Barry
Rank: Trio
Posts: 195
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Post by Barry on Oct 13, 2015 16:58:03 GMT
There are some very good fixed-coil cartridges out there. Here are some (vintage) designs I still enjoy listening to:
ADC 10E Mk. IV ADC 25 (with either elliptical stylus) AKG P8ES
B&O SP12 and SP14 B&O MMC20S, MMC20E and MMC20CL
Plus, of course the incomparable Decca designs:
Decca Mk. III, Mk. IV, Mk. V and Mk. VI.
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Post by MartinT on Oct 13, 2015 17:13:49 GMT
I've never heard an ADC 25 but I know of its reputation. How good is it compared with modern carts?
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Barry
Rank: Trio
Posts: 195
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Post by Barry on Oct 13, 2015 22:00:34 GMT
I've never heard an ADC 25 but I know of its reputation. How good is it compared with modern carts? To be honest Martin, I haven't heard a modern fixed-coil cartridge; all my newer cartridges are moving-coil designs. However to answer your question I would say the ADCs do not disgrace themselves when put up against newer designs. They are smooth, clear and transparent, with acceptable detail retrieval and transient attack.
The Deccas display a presence, air and transient attack to die for; no other cartridge comes close in conveying a feeling of 'being there'. But they do have their problems and shortcomings. I have promised myself I shall hear a Decca (London) Reference cartridge before I shuffle off this mortal coil.
Mind you the ADCs are not without their difficulties. They have an absurdly high compliance (quite the opposite of the Deccas): the 10E has a compliance of 35cu, and the 25/26 has a compliance of 50cu (Stereo Sound magazine measured a figure of 120cu!). So they can only be used with arms having low effective mass. The SME 3009 (Improved) can be used, though the fixed headshell version is better. I used my 25 in either a Breuer Dynamic Type 5A arm (effective mass 4g), or a Infinity 'Black Widow' arm (effective mass 3g) with secure tracking at 0.75g.
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Post by MartinT on Oct 14, 2015 5:42:14 GMT
Amazing! Yes, I remember the compliance figure being high. I wonder if it would work well in a Transcriptors Vestigial arm?
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Post by John on Oct 14, 2015 6:59:01 GMT
I heard the Decca reference a few times on Vic Salvation It is a very impressive cart
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