Very choice.
I wonder how this would compare to my SPU GT?
Not really tried any of the MC SPUs.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
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Very choice.
I wonder how this would compare to my SPU GT?
Not really tried any of the MC SPUs.
Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk
Hi Josie.
Ah, that's where I left that SPU GT ... I was looking for it the other afternoon! Can I have it back now, please? :)
Crikey, is there anyone on this forum that hasn't bought an SPU from me??
To answer your question. Your SPU GT is very special, and is one of only a couple of bits of hifi that I immediately regretted selling. In fact, it is only recently that I managed to get a similar one, this time a GTE .... a 1990's elliptical job, with the little transformers, made for the Japanese market, I believe (thanks, Clive!). It's very nice, but still doesn't quite have the magic of your's. The A95 is a brilliant all-rounder, adding some 'hifi' detail to the traditional SPU sound, although imo it loses some of the richness and 'density' of the old spherical, Alnico ones, like your's.
So, keep it ... or sell it back to me ... please ...
Very interesting post. Thanks!
Regarding the SPU Century, I've had all sorts of problems trying to optimise Shibata stylii on other cartridges, so I'm curious if this one is any easier? Not sure it's a great idea to track that stylus at 4 grams, either. Any thoughts?
I have personally found how I align the century and the a95 makes a big different, having used many many protractors and procedures I have found the Acoustical systems on the Uni din setting being optimum in terms of performance. I find a slight grain an hardness if used on any of the other settings.
I agree regarding UNI-DIN alignment - whenever I have tried aligning a cartridge to Baerwald/LoefgrenB etc, I always find myself reverting to UNI-DIN since it seems to result in a much more engaging and musical sound. You do need to buy the SMARTractor to align to UNI-DIN, though!
Although it's another expensive tool (and really a dealer tool) the Analog Magik computer based cartridge setup system does take the guesswork out of accurate alignment, which is quite difficult to achieve with SPUs since there is nowhere to put a convenient bubble level to give a visual and repeatable indication of VTA and azimuth, which become increasingly important with fancier stylus profiles like Shibata and Replicant.
I fully agree with the Analog Magik, its a bit more specialist though hence why not mentioned, I would certainly recommend the smart tractor because of the Uni Din setting and ease of use. The Shibata does take a lot of care but can be highly musical if treated with care.