WANTED: DECCA cartridge adapter for SME arm

[Wakefield Turntables]

Anyone got one? I've not scratched my DECCA cart urge yet!

[walpurgis]

Anyone got one? I've not scratched my DECCA cart urge yet!

Ooh. That's gonna cost you. A good pre Mk.IV ain't cheap these days. What are you going to go for, Mk.III or Mk.IV Elliptical?

[mad-moon]

Could you get away with this??..and use any standard sme headshell..I've got a few of them..(or are you wanting the four pin type) . . . .

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/London-Decca-4-Pin-Mounting-Bracket-/291499145395?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43deb3f8b3


Anyone got one? I've not scratched my DECCA cart urge yet!

[walpurgis]

Could you get away with this??..and use any standard sme headshell

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/London-Decca-4-Pin-Mounting-Bracket-/291499145395?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43deb3f8b3

That is for a Mk.V London series and won't fit Mk.I to Mk.IV.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Ooh. That's gonna cost you. A good pre Mk.IV ain't cheap these days. What are you going to go for, Mk.III or Mk.IV Elliptical?

Dunno Geoff. I just fancied getting an adapter for my SME3012, I didn't want to go down the route of a whole new tonearm, fresh rewire, new arm pod... etc etc..

[Wakefield Turntables]

This is what I want (- the cartridge)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-DECCA-FFSS-Mk1-Cartridge-SME-Tonearm-Adaptor-Garrard-301-Turntables-/271940004645?hash=item3f50e32b25

[mad-moon]

yeah was just editing my post when you put this up...my london has only 3 pins as opposed to four required...
That is for a Mk.V London series and won't fit Mk.I to Mk.IV.

[mad-moon]

Oh..you want the cart and the adapter...It reads that you're after just the adapter...
This is what I want (- the cartridge)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-DECCA-FFSS-Mk1-Cartridge-SME-Tonearm-Adaptor-Garrard-301-Turntables-/271940004645?hash=item3f50e32b25

[walpurgis]

This is what I want (- the cartridge)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-DECCA-FFSS-Mk1-Cartridge-SME-Tonearm-Adaptor-Garrard-301-Turntables-/271940004645?hash=item3f50e32b25

It's the Mk.I, oldest of the FFSS carts. I'd be inclined to find a Mk.III or Mk.IV elliptical and have it serviced by John Wright.

Are you aware that the Mk.IV is available in normal half inch headshell mounting types, such as the C4E, SC4E and 4RC. Those will fit directly into your SME headshell without the need for the adaptor and they sound gorgeous.

Here's a piccie:

http://i62.tinypic.com/2jbjw9w.jpg

[mad-moon]

That looks the business...
It's the Mk.I, oldest of the FFSS carts. I'd be inclined to find a Mk.III or Mk.IV elliptical and have it serviced by John Wright.

Are you aware that the Mk.IV is available in normal half inch headshell mounting types, such as the C4E, SC4E and 4RC. Those will fit directly into your SME headshell without the need for the adaptor and they sound gorgeous.

Here's a piccie:

http://i62.tinypic.com/2jbjw9w.jpg

[walpurgis]

Here's one in action:

http://i58.tinypic.com/15z2fk9.jpg

It's the 4RC. Had one. Wish I still had it. It sounded great!

[BTH K10A]

I assume you mean the D2 adaptor

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/IMG_1757_zps8krxbgbb.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/IMG_1757_zps8krxbgbb.jpg.html)

[Barry]

The SME D2 adapter is, because of its relative scarcity, ridiculously expensive these days (the last one I saw on eBay went for > £200! :eek:).

You would be better off finding a Decca ffss (Super) arm in good condition, with which to use the Decca Mk. I to Mk. III heads (as well as the H4E and SH4E). That way, you only have one mechanical interface between cartridge and arm to worry about instead of two.

I have heard an H4E sounding absolutely superb in the Decca ffss arm, as well as my own Mk. III/ffss (Super) combination. The arms can be found for < £100. Mine cost me £30.

[walpurgis]

The SME D2 adapter is, because of its relative scarcity, ridiculously expensive these days (the last one I saw on eBay went for > £200! :eek:).

You would be better off finding a Decca ffss (Super) arm in good condition, with which to use the Decca Mk. I to Mk. III heads (as well as the H4E and SH4E). That way, you only have one mechanical interface between cartridge and arm to worry about instead of two.

I have heard an H4E sounding absolutely superb in the Decca ffss arm, as well as my own Mk. III/ffss (Super) combination. The arms can be found for < £100. Mine cost me £30.

