View Full Version : Decca coloured ?
I put this up as I know there are some decca owners and indeed enthusiasts of this esteemed brand. I have been enjoying my own Decca / townshend combo for the past year and never considered the cartridge as being particularly coloured, however after reading a soundbite appraisal in an old hi fi mag choice in which it was claimed, apparently it is. So there are 3 thought that spring to mind, (a) Im clueless ( probably) (b) it is coloured, but does it matter? ( c) there clueless, or at least wrong this time ?
walpurgis
02-10-2015, 21:21
Every audio component is coloured or imparts colourations, it's just a question of degree.
Can't say I'd call Deccas major offenders though. I'm currently using ZYX MCs and one thing that really struck me about them from the first time I heard one was the seeming absence of obvious colouration. Most rare.
Patrick Dixon
03-10-2015, 09:09
Many people haven't heard Deccas and many that have haven't got them to work properly (judging by the comments).
If you like it, that's all that matters. I certainly like mine.
Yeah, your right of course. Also its difficult to analyse one item in the chain when there are other variables going on to influence the overall sound. The decca seems very natural to me partnered with Mr T s pride and joy. This is my first thread so thanks for answering chaps, was just curious really
awkwardbydesign
03-10-2015, 09:39
The tin cans they live in can cause colouration, hence the popularity of Deccapods and GB clamps, plus the new London solid bodied cartridges.
I have recently recorded some LPs on a CD recorder, and I CAN hear the colouration, even with a GB clamp. And it's weird to hear the needle drop on a CD!
Not researched anything about these deccapods Richard, just thinking If its worthwhile trying one at some point in the future ? Thanks
walpurgis
03-10-2015, 11:01
Not that keen on Deccapods. Seen a few with stripped threads in the soft alloy. Then you just end up with a useless lump of metal bonded to your cartridge.
Not that keen on Deccapods. Seen a few with stripped threads in the soft alloy. Then you just end up with a useless lump of metal bonded to your cartridge.
Probably belonging to someone following the Linn school of thought: "tighten up until the thread strips, then slacken off by a quarter turn"!
The GB clamp has to be used carefully; if cartridge is clamped too tightly, the cartridge housing will misshape causing the coils to move. Again the clamp need only be tightened so it 'nips' the cartridge housing; the intention is for it to dampen the resonant tin box housing.
Apropos the colouration or otherwise of Decca cartridges, well the Decca certainly can distort: sine-wave test tones have been shown to be 'triangulated', but all Deccas demand the most fastidious care in setting up (both mechanically and electrically), so it is not surprising that a less than carefully set up Deccca will give disappointing results.
In my opinion Deccas distort no more than many other high quality cartridges: what they do have which is unique amongst cartridges is a palpable sense of presence, air, attack and life. Owing to the appalling standard of workmanship and quality control by Decca (when the cartridges were made by Decca Special Products), it not unusual to acquire a mediocre sample. With a good sample, carefully set up, there is nothing out there to touch it IMO.
awkwardbydesign
03-10-2015, 13:08
Not that keen on Deccapods. Seen a few with stripped threads in the soft alloy. Then you just end up with a useless lump of metal bonded to your cartridge.
Two options then. Either threadlock studs in the holes thus - https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e6/81/22/e6812289fc3f0fd875b06783434b1553.jpg
Or if you have a slotted headshell redrill and tap slightly further forward. One of my GB clamps had this problem and just filling eith epoxy and retapping the original holes was adequate.
awkwardbydesign
03-10-2015, 13:14
Apropos the colouration or otherwise of Decca cartridges, well the Decca certainly can distort: sine-wave test tones have been shown to be 'triangulated', but all Deccas demand the most fastidious care in setting up (both mechanically and electrically), so it is not surprising that a less than carefully set up Deccca will give disappointing results.
I use the Decca International damped unipivot arm, and my London Supergold tracks perfectly adequately. As for loading, the common recommendation is for 30k, but some think that 1Meg is better! Suck it and see, and I have added loading sockets to my phono amp so that I can.
I use the Decca International damped unipivot arm, and my London Supergold tracks perfectly adequately. As for loading, the common recommendation is for 30k, but some think that 1Meg is better! Suck it and see, and I have added loading sockets to my phono amp so that I can.
I have never had any problems with tracking of any of my Deccas (Mk. III, Mk. V and Mk, VI), used in a variety of arms (Decca ffss Super, Decca International unipivot, Audio and Design (Keith Monks) MB9A unipivot, Infinity 'Black Widow' and SME 3009). Some would say damping is essential; certainly it is when unipivot arms are used, but I prefer to think of it as being helpful. I have even had a Decca track the infamous cannon cracks on the Telarc 1812; which on inspection shows an abrupt 90 degree turn in the track!
Regarding loading, some would say 15K is better, some 33K and Decca themselves 50K (47K). I too have heard of some users preferring 1 Meg, but I think it all depends on the sample; so as you say "suck it and see". I have experimented with increased loading (< 68K), and the only thing I found was that low loading values affected the tracking - the lower the value, the less able was the Decca to track 'torture' tracks; presumably due to the increased electrodynamic loading of the generator.
awkwardbydesign
03-10-2015, 16:53
I have experimented with increased loading (< 68K), and the only thing I found was that low loading values affected the tracking - the lower the value, the less able was the Decca to track 'torture' tracks; presumably due to the increased electrodynamic loading of the generator.
Ah, I didn't know about that.
I thought it might end up in a 15,33,47 debate, interesting though. Just connect mine to my dynavector ( 47 think? ) and a way we go for a most engaging and exciting listen , the power and dynamics is incredible especially with classical music. I know its personal taste but how about tracking force ?
I thought it might end up in a 15,33,47 debate, interesting though. Just connect mine to my dynavector ( 47 think? ) and a way we go for a most engaging and exciting listen , the power and dynamics is incredible especially with classical music. I know its personal taste but how about tracking force ?
Well there you go - if you like what you hear, don't worry about details. Regarding tracking force, just stick to what Decca suggest.
By the way, which Decca is it?
The cheapie ? gold, working me way up, hopefully
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