I could complicate this a little, but agree with Salas above, with some observations that regardless of the carts we have here in terms of cost—baring the actual real listening differences that seem to be apparent with technologies like cantilever material and stylus shape—listening impressions between Ultra dipped for maximum gain vs. FSP configured for MM and run through two different SUTs including the Lundahls (and a friend even bought over his $$$$ "custom built" SUT "matched" to his HanaML for a taste test).... The long and short is—it's all matter of personal taste between all the configurations—there is no winner—and we can A/B pretty effectively on a 2 arm plinth and ready-to-go headshells literally dropping the stylus in mid stream and flipping the preamp source—quite effective and revealing (such a thing done blind would be even better).
(I would love to try something Ortofon and Dynavector though...wait... ALL of them!). Enjoy the process!
(I would love to try something Ortofon and Dynavector though...wait... ALL of them!). Enjoy the process!
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Well I havent been in a hifi store for years. And last I did it I was really disappointed. The sound is better at home. And that for the same reason you mention. I have built up my own taste over the years.
But I will give it a try to be able to hear difference in carts. And even better bring this riaa if possible.
But I will give it a try to be able to hear difference in carts. And even better bring this riaa if possible.
I have listened to that cart for long enough. The 0.48mV Bloom H variety. Initially on a Systemdek IIX with RB300 but mainly on a VPI Classic. It offers good value, its musical not too analytical despite its line contact stylus. Of course not as open and agile as a three times more expensive ZYX Airy which conveys more of the brand's signature sound.
Can I just say how much I'm lately loving this thread? My UFSP sounds terrific and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to build and own a phono preamp of its calibre, but this discussion of the merits of (mostly mid-priced) cartridges has been amazing. Most often, cartridge discussions seem testosterone-fueled -- who can wax rhapsodic the most about an irrationally-priced cartridge? But not this conversation, which comes across as well-intentioned, rational and ego-free, is a delight.
Regarding FSP (62db gain) and Hana ML, this is the combination I currently use and I am really happy with the result. The ML is a nice all rounder. I have used a more expensive cart in the past, but I prefer this one. It just ticks all the boxes. Fingers crossed, Thursday night I will have the UFSP ready and will see if I can perceive any difference at all. Eager and curious about that. I can also try the UFSP in MM mode with cinemags 1254.
I read an R50 Bloom 3 review on stereonet. It had a bit of info on the brand's background. "The soul of the company is founder Mr. Nakatsuka San, who is also president and chief engineer. He has worked extensively in audio and his achievements include the development of the first optical cartridge and a stint in Denmark with Ortofon, where he designed a signature model MC-20. ZYX takes its name from the analogue three-dimensional elements comprising Time (Z), Amplitude (Y) and Frequency (X)."
You own an MC 20 and you are expecting a ZYX. Funny how things carts designer come full circle.
May I comment that 0.48mV is at the Japanese measuring system at 3.54cm/sec, so on our standards it's of higher output 0.68mV at 5cm/sec., 1kHz
Now we´re talking! This is what im looking for. More details, dynamics and what I would say is a hi fidelity cart. The ZYX R50 set up with 100ohms load, 2g tracking force and aligned with mirror working in the 62dB range. This stylus is old but not as old as the Ortofon MC20 but performs better in my system. For not to mention the Hana EL. Absolutly silent and I had problems betting rid of hum with the MC20. Playing Yazz at the Pawnshop with Arne Domnerus. I can reckomend this reckording. It is really good. And apologies for the messy workshop area What can I say im happy with this and will do some more tweeks to get it as good as I can.
What can I say im happy with this and will do some more tweeks to get it as good as I can.
| Technical Data (red letters : High output Model) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Moving Coil (Dynamic) “REAL STEREO” Generator System | ||||
| Output Voltage | 0.24mV (0.48mV) (3.54cm/sec, 1kHz) | ||||
| Frequency Response ±1dB | 10 Hz - 40 kHz 20 Hz - 20 kHz | ||||
| Channel Separation | ＞ 25dB 〔 1kHz 〕 | ||||
| Channel Balance | ＜ 0.5dB 〔 1kHz 〕 | ||||
| Recommended Tracking Force | 2.0gm 〔 20 ゜C-25 ゜C 〕 | ||||
| Tracking Force Range | 1.7gm - 3.0gm | ||||
| Trackablity | ＞ 60μm | ||||
| 15×10-6cm/dyne 12×10-6cm/dyne | ||||
| Internal Impedance | 4.0 Ω (8.0 Ω) | ||||
| Load Impedance | ＞ 100Ω | ||||
| Coil Wire | 6N Copper Wire φ0.03mm | ||||
| Cantilever Material | black ALM g5 tube φ0.38/ φ0.3mm | ||||
| Stylus | Line-contact Solid Diamond □ 0.1mm | ||||
| Contact Radius, Life Time | 6μm×60μm, 2000Hour/2.0gm | ||||
| Output Terminals | φ1.25mm gold plated 〔 EIA 〕 | ||||
| Terminal Board | Glass Epoxy Plate | ||||
| Dimensions | W (Width) : 16.3mm L (Length) Body / with Terminals : 19.6mm / 23.5mm H (Height) : 15.5mm | ||||
| Net Weight | 5.0gm |
Salas you are right about the tin base . And I belive it is one of the first editions without numbers.
My system is this RIAA with my own White Catode Follower pre with Muses wolume control. At the moment a hybride 20W class A amp who is really current strong into my own total refurbished Quad ESL57s with new membranes. But I have sevaral pre-amps and amps to change with. I also fancy Quad amps the Quad II and the 303 who works good with ESL57s.
My system is this RIAA with my own White Catode Follower pre with Muses wolume control. At the moment a hybride 20W class A amp who is really current strong into my own total refurbished Quad ESL57s with new membranes. But I have sevaral pre-amps and amps to change with. I also fancy Quad amps the Quad II and the 303 who works good with ESL57s.
Don't forget while tweaking to also try >100Ω load settings. Not intuitive for an 8Ω engine cart like this one but in enough systems 200Ω - 300Ω tend to prove interesting for various MC cartridges.
But also many times measured at 47kΩ. You may see load noted on some individual test sheet in a cart's box. Best is to verify with a "1kHz 0dB" test track. Which is 5cm/sec velocity in European and American test records. RIAA has its zero gain/zero attenuation point at 1kHz.
With some normal choice listening Ω load and a measured gain preamp you can securely verify. Say you get half a volt AC from the 0dB track through 60dB gain, that's 0.5V/1000=0.5mV cartridge output.
Hi all, first try with UFSP. It seems something's wrong in both channels. I cannot get any voltage in TP when setting for 62db gain. Just to make sure, that should be S5 ON, S6 ON, S9 ON, all others off right? I can get more or less the test point voltage in all other settings.
Rail can be set easily with Ubib VR1to 34V.
Any ideas what to check?
Rail can be set easily with Ubib VR1to 34V.
Any ideas what to check?
Hmm... Maybe your particular 2SK369s have strong Idss and need more than 34V rail for proper TP reading in highest gain mode. Lift RVR1's one leg in the PSU and the max adjust Vout ceiling will free up. You may find it necessary to wind down the VR1 trimmer a lot from where it is now though.