Hi Barry,
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When did you hear the Lumière cartridge?
Years ago in an antiques shop in France (on a Platine Verdier) where the owner was a music and hi-fi buff... It was a fascinating place in more ways than one!
The sound (and the discussion I had with the shop owner about hi-fi and music) left an indelible impression on me, which is why I've loved the Verdier and Lumière ever since. The experience also probably taught me how 'wrong', to my ears, some cartridges are voiced by manufacturers today in relation to how real voices and musical instruments actually sound.
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My speculation that the Lumière cartridge (a facsimile of the Neumann NV55 (?) moving coil cartridge is based on the Ortofon SPU, has no basis other than the fact that Ortofon patented the moving coil principle and that the Neuman design was close contemporary, and so would have had to pay Ortofon royalty. As far as I know, unlike the original SPU, the Neumann used an off-board SUT. There is a lot of hype talked about Neumann's know-how when it came to designing transformers. Again as far as I know, many of the Neumann transformers were made by other German companies, though they may have been to Neumann's design. Perhaps Stefano can clarify matters here.
I know Stefano, so might well quiz him further on that.
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Sorry to hear you have been down with the flu, but pleased you're recovering. Hope you enjoy the Decca. I suspect that like me you will find it presents a different picture to any other cartridge you have heard: astonishing attack, speed and dynamics and sheer, almost palpable, sense of presence, but tonally neutral it ain't.
I'm looking forward to it. Deccas may not have the 'big-boned', organic, sound I generally like in cartridges, but in my limited experience of them so far they get it right, musically, in most areas of their presentation - and that's ultimately what matters most!
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Yes, we did polish off the Amarone with venison steak. Will post my thoughts shortly. In fact I enjoyed it so much I will probably buy another bottle. All I have to do is find an excuse to celebrate: how about on reading your report of the Decca? That would be a good enough excuse!
Lol - I'll do my best (time is a factor), but I'll certainly let you know what I think. Glad the Amarone hit the spot - I thought it would! :)
I know as much as you do about the Pierre Clement. However, it's pedigree strongly suggests that it would be right up my street (and perhaps yours).
Marco.
