How "much" cartridge is too much?

A

Arsh

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Oct 17, 2015
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Hi All,

I currently am very happy with my VPI Scoutmaster/JMW9/Soundsmith Paua/edensound Terracone footers/Edensound Terrastone platforms for TT and separate for motor/edensound brass damping weights for motor and plinth/Transparent Reference MM2 phono/Herron VTPH-2 analog setup.

I have another year or more before I need my Paua retipped.

I am wondering how much higher I can go with cartridge price/performance with this setup and still reap the benefits of the cartridge?

I know some will suggest just buying a different TT, but this was my late father's table, and I would like to stick with it.

By the way, the current setup sounds awesome, so I will be fine with retipping my Paua and sticking with it if that seems best.

Thanks for your thoughts!
 
Well my TT's even older than yours and my cartridge and tone arm are both more expensive. Your TT (and mine) will always be a limiting factor but the cartridge and tone arm are the most critical. If the TT has sentimental value there are still at least 2 things you can explore:

1) Upgrade the bearing assembly: Contact Jim Howard at Applied Fidelity and see if he can supply a ceramic ball and sapphire bearing assembly. Much lower background noise.
2) Upgrade the motor assembly: Not sure what yours uses, but I see some have a dual flywheel and maybe a heavier platter as an upgrade?

Good luck.
 
Barry said:
Well my TT's even older than yours and my cartridge and tone arm are both more expensive. Your TT (and mine) will always be a limiting factor but the cartridge and tone arm are the most critical. If the TT has sentimental value there are still at least 2 things you can explore:

1) Upgrade the bearing assembly: Contact Jim Howard at Applied Fidelity and see if he can supply a ceramic ball and sapphire bearing assembly. Much lower background noise.
2) Upgrade the motor assembly: Not sure what yours uses, but I see some have a dual flywheel and maybe a heavier platter as an upgrade?

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Thanks Barry. I appreciate that information. What kind of TT/arm/cartridge are you using?
 
Barry said:
A Lyra Etna and a Triplanar VII with a modified VPI HW-19 IV....
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Nice. As I understand it from my research, replacing my arm (eg with a 3D or other arm) is not trivial and would require modification of the plinth. Thus, I figured I would focus on the cartridge, having done a lot to isolate the TT, etc. I use the 300 rpm motor, which is on its own isolation platform, and has custom sized damping weights on it also.
 
Arsh said:
Hi All,

I currently am very happy with my VPI Scoutmaster/JMW9/Soundsmith Paua/edensound Terracone footers/Edensound Terrastone platforms for TT and separate for motor/edensound brass damping weights for motor and plinth/Transparent Reference MM2 phono/Herron VTPH-2 analog setup.

I have another year or more before I need my Paua retipped.

I am wondering how much higher I can go with cartridge price/performance with this setup and still reap the benefits of the cartridge?

I know some will suggest just buying a different TT, but this was my late father's table, and I would like to stick with it.

By the way, the current setup sounds awesome, so I will be fine with retipping my Paua and sticking with it if that seems best.

Thanks for your thoughts!
Click to expand...

retipping the Paua makes the most sense on paper, it leaves you a lot of money for records. Since your Herron has the gain for LOMC there are many options on that front that will give you a different sound perspective on your record collection. i have zero experience with Soundsmith carts, how would you characterize its sound vis a vis a Lyra, Transfig, ZYX, etc?
 
Two more thoughts:

1) A Mint LP Protractor exactly measured for your TT and tone arm. Assures precise alignment.
2) String drive - If you're handy, ditch the rubber belt and use silk thread, fishing line, mylar or similar (too fiddly even for me) . Haven't tried it (give me time) but even Harry Weisfeld of VPI says its a big step up on any table including his own that uses elastic belt (references are somewhere on the VPI website).
 
puroagave said:
retipping the Paua makes the most sense on paper, it leaves you a lot of money for records. Since your Herron has the gain for LOMC there are many options on that front that will give you a kdifferent sound perspective on your record collection. i have zero experience with Soundsmith carts, how would you characterize its sound vis a vis a Lyra, Transfig, ZYX, etc?
Click to expand...

Thanks Rob. I have not heard a Lyra or Zyx, but have heard Transfiguration. The Soundsmith sounds very neutral and lifelike to me, with great detail and musicality. The Transfiguration I listened to was pretty, but didn't sound real--a bit too sweet or colored, but it was not in my system, so I can't be sure exactly what else could have been contributing to that sound.
 
Barry said:
Two more thoughts:

1) A Mint LP Protractor exactly measured for your TT and tone arm. Assures precise alignment.
2) String drive - If you're handy, ditch the rubber belt and use silk thread, fishing line, mylar or similar (too fiddly even for me) . Haven't tried it (give me time) but even Harry Weisfeld of VPI says its a big step up on any table including his own that uses elastic belt (references are somewhere on the VPI website).
Click to expand...

Thanks Barry. More great ideas. Are the Mint protractors specifically made for different tables?
 
Arsh, how do you like the Paua? I was trying to decide between it and the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze. The reason for those two are they are supposed to be the warmest cartridges in their respective series. In fact, after speaking to Peter Ledermann, the Paua is the one of the warmest carts he makes. I see that you say it is very neutral, so wondering if you can elaborate on the Paua at all. Thanks for your response.
 
Sorry analog21! I haven't visited the site for a while. I LOVE the Paua. I feel it is neutral-to-warm, with excellent resolution of fine detail and low noise floor. I am now alternating it with my Transfiguration Proteus, which I also love.
 
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