|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
202.164.204.60
In Reply to: Re: Something wrong there posted by Vik on December 15, 2005 at 19:54:02:
I'm not sure how anyone can translate "very good detail/depth/dynamics" into meaning forward?? I said the 103 has a natural perspective - if anything it sounds slightly laid back due to a lack of transient (HF) emphasis. The 103 is the antithesis of the hi-fi hyped forwardness of many moving coils.
If it sounded rough and forward, then something wasn't set up right IMO. As for 'hyped up and amusical'.....you have to be joking. Audiophile qualities aside, the 103/103R's natural musicality is widely acknowledged....weight of opinion is against you here.
System Details
Follow Ups:
Weight of opinion is is really irrelevant especially when you've heard the cart with your own ears. You have a completely different idea of what musical is if you think the 103/103R is it. So be it...
For the record, I am under no illusion that the 103R is the best or without fault - that would be silly. What I'm saying is that a *properly set up* 103R provides an amazingly complete, balanced, coherent and, yes IMO, muscial performance - very difficult to beat anywhere near it's price.
In terms of the original poster's question, I stand by my suggestion that adding an SDS motor control would provide more *fundimental* improvemnt than spending the additional $ on a 'better' cartridge. Speed stability is simply more important IMO. Enough said.
System Details
I've been listening to the 103R exclusively for about 6 weeks - and loving it, with no pangs for anything else. Today, as a reality check, I reinserted my old VdH retipped Crown Jewel cartridge and did about 4-5 hrs listening.
Now I have to admit that it was a bit of a jolt to hear a very significant increase in transparency, detail and lowered colouration. In these areas the CJ is simply in another league to the 103R. I remember a similar jolt when I first replaced my Benz Glider with the CJ. There is more sparkle, air and purity to cymbals etc, more focus to individual images and less fog as you hear through to the back of the stage. Transient details are more explicit and all sorts of details stand out with greater ease. There is a compelling realism to sounds. What's more, there is considerable beauty and coherence to the CJ's sound.So why the heck am I listening to the 103R?
It does well enough at detail and staging but doesn't approach the CJ. It certainly has a more robust sound with a more dynamic and weighty bass. I love the way it reproduces records. Its tonal quality (in hindsight, not all that pure) and its infectious grip on rhythm that made me want to ransack my record collection. It makes all types and qualities of records rewarding to listen to.But here's the thing.....having heard the CJ again, its pull is undeniable. Damn this hobby.
Though I stand by my endorsement of the SDS drive as a priority over cartridge spending.....I can certainly see your point of view Vik:)
System Details
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: