Decca Mk.III versus Decca Mk.IV ?

[walpurgis]

Can somebody tell me the differences between the Decca Mk.III and Mk.IV FFSS cartridge heads. I've had a bit of a look around the net and there's little info. Although they look very similar, I'm wondering if there are differing compliances and tracking forces etc.

[awkwardbydesign]

Is the info on vinylengine no good? http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_database.php?m=Decca&t=mi&mod=&sort=2&Search=Search&sty=&ovlo=&ovhi=&can=&dclo=&dchi=&stid=&masslo=&masshi=&notes=&prlo=&prhi=

[BTH K10A]

The main difference is that the compliance figures were different

Mk3 = 15x 10-6 lateral & 4x10-6 vertical

Mk4 HE, C4E & SC4E = 30x 10-6 lateral & 6x10-6 vertical

Mk 4 4RC has same compliance as Mk3

There were possibly differences in construction and/or materials but these don't show in the specs

The SH4E I had didn't measure or sound any better that my Mk3 though.

[Barry]

The main difference is that the compliance figures were different

Mk3 = 15 x10 -6 lateral & 4 x10 -6 vertical

Mk4 HE, C4E & SC4E = 30 x10 -6 lateral & 6 x10 -6 vertical

Mk4 4RC has same compliance as Mk3

There were possibly differences in construction and/or materials but these don't show in the specs

The SH4E I had didn't measure or sound any better that my Mk3 though.

Agreed, though it should be born in mind these are static compliances, the values at 10Hz will be about half these figures.

I assume you will be using the Decca head with either a Decca arm or use the Dacca to EIA adaptor 'stub' made by SME. If not, then you may find this cartridge connection guide useful:

http://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=74178&d=1356024735

Also agree regarding the Mk. III versus the Mk. IV (in my case the H4E).

[walpurgis]

Thank you chaps. I don't currently own a Decca, but having had many in the past, I'm toying with the idea of having another. I was considering another Mk.IV or maybe a Mk.III, rather than a Mk.V.