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Thread: "Slightly Grubbily" Cheap Cartridge

  1. #21
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

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    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

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    Thanks Marco, I think you've convinced me to go with the Nagaoka, will just hold back and make sure all goes ok picking up the Rega deck later this evening. Sumiko Headshell too I think which will be fine for either arm.
    A very wise choice indeed, sir! Let us know how you get on

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

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  2. #22
    Alex_UK's Avatar
    Alex_UK is offline Spotify + Facebook Moderator / Chilled-Out Wino and only here for the shilling
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: Sunny Suffolk, UK

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    I'm WrappingALilacCurtainAroundMyBobby.

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    Quote Originally Posted by DSJR View Post
    I really ought to get the MP15 I have out and give it a spin.

    Alex, I have an idea - PM sent...
    Well, what Dave really meant yesterday was "I really ought to put the MP15 in the post and lend it to Alex" - which is exactly what he did, and Postman Pat duly delivered it first thing this morning, though I didn't get a chance to install and set it up until this evening, and only now spinning some tunes. I've also taken the opportunity to do a (temporary) deal with Mrs Alex, so the Garrard is now installed in the main living room in my main system. Only temporarily, while I setup & test the Nagaoka, but of course "possession is nine-tenths of the law" and now it is in the main system I hope she can learn to live with the "bloody horrible" looks because I'm not sure it is going anywhere in a hurry now I finally have sneaked it in...

    It's late, and both my girls are in bed, so can't go too loud, and really it would be silly to make any sweeping statements after playing 4 tracks, but let's just say this could be "interesting"
    Last edited by Alex_UK; 24-07-2010 at 22:49.
    Alex

    Main System: Digital: HP Laptop/M2Tech Hiface/Logitech Media Server/FLAC; Marantz SA7001 KI Signature SACD Player and other digital stuff into Gatorised Beresford Caiman DAC Vinyl: Garrard 401/SME 3009 SII Improved/Sumiko HS/Nagaoka MP-30
    Amplifier: Rega Brio R. Speakers: Spendor SP1. Cables: Various, mainly Mark Grant.
    Please see "about me" for the rest of my cr@p! Gallery


    A.o.S. on Facebook - A.o.S. on Spotify - A.o.S. on Twitter

    There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing and be nothing Aristotle

  3. #23
    Join Date: May 2008

    Location: A Strangely Isolated Place in Suffolk with Far Away Trains Passing By...

    Posts: 14,535
    I'm David.

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    Tear down these walls; Cut the ties that held me
    Crying out at the top of my voice; Tell me now if you can hear me

  4. #24
    Alex_UK's Avatar
    Alex_UK is offline Spotify + Facebook Moderator / Chilled-Out Wino and only here for the shilling
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    Well, to start with, amazingly clear, and separation like I've never experienced from this seat. But, the sound on further listening is a little closed in, with limited width to the soundstage (though deeper 3d than anything I've ever heard in my system.) Also, much reduced surface noise compared to the loveable but ultimately much lower-class AT95E. Not sure about the bass either, lots of information but not as deep as I'd like, but then I am playing it too quietly really.

    Using Madonna's first album (which I know intimately, so a great reference) and comparing to CD, bass not as bad as I had thought, but definitely the sound is more closed in. I'd set VTF to 1.7 which I think is what Dave suggested, and seems to be about right in the middle of the recommended looking on the web. Tried a little heavier - 1.8 - not much difference, but not really expecting 0.1g to work miracles. OK, let's trying backing off a bit - 1.5g... Yep, that's much better, opened up the soundstage and improved the bass a little. Still hard to tell at respectable volumes, but will leave it there for now. Certainly, the best I've ever had from vinyl in respect of background noise and clicks and pops which are virtually non-existent - couple of times I've had to check I haven't left it on CD by accident!

    Looking forward to cranking it up a bit tomorrow, but so far looking very promising.
    Alex

    Main System: Digital: HP Laptop/M2Tech Hiface/Logitech Media Server/FLAC; Marantz SA7001 KI Signature SACD Player and other digital stuff into Gatorised Beresford Caiman DAC Vinyl: Garrard 401/SME 3009 SII Improved/Sumiko HS/Nagaoka MP-30
    Amplifier: Rega Brio R. Speakers: Spendor SP1. Cables: Various, mainly Mark Grant.
    Please see "about me" for the rest of my cr@p! Gallery


    A.o.S. on Facebook - A.o.S. on Spotify - A.o.S. on Twitter

    There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing and be nothing Aristotle

  5. #25
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Wrexham, North Wales, UK

    Posts: 110,012
    I'm AudioAl'sArbiterForPISHANTO.

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    Sounds interesting, Alex! Keep us posted

    Marco.
    Main System

    Turntable: Heavily-modified Technics SL-1210MK5G [Mike New bearing/ETP platter/Paul Hynes SR7 PSU & reg mods]. Funk Firm APM Achromat/Nagaoka GL-601 Crystal Record Weight/Isonoe feet & boots/Ortofon RS-212D/Denon DL-103GL in Denon PCL-300 headshell with Funk Firm Houdini/Kondo SL-115 pure-silver cartridge leads.

    Paul Hynes MC head amp/SR5 PSU. Also modded Lentek head amp/Denon AU-310 SUT.

    Other Cartridges: Nippon Columbia (NOS 1987) Denon DL-103. USA-made Shure SC35C with NOS stylus. Goldring G820 with NOS stylus. Shure M55E with NOS stylus.

    CD Player: Audiocom-modified Sony X-777ES/DAS-R1 DAC.

    Tape Deck: Tandberg TCD 310, fully restored and recalibrated as new, by RDE, plus upgraded with heads from the TCD-420a. Also with matching TM4 Norway microphones.

