New Headshell & Cartridge

[TBL]

Isn't Christmas a lovely time to treat yourself

http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l637/alphatoner/DSC_0003-6.jpg
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l637/alphatoner/DSC_0002-6.jpg
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l637/alphatoner/DSC_0001-6.jpg
http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l637/alphatoner/DSC_0002-1-2.jpg

[Alex_UK]

nice one Ian, Happy Christmas. :)

[jandl100]

Wow - Air Tight - is that a valve driven cartridge? ;)

[TBL]

Wow - Air Tight - is that a valve driven cartridge? ;)

Certainly is. Air Tight have developed micro valves (1.8mm high) The PC-3 uses 4 micro KT88's in place of the traditional magnet. I understand they are also working on a horn loaded cartridge which is due for release in late 2012

Happy New year Jerry.

[Marco]

Hi Ian,

That's a *very* nice headshell and cartridge! Air Tight is one of the few established 'hi-end' brands of cartridges I would entertain paying for, as sonically, they are genuinely worth the expenditure.

How about showing your new toys on their partnering T/T? It would make things more interesting and complete :cool:

Marco.

[TBL]

Thanks Marco, It is by a big stretch the best cart I have ever owned, I have 4 now including the PC-3. I considered my SPU reference gold nigh on unbeatable till I got the PC-3. If the Ref Gold was previously 10/10 its now been relegated to a mediocre 6/10.

For completeness the other two are an SPU headshell fitted with a Ortofon SL15e which is currently being re-tipped by Soundsmith in the USA. 2nd up is a Dynavector Karat 17d2. Day to day use I tend to swap between the Dyn and SL15e with the Ref Gold kept for critical listening. That spot now goes to the PC-3 so not sure where that leaves the Gold.

As for TT, there are pics in the gallery already so not really worth repeating in this thread.

[vouk]

Nice one!
The Air Tight is one of the finest cartridges around, regardless of price. Pure magic in the right system. Enjoy!

[alex_san78]

Impressive! I'd like to hear it once. Better if it will be mine... :)

[Wakefield Turntables]

I'm in the market for a Ortonfon cadenza black but I have seen the reviews for the AirTight cartriges. What descriptive terms would you use to best descrive the sonic characteristics of the PC3?