Kiseki Purpleheart

I purchased a Purple Heart N.S. SB about six months ago from Upscale Audio. First off Kiseki suddenly lowered the separation spec by 5dB as opposed to the standard 30mm model. Second about 35 hours in I started to notice 2-4 slight tings when raising or lowering the tone arm especially on the lead out groove. My conversation with the Upscale representative was that it was not an issue as long as it doesn’t interfere when playing. Yes it does sound and is one amazing cartridge. I really can’t hear those annoying little tings when playing an LP however I still have my antennas tuned in every time I raise or lower the stylus.

I had problems with my PH from the get go. It had really uneven frequency balance between the two channels. I was able to get my money back. I heard HW’s PH at his house and it does sound wonderful, however my own experience and others I’ve read about with the same cart suggest it might be best to check it out carefully upon purchase.

Those quality issues are unfortunate. I should consider myself lucky. My PH NS has 1,000 hours on it and sounds extraordinary with my Graham Phantom arm. I recently had it set up with Analog Majik software and the installer had to put a very small washer on one of the screw mounts to get it calibrated but it sounds so good, I may just replace it with another PH when the time comes.

Well a little semi-closure here is in order. I sent the PH cartridge back to Upscale Audio for evaluation and since it has been determined to be defective and is under warranty, I get to pick out a replacement. (Yippie-Ki-Yea!) In all honesty their customer service team has been very helpful and responsive. Cartridges do go bad from time to time I guess, sheet happens. So to keep this short, I am faced with a few choices around the same price range. A little feedback here would be greatly appreciated.

1. Another Purple Heart

2. Sumiko Celeb 40

3. Lyra Kleos

4. ClearAudio Concerto

Thanks, Starwarrior 

Tough choice between kleos and another ph, I have both and would lean very slightly to ph.  But you really need both!