wjm@whuxk.UUCP (06/13/83)
Thanks to all who responded to my query about high-end turntables. The consensus
seems to be that the Linn Sondek is the way to go with either a) the Linn arm
b) an Infinity Black Widow arm or c) an SME arm. Everyone also emphasized that
setup on a Linn is CRITICAL so one should select a dealer who is capable of
setting up this high-performance machine to maximize its potential.
As for the wisdom of spending ~$1K on an analog turntable in the CD era,
consider the following fact - it will take at least 5 years before there will
be a substantial CD repetroire built up - especially in the classical area.
Sure I plan to get a CD player, when enough CD's come out to justify my
investment! I don't think that will happen before early '84 at the earliest.
Don't forget that most of us have a substantial investment in conventional LP's
and want to maximize their life and performance (which can be quite good in the
case of Telarc, Mobile Fidelity, Nautilus, Sheffield, et al.).
The one thing I would not to is be penny-wise and dollar foolish and skimp on
the cartridge. While I've also noted that most audio magazines use the V-15
Type V as a reference cartridge, I don't think it is good enough for mid to high
end turntables. For the applications we're discussing here, one should use a
good moving coil such as a) the Denon 103, b) the Dynavector 23R c) the Adcom
XC-LT. Before someone gives me a lot of flack that the Shure is in the same
class as these, I suggest they read "High Fidelity's" test reports (or "Stero
Review's") on BOTH cartridges, and they will find that the V-15 V has problems
with its frequency response above 16KHz or so, and its separation in the high
treble decreases to about 10dB. Granted, its an excellent value and has a
place in many mid-range stereo systems, but I don't think its good enough for
a high-end system. I've listened to quite a few cartridges and I can't ever
say I've heard any MM that sounds as good as a high end MC. End of flame.
Thanks again for your advice.
Bill Mitchell
Bell Labs - Wippany, NJ
(whuxk!wjm)jeff@tesla.UUCP (06/15/83)
These are interesting comments on cartridges. Of course I have a lot of LPs as well as CD`S and do need a replacement stylus for my Shure M95ED. Can anyone recommend (or summarize test reports on) cartridges in the same price range: $25. discounted? [Bad construction that; I have SOME CD`s and a lot of LP`s.] Jeff