Tannoy Variluctance Cartridge. What are they like? Have you used one?

[walpurgis]

I've been curious about the Tannoy Variluctance cartridge for ages, but have never got around to giving one a try. There seems to be a bit of mystique surrounding these. What are they like and who's using one?

[walpurgis]

Any answers?

[ff1d1l]

People seem reluctant to reply.
Vari.

I'll get my coat....

[DSJR]

I have some transcriptions of 78's made with one of these and they're absolutely bloody amazing, especially the Buddy Holly and Bill Haley transfers (period Lenco deck and arm). Loads of sparkle and shellac noise well down.

I think many 1950's mono records may well benefit (old Decca's pre RIAA adoption), but the sound could be just a tad 'raw' on more modern pressings - just a gut feeling not based on personal experience, so take or leave as you see fit ;)

[Val33]

I have several Goldring 580/600 Variable Reluctance cartridges, but not for HiFi, They are used in my 1959 Chantal Meteor Jukebox!

I imagine they are quite similar to the the Tannoy in operation and sound. The jukebox sounds great, just like a jukebox should, but nothing like hifi!

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y502/Val3310/AOS/P1010962_zpsir8dqpk6.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y502/Val3310/AOS/P1010963_zpsmfsdznas.jpg

[Firebottle]

:stalks: Stunning looking machine.

[walpurgis]

Yup. Very nice!

And I can see the cartridge. The variable reluctance cartridges of whatever make look rather alike. I suppose the design constraints dictated that at the time.

There are two, new old stock Tannoy stereo examples on eBay at the moment, but without styli. I'm tempted, but finding the right stylus could be a nightmare (I've looked). The alternative could be to find an iron shanked one of another make and adapt it. :hmm:

[struth]

Not seen that model b4; very nice indeed. Used to service jukes in a past life... Great fun, although could be very annoying to work on lol...

[spendorman]

I remember them being advertised, at least I think I do!

[Barry]

'Vari-reluctance' is a generic term, like 'fixed coil'; it is not unique to Tannoy. The Bang & Olufsen cartridges employed a vari-reluctance design as do the Ortofon fixed coil designs.

Regarding the Tannoy designs, personally I wouldn't bother. Replacement styli will be near impossible to obtain, and I don't think their performance, good in its day, would hold up in the way old Deccas and Shures do. But to be honest I have never heard one.

[spendorman]

Ah, I have an old Bang & Olufsen cartridge that was fitted to the Dual 1019 when I bought it some 30 or so years ago. I was surprised by the performance of both. I still have them.

[narabdela]

I remember them being advertised, at least I think I do!



http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/thorens/imgs/e/8/e833fa44.jpg