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Re: Anyone try this "free MC cartridge demagnetizer technique?

Dear John:

>I meant to say the cartridge was my current Dynavector DV 20x low output MC cartridge.<

Ah. Finally something that I can recognize (grin). From memory, this design uses a permeable-core, so fluxbusting should offer noticeable benefits.

>That is what is now mounted on my upgraded Well Tempered Classic turntable.<

There are many tricks that you can do to the WTT that will improve the sound, and/or tune the sound that it is a better overall match with your cartridge. For instance, compared to many other TT/tonearm combinations, the variable arm-damping on the WTT provides an extra dimension of flexibility in tuning the sound. To adjust the damping, loosen the plastic filaments, raise or lower the paddle in the cup, and retighten the filaments. Note that when you change the anti-skating value, you are also slightly altering the damping. When I set up a WTT, I usually modify the counterweight for greater mass, by gluing lead sheets onto one side of the counterweight (the lead side should be facing the arm pivot). And once I have the VTA dialled in, I will usually wedge a stack of thin metal washers between the cup and the plinth.

>I am thinking about the new YS-Audio Solo MC pre-preamplifier. This is advertised as not using any RIAA circuit.<

No RIAA circuit? Does this means that you need to use it with a separate RIAA equalizer? Or does the designer wish to state that he uses a passive RIAA network that is sandwiched between two stepup devices?

>(Since it has a active gain pre-preamplifier, and a passive step up transformer.)<

So this gives you a choice of either stepping up the cartridge signal via a transformer, or an active headamp? Or does the cartridge first go into the transformer, and then is buffered by the WE396?

>I want to spend some time with the Dynavector low output MC cartridge before I attempt to use the Lyra Parnassus DCt.<

I think that this is a very good idea. Try to get as much setup experience with both the Denon and the Dynavector as possible before moving to the Parnassus DCt, because the Parnassus is not an easy cartridge to use. When I design cartridges, I assume that the person doing the setup is experienced and capable, the tracking geometry will be spot-on, the tracking force and anti-skating will have been carefully dialled-in, it will be used with a rigid arm that has smooth, tight bearings, and so on. But even with my general attitude of expecting excellent comprehension and setup capabilities on the part of the user, I still have to admit that the Parnassus DCt isn't an easy cartridge to set-up. It is a _very_ revealing cartridge, and if it is set up correctly, it will sing like an angel. But if it not, it may not sound good at all. You won't know just how good it can be unless you have it dialled in more or less perfectly. In general, my "DC"-generation designs (Clavis DC, Evolve 99, and to some extent the Lydian Beta) all shared this same tendancy, but the Parnassus was the.most demanding (as well as the most revealing). The Parnassus DCt was designed to retail for USD$3500, and I assumed that it would be used by very advanced audiophiles who had lots of analog experience, and the kind of quality equipment that the Parnassus DCt demanded.

Now with my current Helikon generation, I have backed off on my expectations of the setup abilities of the user. The Helikon is less demanding than my previous designs, and is easier to setup and have it sound good. Basically, as I have seen more systems around the world, I have gradually concluded that it simply isn't realistic to expect too much from users, dealers, or reviewers. You grow mellower as you get older, I suppose.

>I bought the Parnassus from a nice gentlemen in Hong Kong. He was very helpful with his emails and he has a excellent feedback rating. This was his back up cartridge with ~50 hours on it.<

Some places in Hongkong are ok, but it also pays to be a bit wary. I have seen some Lyra cartridges sold through Hongkong mail-order outfits that were definitely phonies (with forged serial numbers that never existed in our books, etc.). Not always, but if the price is too good to be true, maybe there is a reason.

>How is the Parnassus on good used records that are cleaned, and play well with low surface noise?<

Most of my own LP collection are very normal, non-audiophile records; many with compression, EQ, indifferent pressing quality, wear and tear, and so on. The DCt should be fine with these, and in fact, you may find that the signal-noise ratio improves with the DCt (courtesy of the low-mass moving components and the high-quality PA stylus). The DCt may be demanding of setup and partnering equipment, but it really is quite tolerant of LP quality and condition.

>Should I preclean all my records again each time I play them when I am using the Parnassus DCt in a month or less?<

Not necessarily each time, but at least the first time, and I suggest that you also clean the LPs _after_ playing them with the DCt for the first time. The small PA stylus really digs quite deeply into the LP groove, and I have sometimes noticed that the DCt managed to dig up small amounts of dirt from LPs that were cleaned on a vacuum machine. Usually, though, the dirt-excavation process will settle down after about 1~2 plays. BTW, I hope that you will continue collecting LPs, and build up your collection several thousands of LPs, but if you do so, you will need to budget for a constant stock of pristine replacement inner sleeves. So do learn to clean _inside_ the LP inner sleeves. You can get an LP clean with a machine, and then have gunk transferred back onto it from a dirty inner sleeve. I have used both the NG and the VPI, and the VPI is easier to use and stands up to hard use better (just keep the platter clean before you put on an LP). I don't own one (yet), but I suspect that the Loricraft may be a better cleaner than either the NG or the VPI.

>I am just back to work after a 7+ year battle recovering from a doctor that cost me 21+ operations due to medical negligence.<

Ouch!

>I got into vintage tube audio as my only means to a better sounding stereo to listen to.<

Vintage tube audio is one way, but it isn't necessarily the only way. Personally I find that there are many components that can sound quite good, as long as the person setting up the system really knows what they are doing. But unfortunately, this is very, very rare. People with top-notch setup skills are a much scarcer commodity than equipment that has the potential to sound good.

>Then while surfing for a better cartridge I stumbled onto the used Parnassus DCt.<

I suggest that you get a WallyTractor for the WTT, and also a tracking force gauge that can accurately measure to 0.1g. These investments should pay for themselves in long-term listening enjoyment.

Good luck!

jonathan carr

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