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In Reply to: RE: 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
Follow Ups:
On the Linn, this is as likely to be due to the spring suspension per se as to any power supply or motor control deficiencies. Thus I don't know that it would respond to an upgrade of the motor controller.
...sorry, I've ben watching the Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes series and I can't stop saying things like "Indubitably! Come along now!" in a clipped tone to the Bearette, who's surely running out of patience.
Thanks for the insight on the Empires. I just posted a review on my experience refitting a similar-vintage Pickering XVS/XUV "Low Impedance" series cartridge and the sound is superb. I'm looking for my next "giant killer" cartridge and will keep my eyes open for an Empire 2000 body, unless you have other suggestions.
Jico vn35HE is good; but the buzz surrounds the Jico SAS stylus profile. I have read several reviews where the reviewer has stated that the V15/SAS combo was enough to stop searching for a "better" mm cartridge.
I have an original V15 III He on hand to try. And I have read good reviews of ADC XLM MKII or III; Gace F9 E and Micro Acoustics 2002/ 2003.
If you want to spend a few years learning about Empire, there is a 114pg thread on Audio Karma focused on Empire cartridges. And Agon has a very long thread on MM cartridges in general.
Best,
Ross
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