SC35C gives 80% perfromance of M3D on the cheap
Ah, missed that bit matey. I'm ok, I've got one - I was just thinking in case anyone else was interested :)
Incidentally, I've been having a play with my Shure SC35C - here's a pic:
http://www.bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=SC35C
Completely ignore the fact that it says it's for DJ and Club use for "scratching and mixing". It may be used in those applications, but trust me, in a high quality T/T and arm, and though a high quality phono stage, this little baby sings like a canary!
It tracks quite happily at 3g (same as the M3D), and like Dave said earlier, is what the BBC used at one point for broadcasting in their radio stations. This is an absolute bargain (they can be picked up new for about £25-30 in the UK!) and gives about 80% of the M3D's performance in a much less expensive, brand new and more user-friendly package.
The SC35C has got a nice 'chunky' bass, but doesn't have the sheer 'balls' and extension in the lower registers of the M3D, nor its cavernous soundstaging and clarity through the midrange, but it's not far off. Musically it is quite similar, being very 'assured' with any recordings you throw at it, detailed and dynamic sounding, and completely un-fatiguing.
It still likes a little more headhshell mass than normal (I found 16g optimal) and a medium to high-mass arm, too, but it's much smaller and lighter than the M3D so isn't as fussy to partner successfully. I'd rate it as every bit as good as a stock DL-103 (and better in some areas), with a similar type of sound, and so therefore an absolute bargain!
If you've got the likes of a Techy with a heavy headshell and a decent MM phono stage, give it a whirl. Honestly, you'll be shocked and stunned at just how good it is for the money :cool:
Marco.