Hi All,
So, what with free time, constant existential dread upon considering Pakistan, Afghanistan, US and so forth, and given my sense of great satisfaction with my hifi, I bought something new (of course).
Armed with an Audio Note AN-S2H transformer (loads at 15 Ohm or 60 Ohm) and an incoming Chord RCA-RCA interconnect (never thought I'd need one of those) I am on the threshold of low-output MC bliss at the front end of my LP12/Ittok/Valhalla into Nait2 into early Kans.
What to get...
The usual suspects in affordable MCs (and that seem to match this supposedly lovely little black box) are the Audio-Technica OC9, the cultish Denon DL-103, an Ortofon (which?, and more $), a Dynavector (more money and I absolutely was bored to tears by my DV-20x hi-output), a Goldring perhaps... Lyras and Koetsus I can neither afford, nor are they a match for the loading of this model transformer.
Everyone with an inkling to chime in please do so! Even if the recommendation is one speaker and 78's. Escalating eccentricity might serve me well in the times ahead.
Sidenote - briefly have had an Audio Note CD2 player in my system -- quite lovely, for CD. Which still isn't lovely enough to warrant keeping it.
Cheers
John
Posted on: 05 November 2001 by Tony L
quote:
The usual suspects in affordable MCs (and that seem to match this supposedly lovely little black box) are the Audio-Technica OC9, the cultish Denon DL-103, an Ortofon (which?, and more $), a Dynavector (more money and I absolutely was bored to tears by my DV-20x hi-output), a Goldring perhaps... Lyras and Koetsus I can neither afford, nor are they a match for the loading of this model transformer.
I would suspect the OC9 may be a little thin and toppy to match the Kans, its certainly a good cartridge though, and can be found for peanuts mail order. I run a Ortofon MC25FL, which I find to be a pretty neutral cartridge, it seems tonally flat, and tracks exceptionally well revealing little surface noise, it plays music too! I have also had the MC10 Supreme, which to my mind has very similar traits, I am not sure which I prefer. Both sound like a dog new, and take a good 70hrs or so to settle down.
I have not personally got on with the Dynavectors I have heard (17D2 & XX1L), finding them to be over smooth and more than a tad boring, they are very low output as well so may need more gain at the phono stage than your transformer or the 32.5 I was using. I have enjoyed the entry level 10X4 in other systems though. I also had a Lyra Lydian B for a while, it is undoubtedly a fabulous cartridge, but is just a bit edgy to match Kans, the combo of Lydian / P9, Naim, Kans just flung every crackle and pop at me in an irritating way. The cheaper Ortofons fit my system far better.
If you are looking for a good price check out Ian Harrison Hi-Fi on 01283 702875, he got me the best price I could find without going out of the country.
Tony.
Posted on: 05 November 2001 by Top Cat
...is what I use and it's a cracker.
TC '..'
"Girl, you thought he was a man, but he was a Muffin..."
Posted on: 05 November 2001 by Martin Payne
quote:
Originally posted by Rob Holt:
The OC9 is also a fine cartridge and I'd say it would match the Kans well. It's not as bright as other ATs like the OC7 and is a bargain at the moment. It sold for £500 10 years ago!
What deck are you intending to use this with?
I have used an OC9 in LP12/Valhalla/Ittok (many years ago) and it was fantastic.
I suspect it will really make the Kans rock, but I wouldn't want to use it in any less deck than the above.
I do understand Tony's concerns, and occaisionally this was a minor problem for me. It was something I was happy to live with because of thw powerful, upbeat performance.
This was the upgrade that really convinced me of 'source first'.
cheers, Martin
Posted on: 05 November 2001 by JWinston
Hi Martin, everyone,
Intended deck is Valhalla'd LP12/Ittok LVII.
Listening mainly to classical -- some symphonic, lots of chamber works, solo piano.
And talking heads.
And the occasional Stones, beatles.
Patsy Cline.
Ellington.
Anything with a pretty cover in the 99cent bin...
But mainly small ensemble classical
Cheers and thanks!
John