    Preamps: Heavily-modified Croft Charisma-X. LDR Stereo Coffee. Power Amps: Tube Distinctions Copper Amp fitted with Tungsol KT-150s. Quad 306.

    Cables & Sundries: Mark Grant HDX1 interconnects and digital coaxial cable, plus Mark Grant 6mm UP-LCOFC Van Damme speaker cable. MCRU 'Ultimate' mains leads. Lehmann clone headphone amp with vintage Koss PRO-4AAA headphones.

    Tube Distinctions digital noise filter. VPI HW16.5 record cleaning machine.

    Speakers: Tannoy 15MGs in Lockwood cabinets with modified crossovers. 1967 Celestion Ditton 15.


    Protect your HUMAN RIGHTS and REFUSE ANY *MANDATORY* VACCINE FOR COVID-19!

    Also **SAY NO** to unjust 'vaccine passports' or certificates, which are totally incompatible with a FREE society!!!


  6. #26
    Join Date: May 2008

    Location: A Strangely Isolated Place in Suffolk with Far Away Trains Passing By...

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    I'm David.

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    The tracking weight I suggested was what 'Choice suggested, but highly compliant cartridges will be more sensitive to this because of the varying VTA changes with mechanical loading on the cantilever suspension, if you see where I am...
    Tear down these walls; Cut the ties that held me
    Crying out at the top of my voice; Tell me now if you can hear me

  7. #27
    Alex_UK's Avatar
    Alex_UK is offline Spotify + Facebook Moderator / Chilled-Out Wino and only here for the shilling
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    Well I have played a few more LPs this afternoon, and I am still very much struck by the lack of surface noise, crackles, pops etc. But, was still not sure about the bass - definitely felt that the bottom end is lacking. Played some CDs whilst we had dinner and nattered as the sun went down (perfect end to a weekend over a nice Bordeaux ) and was sure the bass was stronger. Now back on the vinyl, and I think maybe the issue is that I am actually getting bass as a series of different notes, instead of a load of low-end "muddle"? The Japan album currently coming to an end doesn't feel bass light at all, I think I just need to adjust to this new found detail and separation? I should be able to turn it up a bit tomorrow, which will help, but things are still sounding very good.
    Alex

    Main System: Digital: HP Laptop/M2Tech Hiface/Logitech Media Server/FLAC; Marantz SA7001 KI Signature SACD Player and other digital stuff into Gatorised Beresford Caiman DAC Vinyl: Garrard 401/SME 3009 SII Improved/Sumiko HS/Nagaoka MP-30
    Amplifier: Rega Brio R. Speakers: Spendor SP1. Cables: Various, mainly Mark Grant.
    Please see "about me" for the rest of my cr@p! Gallery


    A.o.S. on Facebook - A.o.S. on Spotify - A.o.S. on Twitter

    There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing and be nothing Aristotle

  8. #28
    Alex_UK's Avatar
    Alex_UK is offline Spotify + Facebook Moderator / Chilled-Out Wino and only here for the shilling
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: Sunny Suffolk, UK

    Posts: 15,952
    I'm WrappingALilacCurtainAroundMyBobby.

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    (The newly acquired Planar might get a look in tomorrow too. Though Mrs Alex said this evening after looking at the Garrard "maybe we should redecorate in a retro style, it would look really good" - so maybe she already knows I am going to fight to keep it in situ!)
    Alex

    Main System: Digital: HP Laptop/M2Tech Hiface/Logitech Media Server/FLAC; Marantz SA7001 KI Signature SACD Player and other digital stuff into Gatorised Beresford Caiman DAC Vinyl: Garrard 401/SME 3009 SII Improved/Sumiko HS/Nagaoka MP-30
    Amplifier: Rega Brio R. Speakers: Spendor SP1. Cables: Various, mainly Mark Grant.
    Please see "about me" for the rest of my cr@p! Gallery


    A.o.S. on Facebook - A.o.S. on Spotify - A.o.S. on Twitter

    There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing and be nothing Aristotle

  9. #29
    Join Date: Jan 2009

    Location: Essex

    Posts: 31,859
    I'm openingabottleofwine.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Alex_UK View Post
    (The newly acquired Planar might get a look in tomorrow too. Though Mrs Alex said this evening after looking at the Garrard "maybe we should redecorate in a retro style, it would look really good" - so maybe she already knows I am going to fight to keep it in situ!)
    Wise woman! The décor of my listening room is '70s to match the '60s and '70s equipment I use. I believe the system sounds better with this synergy!

    Regards
    Barry

  10. #30
    Join Date: Aug 2009

    Location: Staffordshire, England

    Posts: 37,786
    I'm Martin.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Alex_UK View Post
    Well I have played a few more LPs this afternoon, and I am still very much struck by the lack of surface noise, crackles, pops etc. But, was still not sure about the bass - definitely felt that the bottom end is lacking. Played some CDs whilst we had dinner and nattered as the sun went down (perfect end to a weekend over a nice Bordeaux ) and was sure the bass was stronger. Now back on the vinyl, and I think maybe the issue is that I am actually getting bass as a series of different notes, instead of a load of low-end "muddle"? The Japan album currently coming to an end doesn't feel bass light at all, I think I just need to adjust to this new found detail and separation? I should be able to turn it up a bit tomorrow, which will help, but things are still sounding very good.
    Alex just a thought but I always think that if it sounds bass-light to begin with it always will and will always bug you. Play something you know has real deep bass, ideally somethign with 5 string bass guitar and then re-evaluate - will soon show up if it can't do that 5th string - just a suggestion maybe you already did this

    Regards
    Current Lash Up:

    TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.

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