported by users is due to the sloppy workmanship and quality control exercised by Decca at the time. I have had three samples of the Decca 'Blue': one is fantastic (and kept), the second adequate (also kept), the third was poor (and is long gone).
Barry
Location: Finland
Posts: 237
I'm Kai.
There's also been some MC cartridges mounting the coils directly above the stylus, like the new Audio-Technica ART-1000. It's not a first, I think there was a similar older design from the 80s, but can't remember who made it. In that type there's a rather traditional cantilever, but stylus movement is "sensed" right at the tip instead of at the other end of the cantilever.
https://eu.audio-technica.com/AT-ART1000
I think a prototype MC cartridge using similar ideas was made for Roland Research, but never went into production.
Would love to hear the Audio Technika ART-1000, but at £4,500 that's not going to be anytime soon!
Barry