Hi Biff,

Quote Originally Posted by WOStantonCS100 View Post
Wouldn't it be (in a MM cart) the differences in the strength/type of magnet glued to the end of the cantilever? Even if the same magnet is used, depending on the diameter of the cantilever, I assuming the distance of the magnet to coil would change as well cause an increase or decrease in the "magnetic field" (right term?). I'm sure these differences are microscopic; but... ...it's a cartridge right? I'm no expert; just guessing.

When I got my Stanton modded by Soundsmith with a new cantilever and stylus it worked in reverse. The output dropped. Since the output was really high, no big deal. It also seems to make sense to me as the diameter of the ruby cantilever is considerably smaller than the original tree trunk cantilever, thus, the magnets would be further away from the coils?
Sounds feasible to me!

I can definitely confirm that the vintage US model SC35C is significantly 'louder' than the modern version, as I've just installed the latter (the one Barry gave me, fitted with a modern Shure stylus) in another headshell, and have done the comparison. And not only is it 'louder', it makes the modern version sound like a cheap toy!

The difference in performance too is down to both the cartridge itself AND the supplied stylus, as even when swapping the supplied stylus on the modern version, with the NOS US one, it doesn't transform it into the 'giant-killer' that the vintage model is, so what's inside the latter (magnet, generator, or whatever) is definitely of a different level of quality compared to what's used inside the modern SC35C.

Again, like in so many other areas of hi-fi, there is clear evidence of quality standards having significantly dropped since Shure first released the SC35C! It's no coincidence I feel that the modern version lacks the words "Made in the USA" printed on the body, above the cartridge pins, so goodness knows where the cartridges are made these days.... China, perhaps?

Back to sound quality, and this cartridge sounds really rather special, especially since I've increased VTF to 3.5g, which I reckon is where the sweet spot lies, although this will vary a little from system to system. Applying much more downforce than that, results in the sound thickening and becoming 'plummy', so if the BBC tracked their SC35Cs at the recommended 4.5g (or above), it might explain why some of their music broadcasts then sounded distinctly veiled!

When tracking optimally, at around 3.5g, the vintage SC35C sounds anything BUT that!

I need to try it with different types of music, to see if it's capable of subtlety and finesse with more challenging genres, but so far with rock, pop and dance music, it is utterly beguiling, and combines sledgehammer bass, which is sphincter-tight, weighty and massively extended, with a mellifluous, highly communicative midrange, and a detailed, 'airy' sounding top-end, that has a wide-open clarity, yet is never fatiguing. Heady and highly entertaining stuff indeed....

It must be said - this cartridge is a seriously fun listen, and an utter, UNMITIGATED BARGAIN... I have heard £1000 MC cartridges sound worse!!

Right, I'm off to spin more tunes... I will be listening to the vintage US Shure SC35C, probably into the early hours of the morning, with a wide variety of musical genres, and will report tomorrow with more detailed thoughts.

Laters!

Marco.