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In Reply to: RE: Clarification... posted by Lew on September 30, 2015 at 15:26:04
yes, IMO the Master is considerably better than the TLZ in virtually every parameter. Tracks better (haven't seen the Grado "dance" since I switched, and I had an appropriate arm tube for the TLZ), more texture/color, better bass delineation. Dunno that I'd say hf's are more extended, but cymbals do sound less hashy - ditto for high strings. I think generally speaking hf extension is neither a priority for me nor a strength of my system (spkrs. & preamp mainly), so.......Haven't heard the latest top model Grado Statement, but from everything I've read it definitely surpasses the Master. It better, considering the huge price difference.
Funny thing is, I've been so pleased with my Ortofon M20fl Super and AT ML170 carts that though my Master needs a retip I've had it sitting in its box ready to be sent to Grado for around a year and a half. I still haven't even tried the NOS Astatic MF-200 I bought almost 2 years ago.
Bear in mind, I have one tt and one arm, and I hate changing/adjusting carts. To me its a real PITA. If I'm enjoying the sound of whatever cart I have on, I tend to just leave it on until it needs a new stylus. Hopefully this rap will spur me to finally send the Master in and check out the Acutex.
Edits: 09/30/15Follow Ups:
I really liked my TLZ back in the day (when I thought it was normal to own only one tt, one tonearm, and one cartridge at a time), but I did not care for any of the lesser models Grado marketed in that same time frame (e.g., the MCZ sounded dull and rolled off to my ears). But I still own that very same TLZ, and now it does not compete with the best of the MM/MI cartridges that occupy me. I thought it might be due to aging of the suspension, but maybe it's simply that the Stanton 980LZS, Acutex, Grace, etc, are just better than the TLZ. FWIW, I have two Ortofon M20FL Super samples and have auditioned one of them; in my system it is not even close to the Stanton/Acutex/Grace. I've been meaning to sell both samples. Different strokes...
I might try a Grado Master or Statement some time. Thanks.
Dunno if it has anything to do with being a musician, but it seems that I'm more easily satisfied than many inmates, certainly including you, Lew.
Hopefully I'll enjoy the Acutex I have more than the Ortofon - though I don't believe the MF200 is a model up to the level of your Acutex. I do know that both my Master and AT ML170 are better than the Ort. Nevertheless, for me the M20fl is definitely satisfying.
But as you said, different strokes. I suspect you'd relegate my entire system to your garage, or give it away to a needy friend :-)
As a musician myself I would agree - I'm more interested in the music itself than whether I can hear fingers on strings or "someone coughing in the background with startling realism".
Some of my favourite records are absolutely appalling recordings (such as a bootleg recording made from a tape recorded off the radio of Stan Getz). I can't tell you how many times that CD got played as I tried to work out his solos! Having the music to listen to is worth more to me than a good recording.
Regards Anthony
"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats
Please forgive me if I offended you in any way. I was just pointing out, with respect to the MM vs MC brouhaha that is going on around us, that tastes differ, and that's fine with me. Lots of others with fancy gear like the M20FL Super better than I. And I don't look down on them or you for liking it; in fact your positive testimony makes me wonder whether I used the wrong tonearm or otherwise set it up incorrectly. This exchange started with your statement that the Grado Master is superior to the TLZ, which was a one time preference of mine, after all. (One of the reasons I felt free to mention that the M20FL Super did not perform up to top level in my system, always "in my system".)
Although I am not a professional musician, I do occasionally perform locally as a singer, and I attend live music presentations (usually jazz) at least twice a month. If anything, this exposure makes me more demanding as an audiophile, or rather to say it frames my opinions.
I was just being sincere. I really do think I'm less demanding - for lack of a better word - than quite a few AA inmates, including you. I wouldn't even describe myself as an audiophile compared to lottsa hifi enthusiasts. Whereas many AA inmates and audiophiles *enjoy* the quest for better playback sound, I actually dread expending the time/effort to audition stuff. Guess its a combination of laziness and not being bugged about my playback most of the time when I listen to music. Actually I really enjoy the sound I'm getting despite hearing its flaws and being able to afford better.
I've been thinking about upgrading at least my pre for a long time but haven't gotten off my ass to audition anything. My amp's electrolytic caps are waaaay past replacement time, yet I've done zilch except make a call to Steve McCormack which I haven't followed up on. The tech I like and use - Ben Jacoby in Brooklyn - has convinced me I should check out SET before I do anything, yet I still haven't heard a single SET setup.
So no, Lew, absolutely no offense taken.
I have read in many instances about guys who play in big bands and/or orchestras, that they are not fussy at all when it comes to home audio. I get that. In the end, I'm happy listening to the "Real Jazz" station on Sirius FM, in my car on the way to and from work, but I admit that at home I am a freak. My wife is so tolerant of my audio "stuff" that I sometimes wonder whether she is of this earth.
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