On eBay, about three years ago. I sold an FFSS arm and three possibly dubious looking MK.I heads for £22. Funny how prices have gone since.

[Barry]

There's a ffss arm (without the magnetic bias) with a Mk. II head for sale on eBay at the moment for £825 (!) :eek:

[Wakefield Turntables]

Oh..you want the cart and the adapter...It reads that you're after just the adapter...

No just the adapter


It's the Mk.I, oldest of the FFSS carts. I'd be inclined to find a Mk.III or Mk.IV elliptical and have it serviced by John Wright.

Are you aware that the Mk.IV is available in normal half inch headshell mounting types, such as the C4E, SC4E and 4RC. Those will fit directly into your SME headshell without the need for the adaptor and they sound gorgeous.

Here's a piccie:

http://i62.tinypic.com/2jbjw9w.jpg

Nope, I've been a bit ignorant and not done much research. That looks like a good idea. I dont have a SME headshell anymore, but I supposed these types of carts would be mountable on other flatbed types.


I assume you mean the D2 adaptor

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f120/emttsd15/IMG_1757_zps8krxbgbb.jpg (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/emttsd15/media/IMG_1757_zps8krxbgbb.jpg.html)


The SME D2 adapter is, because of its relative scarcity, ridiculously expensive these days (the last one I saw on eBay went for > £200! :eek:).

You would be better off finding a Decca ffss (Super) arm in good condition, with which to use the Decca Mk. I to Mk. III heads (as well as the H4E and SH4E). That way, you only have one mechanical interface between cartridge and arm to worry about instead of two.

I have heard an H4E sounding absolutely superb in the Decca ffss arm, as well as my own Mk. III/ffss (Super) combination. The arms can be found for < £100. Mine cost me £30.

I really wanted to avoid the whole new tonearm scenario. But if this is the only way forward then so be it!

[BTH K10A]

The SME D2 adapter is, because of its relative scarcity, ridiculously expensive these days (the last one I saw on eBay went for > £200! :eek:).

You would be better off finding a Decca ffss (Super) arm in good condition, with which to use the Decca Mk. I to Mk. III heads (as well as the H4E and SH4E). That way, you only have one mechanical interface between cartridge and arm to worry about instead of two.

I have heard an H4E sounding absolutely superb in the Decca ffss arm, as well as my own Mk. III/ffss (Super) combination. The arms can be found for < £100. Mine cost me £30.

Although not cheap, they can be found for a lot less than that as this recent eBay auction demonstrates. Maybe a NOS still sealed one like the one I have in the picture may command a little more but the adaptor will a cheaper option than a new tonearm.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SME-to-Decca-FFSS-Tonearm-Adaptor-/201384251980?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2ee36fd24c&nma=true&si=Sriist125lxggkmT7L%252BkGLwFXGk%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[hifi_dave]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t406/hifi_dave/007.jpg


Alternatively, you could convert to 1/2 inch mount, as one of mine is.

[tankertop]

Got a nice Decca FFSS (Super) + Auriol arm lifter that you could have for £100. Happy to throw in a Decca II cart that needs a cantilever/tip in for free...

[walpurgis]

Got a nice Decca FFSS (Super) + Auriol arm lifter that you could have for £100. Happy to throw in a Decca II cart that needs a cantilever/tip in for free...

There you go. Get John Wright to service the Mk.II and retip and you're sorted for about £350 all in I reckon.

[Barry]

Although not cheap, they can be found for a lot less than that as this recent eBay auction demonstrates. Maybe a NOS still sealed one like the one I have in the picture may command a little more but the adaptor will a cheaper option than a new tonearm.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SME-to-Decca-FFSS-Tonearm-Adaptor-/201384251980?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2ee36fd24c&nma=true&si=Sriist125lxggkmT7L%252BkGLwFXGk%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

That's a pretty good price for a D2 (or is it a D3?), but then there is this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Decca-FFSS-Tonearm-/201389772553?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2ee3c40f09, which could go for < £80 and would be a better match to the Decca heads; if less convenient.

[Wakefield Turntables]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t406/hifi_dave/007.jpg


Alternatively, you could convert to 1/2 inch mount, as one of mine is.

Where did you get those mounts from?


Got a nice Decca FFSS (Super) + Auriol arm lifter that you could have for £100. Happy to throw in a Decca II cart that needs a cantilever/tip in for free...

Send me a PM with your payment details. SOLD!

[hifi_dave]

The mounts on the two Dark Blues are Deccapods from Tom Fletcher. No screws to secure, just a very tight interference fit.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Dave, I dont suppose you have a contact number for Tom Fletcher, maybe send me a PM?

