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LONDON Decca, Tzar DST and similar cartridges

I have always been curious about these phono cartridges and the Stereophile review of the Tzar DST has heightened my interest. When I read about the peculiarities of these cartridges, I am put off from trying them. Can anyone offer persuasive reasons to try them and also provide real practical advice on how to make them work reliably?  Tonearm suggestions? Phono preamp suggestions? Damping recommendations? How badly do they grind out record grooves?  Any other words of advice? Thanks. 
128x128kmccarty
howardalex's avatar
howardalex
64 posts
 
Oops I omitted the Allinc A6000 monoblocks from system ... 
howardalex's avatar
howardalex
64 posts
 
Oops I omitted the Allinc A6000 monoblocks from system ... 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,865 posts
 
Nice system, Howard. I'm at the low end of all this wonderful gear. (See my system in my profile)
I've had a Decca Super Gold since the 80s on an LP12 where it was eventually relegated to the bottom of the drawer.
It's since been rejuvenated with a Decapod and the same stylus as used in the LDR, and vanquished of malady by installing it on a slate plinthed and heavily modded Garrard 401. I've also acquired two other treasured Garrott Brothers' cartridges.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,865 posts
 
Ugh. The loading debate. Free the beast. To hell with the frequency hump. I use 51k bulk foil resistors and my Deccas never sounded better. 
bydlo
142 posts
 
@howardalex What a rare beast you have there FR7fc. Interesting to learn LDR beats it in your system. What headshell and phono cable do you use?
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