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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
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Congratulations Bydlo, on your (soon to be installed) LDR 🎉
I'm glad my videos were able to help in your decision.....
Just be patient with it and give it time and attention.
Like a petulant new girlfriend, you'll have to give a little for her to give a little until you're both cemented in what could be a permanent relationship 👄❤️

Hope to hear some encouraging reports from you after your first 'date' 😝
bydlo
142 posts
 
Haha @halcro this is one of the most beautiful descriptions of how to deal with audio gear I've ever read! Thank you!
bydlo
142 posts
 
I have one practical question on how to speak to this petulant girl. Which protractor types do you use? I have a Mint protractor for my FR64s. Since LDR has no cantilever, is is still possible to use it to find the correct angle? Another tool I have is a copy of a Dennesen protractor (admitedly never used it, relying solely on Mints). Any tips :) ?
Thank you
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,776 posts
 
@halcro Sounds great. Very clear. Nice recording. Curious. You wrote a few years ago advising against graphite headshells. What changed your mind? 
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Thanks Noromance.....😃
You wrote a few years ago advising against graphite headshells. What changed your mind?
Good question.....
I made the common mistake of audiophiles in 'assuming' that my experiences with carbon-fibre (not graphite) in the playback system (mats, tonearms) would apply to headshells as well....🤗
When I actually tried the Yamamoto HS-4 Carbon Fiber in my system....I realised I had been wrong.....🙃

Are you still having the same issues with your HS-4 headshell....?
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