[Wakefield Turntables]

I think I found him.

[topoxforddoc]

Dave, I dont suppose you have a contact number for Tom Fletcher, maybe send me a PM?

If it's Tom Fletcher, the Notts TT designer, he sadly passed away a couple of years ago. Tom was another fan of Decca cartridges.

[hifi_dave]

Dave, I dont suppose you have a contact number for Tom Fletcher, maybe send me a PM?

Unfortunately, you will need a psychic to conduct a seance. Good ol' Tom died a few years ago.

[Wakefield Turntables]

SHOOT!

Same company ?

http://www.fletcheraudio.co.uk/

Or just another dude called Tom Fletcher?

[topoxforddoc]

SHOOT!

Same company ?

http://www.fletcheraudio.co.uk/

Or just another dude called Tom Fletcher?

It's the same company, but sadly Tom is no longer here.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Thanks Charlie. The hunt continues for more DECCA goodies.

[DSJR]

Presence Audio will supply a Deccapod (mine has two screws holding the later cartridge internals to the pod itself at top rear) and the original tin top is discarded. I also got a four-pin connector (the middle pin is doubled up) so it connects in a more conventional way.

When Tom became ill, I believe he sold/transferred Nottingham Analogue to the current owners, who still do a stirling job of making them at least as well as he did when on his own. Fletcher Audio came later with some interesting developments. Not sure if they're still trading now the guiding light is no longer with us :( I hope hifi dave can confirm the above :)

I ought to add from personal experience that Decca cartridge ownership is fraught with unreliability, sometimes 'zingy' extreme treble, bass only there when the record actually has some (!!!!!) and absolutely NO soft added 'halo' around the musicians, which can give it a dry sound compared to many. A bit like a Dynavector 17D series or even a good Shure V15 III or V but with balls and drive too. I'd suggest a really good phono stage with very high overload margins and no ringing if overloaded that can take the added 'snap' and 'zing,' as Decca's can apparently offer over 75mV on ticks and pops and many phono stages just can't take it I believe.

[topoxforddoc]

The Deccapod only fits the MkV (Grey or Blue) onwards. The earlier FFSS Mk I-IV came in 2 versions - the more common had an "integrated headship a la SPU" & were designed to go straight onto a Decca FFSS tonearm and only had the Decca FFSS fitting (this is the version which Rexton has). Less common were the versions, which came with a standard 1/2 inch fitting. For instance the H4-E was a Mk IV FFSS using the Decca fitting. The 1/2 inch version of this was the C4-E.

[walpurgis]

The 1/2 inch version of this was the C4-E.

Which I've always wanted to get my hands on. I had the 4RC and that was superb. More punchy and dynamic than the London Blue I had at the time. Which itself was pretty damn good (I swear the earlier Blues were better than later ones).

[topoxforddoc]

Which I've always wanted to get my hands on. I had the 4RC and that was superb. More punchy and dynamic than the London Blue I had at the time. Which itself was pretty damn good (I swear the earlier Blues were better than later ones).

Geoff,

there's little difference between the 4-RC and C4-E other than the stylus profile. The SC4-E was the specially selected one, a bit like the Export version.

[hifi_dave]

SHOOT!

Same company ?

http://www.fletcheraudio.co.uk/

Or just another dude called Tom Fletcher?

Tom was Nottingham Analogue for decades. When he became ill, he sold the company to the people who worked there and they continue, to this day, to make his products.

Tom also designed products for one of his distributors in Denmark(?) which bear his name - Fletcher. I am not sure if they are still trading and if they are, what they now make. That website you linked to appears to be up to date and a work in progress but I have no idea if they are the same people or not.

Prescence Audio, who distribute London/Decca cartridges, do have a Deccapod to allow a better mount for the cartridges onto a suitable arm. It does the job but is not as elegant as Tom's original design, as you see in my pic. These are now 30 years old.

[Barry]

Geoff,

there's little difference between the 4-RC and C4-E other than the stylus profile. The SC4-E was the specially selected one, a bit like the Export version.

Not quite, the 4RC was fitted with an RC filter network to try and tame the unruly top end. But as you say, the 4RC was fitted with a conical stylus tip whereas the C4E ws fitted with an elliptical tip, with the SC4E being a selected C4E (such was the appalling variation in build quality of Deccas at the time!).

[mad-moon]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SME-Adaptor-For-Decca-FFSS-Cartridges-SME-tonearm-Garrard-301-Turntables-/271941267985?hash=item3f50f67211

[Wakefield Turntables]

Thanks for the headsup Alan, I'm doing some research into the DECCA carts to find out the best solution for my setup.