Thanks All- Yeah I know; Variables

Posted by Ross (A) on October 21, 2016 at 11:52:29

In Reply to: Technics SP15 vs Linn LP12 posted by Ross on October 20, 2016 at 14:22:02:

Comparing high compliance MM to moderate compliance MC. Sprung chassis vs no chassis. BD vs DD.

But the differences were immediate and comparatively large. I did not expect that.

The SP15 delivers better speed stability. On occasion I have heard a slight worble to sustained piano notes and single plucked guitar strings via the Linn that I did not hear via the SP15. I have begun to investigate PS upgrades for the Linn (Valhalla in place now) to improve stability.

MM vs MC has always been a contentious debate. I am very happy with the AT33 I now have, and I have submitted a Denon 103D to Soundsmith for a ruby level rebuild. But the Empire cartridges were among the best available MM cartridges when new and I have verified that they are working correctly. There is a large consensus of current opinion that the Empires I have compete at the same level as mid to upper 3 figure MM cartridges available new. In fact, I may hear more HF extension from the 2000Z/T than the AT; but that may be loading affected. As mentioned reproduction of certain instruments is holographic via the Empires in comparison to the AT. But the AT/Linn combo sounds much better and satisfying overall. It returns the smile to my face.

My point in all of this is try to determine why the differences are so great. Are the differences intrinsic or is there an error I am overlooking ? I verified that the cartridges are working as they should, I carefully adjusted alignment, I verified that the arm is correctly located and installed, I adjusted arm height, I used an external VTF gauge to set VTF.

One area that I can not currently address is cartridge loading. My AI M3 preamp cartridge loading is fixed at 47k. Some have reported that Empires respond well to different loading. The AT is connected to a Lundahl SUT and sounds fine at present.

Best,

Ross

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Technics SP15 vs Linn LP12 - Ross 14:22:02 10/20/16 (13)

RE: Technics SP15 vs Linn LP12 - caligari 12:49:28 10/23/16 (0)

Thanks All- Yeah I know; Variables - Ross 11:52:29 10/21/16 (3)

a slight worble to sustained piano notes and single plucked guitar strings - Lew 19:27:06 10/22/16 (0)

All useful discourse nevertheless... - mr.bear 12:04:21 10/21/16 (1)

Many like the V15-III with a Jico stylus - Ross 08:45:27 10/22/16 (0)

RE: Can't answer meaningfully - mr.bear 00:24:45 10/21/16 (0)

I had an SP-25 and an LP12 and much preferred the LP12 as well.... - viridian 18:13:30 10/20/16 (4)

Maybe not so "unobtainium" - Lew 08:53:56 10/21/16 (3)

MN6042 chips; there are three in the SP15...... - viridian 12:30:56 10/21/16 (1)

RE: MN6042 chips; there are three in the SP15...... - Lew 18:48:29 10/21/16 (0)

RE: SP25 - M3 lover 10:35:16 10/21/16 (0)

RE: Technics SP15 vs Linn LP12 - Kirk57 15:15:03 10/20/16 (0)

Dunno about SP15 but... - kuma 15:01:36 10/20/16 (0)

Follow Ups

Thanks All- Yeah I know; Variables - Ross 11:52:29 10/21/16 (3)

a slight worble to sustained piano notes and single plucked guitar strings - Lew 19:27:06 10/22/16 (0)

All useful discourse nevertheless... - mr.bear 12:04:21 10/21/16 (1)

Many like the V15-III with a Jico stylus - Ross 08:45:27 10/22/16 (0)

Thanks All- Yeah I know; Variables

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